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

As a child, I thought that people’s lives happened on purpose. That you found love when you’d planned to, and that babies came when you decided that you were ready for them. At some point along the way, I realized that life happens accidentally while you’re still figuring out what it is that you don’t […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Kristi, Tucker will totally know that he is loved and the perfect Tucker, because not a day will go by that you will not let him not know that. Seriously, my friend you are wonderful mother and know this from the bottom of my heart. Love you and sending hugs tonight!! 🙂February 27, 2014 – 10:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine. and I know exactly what you meant about the perfect (imperfect because we all are) Tucker. Love you huge, too. And I appreciate the hugs, much, and a lot.March 1, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Also, FIRST, but I don’t even care, because your WORDS.

    Ahhhhh such mojo you gots *twinkles* 😀 <3February 27, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that you use the word “twinkles.”

      the end.March 1, 2014 – 12:29 amReplyCancel

      • Considerer - Cos your writing makes me feel *twinkly* 😀

        And I was FIRST, okay, but because I posted up there in the FB comments bit BEFORE JANINE WAS HERE (yes, SantyKid, that’s a direct challenge) and then came down here to post. So it counts. *folds arms*March 1, 2014 – 1:20 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Tucker should never know that number, and I’m sure you’ll make sure he doesn’t. Because a number doesn’t define who he is. I was talking to a friend today about her daughter, who just had extensive testing to determine whether she had ADHD. One test was an IQ test, and my friend will never tell her daughter that number. She doesn’t want her to feel like she can’t live up to it, or to feel like she is limited by it. Whether it’s low or high, it’s not who she is. Because as you said, every kid has the power to change the world.February 27, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana, you’re right – he will never know that number. Unless, of course, he ends up rocking drawing a house and cutting with scissors, in which case, we can joke about it later. Or not. I think it’s really smart that your friend isn’t telling her daughter her IQ test number – because no matter what it is, it’s just not worth knowing.March 1, 2014 – 10:57 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Once again the stark reminder to me: You are blessed to have Tucker and that little chappy is so very lucky to have you.February 27, 2014 – 10:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Numbers mean nothing. Remember, old people are not really old? Kristi, you’re outdoing yourself with every next post I read. I highlighted the opening sentence thinking this was such a brilliant observation that I’d want to come back to in my comment, but oh wow, there was just so much in this post and it gripped me so tightly that I finished reading it gasping for air. Numbers are never a competent way to summarize a person. None of us should be measured against our surroundings but only against ourselves.I know it’s so hard to see that number, but Tucker made progress with his name, he says stuff like what he said this week about his legs being shaky (I can’t remember the exact words he used, just admiring him for using such a perfect term).

    This post should be in the dictionary under “motherly love”.February 27, 2014 – 10:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw! Thank you, Katia!! Yeah, he said his feet were slow after he was so sick earlier in the week. It was beyond adorable.
      I love that you said none of us should be measured against our surroundings but only against ourselves. I wish I’d written that sentence in this post. You’re brilliant and wonderful. 😀March 1, 2014 – 10:59 amReplyCancel

  • Kerith Stull - Wow. Again.. your post blew me away. Such honesty. I don’t think I can even think about how I used that “R-Word” before, let alone write about it…and publicly. Kudos. And for the record, I truly hate numbers. Can someone really tell me my daughter has an IQ of 42 when she can read and write and do at least simple math? Does a number reflect her energy and unwavering positive spirit. Does a percentage on a doctor’s chart show me how truly beautiful she is? (inside and out) F-that. (And I NEVER use that F word lightly, if ever.) Thank you for opening up and pouring out your heart to us. You simply rock, my friend.February 27, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, Kerith, I take this as a huge compliment from you – thank you. You’re so right that a number has nothing to do with Brielle’s unique perfection, how much she does do, and who she is. Here’s to our kids being exactly who they are and who they will become regardless and in spite of any dumb meaningless numbers!March 1, 2014 – 11:02 amReplyCancel

  • Natalie D - Oh man. Crying over this. The love is so apparent, so fierce, and so beautiful. I loved reading this.February 27, 2014 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Tucker strikes me as the type of kid I would enjoy having a cold beer with someday. I look forward to that. His mom is pretty kickass too.February 27, 2014 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, yes, he will be fun to have a beer with one day and I agree that his mom is kickass. 😀March 1, 2014 – 11:08 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Well, this hurt to read. But in a good way of understanding that someone else understands.February 27, 2014 – 11:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for getting it, Sarah. I’m sorry that it hurt to read…it hurt a bit to write, too, but I’m glad that I did.March 1, 2014 – 11:09 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - If Tucker ever does see a 1% on a piece of paper or a computer screen. Let it be known that he is in the elite 1% category of the best of the best. That none of us possess what that young man does for us to learn from. To have an uninhibited smile of complete joy that lifts all of us up. To talk with a few hitches for now with complete abandon until he goes flying past us all to someday speak of his journey. When he’s holding hands with that pretty girl on that date as his mom watches through the window. After you and Don are done with your beer we’ll go scarf on Mac N Cheese, Tucker. Love ya little buddy 🙂February 27, 2014 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Mike. Thanks for getting it and for appreciating Tucker’s amazing smile. It’s truly something wonderful. He says YES to mac n cheese and doesn’t want to wait to grow up to eat it – hope that’s okay!
      😀March 1, 2014 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

    • Mike - Very important! Ask Tucker if we’re going Kraft out of the box or or one of my otherworldly homemade recipes. Either way is fine with me…pick homemade, pick homemade, pick homemade…and can’t wait! 🙂March 1, 2014 – 12:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Gayla - Thanks for writing this Kristi…exactly how I feel too. :-). Thanks for writing it down….February 27, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank YOU Gayla. For getting it, for reading it, and for being awesome in general.March 1, 2014 – 11:30 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Ahh…sister wife. Your words!!
    Read each one twice.
    I even have a wet tissue in my hand, tucked under my palm as I type.February 27, 2014 – 11:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry about the wet tissue but good job on not just using your sleeve like I might have maybe.March 1, 2014 – 4:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Great post Kristi, filled with so much love. It’s a blessing to love a child so much in the womb. I’ve known women who didn’t love until later. Or loved in the womb and not later. I loved Christopher from the second line. I was still naive at that point that my life would go according to plans just five years behind schedule. But it’s all good 😉February 28, 2014 – 6:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really is a blessing to love a child so much while he’s still in the womb. For whatever reason, thinking I may lose him made the pregnancy (and the baby) real to me somehow. Thanks so much and yeah, I hear ya on being a bit later than expected!March 1, 2014 – 4:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Tarana - Reading this, I realise that we must be really careful about what we think and say, because you never know how life is going to turn out for you, and what challenges it has in store. I’m sure your son is perfect the way he is, and that’s all he needs to know.February 28, 2014 – 8:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks much. You’re so right that we need to be careful about what we think and say. Life has a way of proving us wrong when we are (like I was).March 1, 2014 – 4:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - So beautiful, Kristi! As a former teacher of special needs preschoolers, I have a love/hate relationship with those numbers. I realize that, on some level, they are necessary, but they should NEVER solely define a child (or any person). Isn’t there some quote that “life is what happens while you are making other plans?” I’ve heard something like that before. I think it’s true. I always wanted to be a mom, but I never pictured myself with three daughters. Life is not what I “planned” for it to be – it’s better! 🙂February 28, 2014 – 9:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, I so get what you mean about having a love/hate relationship with the numbers. On one hand, we need them (Tucker did qualify for OT after all of this) but on the other hand I don’t want to see that he’s at 1% for his age. Ugh. And yes to life being better than we’d planned! Cheers to that.March 1, 2014 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - I don’t even know where to start, so I’ll start with how fucking awesome this is. So awesome it warrants the f-bomb on every level.

    YES, motherhood gives us perspective that we would never have otherwise. And, YES, our children change our lives the moment we pee on the stick and are hit with the realization that we’re responsible for nurturing another life. And then again when they come into this world and don’t immediately cry out and we willingly barter our own lives in exchange for that first piercing scream. Again when we hold them for the first time and see them in all their wrinkly perfection and know that no matter who they are or what they become, we will love them.

    Fuck the numbers, Kristi. Your son is so much more than a number. And he will know this because you will show him with your actions, your words, and your love.February 28, 2014 – 9:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yay for f-bombs and for saying Fuck the numbers, Nicole. Yes yes yes to seeing their wrinkly perfection and knowing we’ll love them no matter what. Always and forever and above all else.
      Thanks, sweets.March 1, 2014 – 4:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh my friend. I was there. I sat in Boo’s neurologist office and asked if she was retarded. Before I knew that it wasn’t a punch line. Before I knew that I would one day have to take a stand against the word that could hurt. But a word that is still true. They are retarded–they are not stagnant. They are growing and learning but at a much slower pace. A pace that is for that horrible word, retarded. BUT NOT STOPPED. They are not just holding in place.

    They are loving and growing and changing the world. And one day when they are at prom we will say fuck the “r’ word.February 28, 2014 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerri thanks for making me feel less dumb for asking if my kid was going to be retarded. You’re right – they’re NOT just holding in place and are loving and growing and changing the world. Here’s to saying fuck the “r” word at prom. With wine, of course.March 1, 2014 – 5:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - GAH. you people are killin’ me with these beautiful, touching posts! Don’t misunderstand, I loved it. Every word. So incredibly true that they change us before they’re even here. That you love them so HARD before you see their face.

    I’ve had very naïve thoughts when I was younger, too. Awful ones. And motherhood kicked them in the ass. Thank god.February 28, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Beth,
      Cheers to motherhood kicking our dumbass thoughts to the curb and yeah, we really do love them so hard before even seeing their little baby faces.March 1, 2014 – 5:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Tiff - This is an honest and beautiful post, and I thank you for writing it.February 28, 2014 – 10:41 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - And Tucker is, above all things, perfect. Simply because he is he, Kristi.February 28, 2014 – 11:35 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I know I’ve said it before but I will say it again, and probably again another day. Tucker is blessed to have you as his mama. Your are blessed to have him as your son. My heart is so full right now that I can’t even think of something intelligent to say so I will just tell you that I love this post and I think you are top of the flippin’ heap, my friend. Tbe very top. XXFebruary 28, 2014 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Sandy what an amazing compliment that I cherish because it comes from you!! Thank you. And I agree that I am very blessed to have this amazing little boy as my son. So blessed. xx back at ya.March 1, 2014 – 5:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - This post reminded me of something – a funny confession of sorts. I have a cousin who is developmentally delayed, and one day when I was a kid, I was playing downstairs while my Mom was upstairs with a neighbor. I was just starting up the stairway when I heard “My Chrissy is different, she’s ‘special’.” To this day, I have no idea what the beginning of that conversation was, but the bottom dropped out of my world! As I knew my cousin to be “special,” I thought OMG! If really crazy people don’t know they’re crazy, maybe “special” people know they’re “special.” A very traumatic moment for me. I forget how I confirmed that I was “normal.” I probably asked my sister. This confusion was only compounded the day my Dad was mad at me for “acting like a second grader” … when I was in the second grade. Had to ask Mom about that one lol. He was mad at me for groaning about doing yard work at the time. 🙂February 28, 2014 – 2:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chris, that’s so funny that you thought maybe you were “special” too in the way that crazy people don’t know they’re crazy! HA. Also that’s funny that your dad was annoyed with you for acting like a second grader when you were in the second grade! I still groan about doing yard work, by the way.March 1, 2014 – 5:18 pmReplyCancel

      • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - Lucky for me, I live in an apartment, so I don’t have a yard to have to work in. It’s also coming in VERY handy right now to have someone else do the snow removal! 😉March 1, 2014 – 5:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Perfection.February 28, 2014 – 2:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - So beautiful, and full of so much love. I remember realizing how much I loved my son after the first ultrasound I had that actually looked like a baby. I just remember thinking, he’s perfect, and I am going to love him no matter what. But I’ve also realized that we have to work hard for them, and fight for them, in different ways. It doesn’t matter what number Tucker is now, numbers don’t show our potential (I tell that to my scale). I’m hoping he’s totally rocking the crayons and scissors after his OT. Good luck to you guys. PS: When did Tucker grow up so much? WOW, he’s so big, and handsome! And I love the Colorado shirt. 😉February 28, 2014 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jessica,
      I know – he’s getting SO tall. Everybody always think he’s like two years older than he is because he’s so tall. And you’re right – we do need to work hard for them too and fight for them in different ways. I like the Colorado shirt, too!! 😀March 1, 2014 – 5:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Another beautiful piece — love your last lines, especially about the f-ing house. My big dude has the worst handwriting ever and I’m sure he received similar numbers at some point. I recall one of his teachers saying that it didn’t matter much b/c by the time he reached high school, he’d be typing everything anyway. Guess what? She was right — it’s all keyboarding now. And my big dude still can’t draw a f-ing house. 🙂February 28, 2014 – 2:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily,
      You know, you’re right – it will be all keyboarding. I’m relieved to hear that big dude still has horrible handwriting knowing how well he’s doing socially and with everything else. I’d MUCH rather Tucker know how to talk to girls than draw a F-ing house!!!March 1, 2014 – 5:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - Kristi, this piece is amazing. I don’t think I could have written this any better myself.

    You and I have such similar stories and I could feel your words in my heart as I read them!

    Thank you!February 28, 2014 – 3:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much Echo. I really appreciate that you get it and that you shared your thoughts here!March 1, 2014 – 5:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Karen - sobbing, blows nose and wipes tears. Wow…once again I am beside myself. you have beautifully captured how we grow as women. We think we know it all and then God gives us a miracle and we begin fighting for and protecting that miracle with ever fiber of who we are. sniffles again…February 28, 2014 – 3:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So true, Karen! Our little guys are such miracles. Sorry for the sniffles and sobbing. I was crying too, when I wrote it.March 1, 2014 – 8:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - This was a beautiful post! So much about becoming an adult is so different, and even though I KNOW that, I also know that in two years it’ll be different all over again when compared with my expectations now. And most of that is because I have a child. And that works with ANY child, I think 🙂February 28, 2014 – 3:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think you’re right that life looking differently from what we expected changes often, and with every child, Sarah.March 1, 2014 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Kristi, sometimes I think we must have lived the same life. There’s so much you write about your past that is so similar to mine. I was sure that as an older mother, I would have every test in the book and wouldn’t have a baby with major disabilities. And then I got pregnant and like you, I knew I loved that baby from the start. I lost it, but when I became pregnant again and the doctor advised an amino I said no. Because I knew I’d love my baby whatever.

    And I so, so agree with you that Tucker does not need to know he is a number. Apart from anything, it’s so easy to start living up to (or down to) what people expect. You let him be who he is, and that’s who he needs to be.February 28, 2014 – 6:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We do sound like we’ve lived such similar lives, Yvonne. Thanks for the encouragement that Tucker does not need to know he’s a number, has a number, or that numbers determine what happens with his education and therapy. He’s going to be who he is, whether it breaks my heart to see a crappy number or not. Thank you so so much!!!March 1, 2014 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - I know I’ve said this a gazillion times before but I’ll say to again: Kristi, you are an INCREDIBLE mother. Tucker is a beautiful boy, and God put him in your arms because HE KNEW you were the perfect mother for him. I hope one day you can turn all of these incredible blog posts into a book for Tucker—your writing is full of love for your son and I think he would be thrilled to read these one day! <3February 28, 2014 – 6:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Marcia, that is such a huge compliment coming from you, thank you. Tucker is, indeed, a beautiful boy and while I doubt my mothering skills at times, I know he’s the perfect perfect boy for me. Thank you, for this, and maybe, one day, I will put them all in a book. At least he’ll have this blog?March 1, 2014 – 11:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Oh my gosh I love that last line that he can change the world because he has already. I love reading these posts about Tucker – you are a lucky mama and he is a lucky boy!February 28, 2014 – 7:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Sarah!!! And I do believe he can change the world. It’s true, that he already has.March 1, 2014 – 11:24 pmReplyCancel

  • catherine gacad - tucker is lucky to have such an amazing mama!February 28, 2014 – 7:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Steck - Tucker is adorable! I especially love his Denver, Colorado shirt. You have a way, Kristi, of making things honest and real. You always share exactly what is in your heart and that is truly amazing and such a blessing. Just, Wow!!February 28, 2014 – 8:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Jennifer. I think he’s pretty adorable, too, and also love his Denver shirt 😀
      I try to share what’s in my heart. It’s not always all the way there but it tries to be and I really appreciate you seeing the effort, and well, I guess getting it.March 1, 2014 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Reading this and crying. In a good way. xoxoxoxoFebruary 28, 2014 – 9:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - XOXOOX still want your last one as an Our Land and you know how much I adore you. Yay to crying in a good way….March 1, 2014 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Kristi, you blow me over and leave me breathless every time. And this time is no different. What you’ve taught me, taught all of us, through what you tell us about Tucker…I need to go hug my kids right now – and not worry so much about the drawing or cutting in straight lines.February 28, 2014 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dude, what you have taught me is equally powerful – huge congrats on your new adventure and thank you thank you for getting and celebrating Tucker.March 2, 2014 – 12:07 amReplyCancel

  • elizabeth - As a preschool teacher, I spend my days watching kids develop skills like drawing a house or cutting on a line. There are checklists and rubrics that help us talk to parents about their child’s development. While I see the importance of having some sort of standard, I don’t want parents to obsess over a number on a piece of paper. I believe in educating the whole child and I am always watching for students who are compassionate, patient, and friendly because they skills are more important for success in life than being able to draw a house by a certain age. I guide my teaching principles based on the Einstein quote, “Everyone’s a genius. But if you judge a fish based on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.” Children are the same way. A great artist may not excel in math. A fantastic athlete may not have the most patience in the classroom. And that’s okay. Because every single child has something wonderful to offer this world they just need an adult to believe in them and help them develop their talent.March 1, 2014 – 8:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - How much do I love you right now? A fucking lot. You rock, my friend,for getting this so much. Hellz to the yeah about standards meaning nothing and numbers on paper not really saying anything about the kid that they’re referring to. I love the quote “Everyone’s a genius. But if you judge a fish based on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.” Thank you for sharing that. Thank you for you. You are beyond amazing and I have never forgotten the post you wrote for us, and have never stopped being grateful for it, or for this.March 2, 2014 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • Shay - I love it, Kristi. People realize so many things when their lives don’t go as “planned,” and it can be so hard to relate that to others who simply don’t get it. “But RETARDED is the WORD,” they’ll insist. But you put it perfectly here when you said, “While it may have originated in meaning delayed, or apply to somebody who learns more slowly, it morphed into a joke, and an ugly name.” I think people who use words like this realize this, but they don’t want to make the effort to put that realization into practice. Hopefully if their lives turn out differently than they had originally planned, they’ll remember what posts like this have tried to teach them…and hopefully others will be as understanding and sweet about their mistakes as you are here.March 1, 2014 – 9:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Shay. I adore you. Retarded WAS, indeed, the word. Still is in some cases. My own MIL has told me that the retards are God’s chosen (and that the homos are going to hell so there’s that). Hopefully, all of our lives different than we’d imagined, and more enlightened and amazing than we’d ever have even dreamed of.March 2, 2014 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

  • Jen @ Real Life Parenting - Kristi, this is so beautiful. We all have thoughts about what our children will be. I know I did. And I struggled a bit at first when that was not my reality. As I came to terms with my thee difference, I realized that I hadn’t come to terms with the reality of him, but of ME. it was my own growth that needed to occur. I loved this so much. So, so much.March 1, 2014 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jen, you’re so right that the difference lies within US and not them. That while they are “different,” it is us who becomes so, and should. Thank you my awesome pal.March 2, 2014 – 12:30 amReplyCancel

  • Cathy - We grownups are so silly, aren’t we? I remember when I was pregnant, praying to God that I wouldn’t have an ugly baby. The rest I assumed would be OK…ten fingers, ten toes, you know? I’d seen mothers doting over their “ugly” babies (pointed head, swollen eyes, flat nose)and always thought they knew their babies were ugly and just faked it, hoping the ugly would go away. When Stephanie was born, I remember thinking “She’s beautiful! She’s perfect!” That’s when I realized every mother sees her baby as perfectly beautiful, no matter what she looks like to the world.

    Thanks for sharing part of your soul with us. <3March 1, 2014 – 11:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I can’t believe you brought up ugly babies and love you so much for doing so. I, too, remember wondering whether people realized their babies were ugly!!! Guess we both were given lessons in that ugly no longer exists as of course we have the most beautiful amazingly gorgeous babies on the planet, right??? I mean Tucker and Stephanie are really really good looking!!! That cannot just be me or us, or maybe and who cares!!! 😀March 2, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • lizzy - muddle-headed mamma - It’s not often that I get to the end of a blogpost and feel completely lost for words and have no idea what to write in the comment box, but this is exactly how I feel now. This post was absolutely beautiful. You are such a gifted, honest writer and God could not have sent Tucker to a better woman to be his mum. xxMarch 2, 2014 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

  • allison - sniff sniff – this made me teary. With both of our pregnancies my ob offered genetic testing, etc., and we refused them all. After much discussion we realized that even if we found out something wasn’t “right” we wouldn’t do anything different, so it didn’t matter. No matter what tests showed us we knew that our baby was OUR BABY and he was loved so much. xoMarch 2, 2014 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allison – agree that our babies are ours and loved hugely. Thanks so much.March 2, 2014 – 5:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney Conover - “I don’t want him to ever see a number on a piece of paper and assume anything about himself. I don’t want him to see a number on a piece of paper and give up…That I am the lucky one.”

    THIS. Powerful.

    Kristi…I love you. I just love you.March 2, 2014 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Jess - Kristi, he is such a darling little boy. What a blessing! I remember many years ago thinking that I never could handle a baby with Downs. Then, after years of trying to have a baby and then losing multiple pregnancies, I changed my tune. Once I got pregnant, I decided to forgo those tests. No matter what, we were keeping the baby and we would love her no matter what. Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing.March 2, 2014 – 2:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jess,
      Thank you so much and I know what you mean. I can’t believe that years ago I thought I’d not be able to or want to deal with anything being “wrong” with my baby. Now I know that no matter who are kids are, they’re perfectly them, and loved completely by us.March 2, 2014 – 5:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life - This is so beautiful Kristi, and actually brought me to tears. It’s hard to fathom how much you will love them, until you feel them kick for the first time, or hold them in your arms. I get overwhelmed sometimes just thinking about it. I cry so hard when I see something happen to a child in the news, and once my kids said “why are you crying, you don’t even know that person?” Its hard to explain to them that you’re crying for the anguish another mother or father is feeling, because you can’t imagine anything worse. We just love so much, no matter what. Nothing could change that.March 2, 2014 – 3:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Michelle,
      I can’t handle hearing about anything happening to kids at all either. I can’t deal with it on the news, on facebook, or anywhere. I feel the same anguish over it and yeah, I suppose it’s impossible to know how much we’ll love our kids before actually becoming parents. Thanks much.March 2, 2014 – 5:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Angela McKeown @Momopolize - Oh my gosh Kristi! This post is amazing! Is THIS what you are reading at LTYM?? I’m guessing it’s not, but I can visualize you on stage saying every word of this with so much emotion. You rock, my dear!!March 2, 2014 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Angela, no, this is not what I’m reading as I just wrote it Thursday but I almost wish it was what I was reading!!! Maybe next year?? You rock, right back, friend.March 2, 2014 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - I love how you wrote this – the progression from before having a child – and the expectations of “perfect” life – to having Tucker and life adapting and loving him fiercely and – so naturally – wanting everything for him. While obviously no life is every “perfect” I know that yours comes with more challenge than you could have anticipated. And – looking back – it’s so easy to make absolute decisions when you aren’t actually faced with them. So don’t judge your former self too harshly.

    We have friends who over the past few months have had their son (a bit over a year now) run through a myriad of tests to determine if there is a developmental delay. They haven’t figured out what it is yet and I can’t imagine the stress. Sometimes when I read your blog – and this post is a great example – I think it will help me when I next see them so I’ll be able to listen well and possibly offer something (like your blog) to the conversation.March 3, 2014 – 12:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks so much, Louise. I love love love that you share it with your friends. Please let them know that if they want to talk, I’d be happy to speak on the phone as well. Sometimes, it helps just to talk to somebody who’s been through it. I’ve spoken to a few moms and even met a couple in person which is awesome.
      Thanks for reminding me to not pass too much judgement on my former self. It’s hard sometimes, though, ya know?March 3, 2014 – 7:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Amber Day Hicks - This post is wonderful! Your baby boy is phenomenal! Screw it!!! I don’t crecwhat they say, you are right, a momma and the fierce love is SO much more powerful than any measley diagnosis! Love this! XO! ~A~March 3, 2014 – 1:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Amber and I will agree with you that Tucker is phenomenal (awesome word by the way). Thanks for getting it!! xoxo right back at ya!March 3, 2014 – 7:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Emmy - LOVE this post. Love your honesty and love your perspective. It is so amazing how much life can teach us and help us grow as a person and that is an amazing beautiful thing.March 4, 2014 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, and yes, life does teach us so much. And too much of it is beautiful to ignore.March 4, 2014 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • A Morning Grouch - I’m sitting in a coffee shop trying not to look like a psycho emotional disaster so I’m holding back tears as I read this. I feel a huge connection with this – the fear of the unknown, of a “not perfect” child – and then once you are PREGNANT – not even officially a mother yet – the whole world changes. The WHOLE WORLD CHANGES. As a special ed teacher who is forced to talk in numbers and benchmarks sometimes this also strikes a nerve – know that so many of us feel the same way you do about your lovely child.March 4, 2014 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry about the coffee shop thing, but thank you so much for feeling such a connection to this. The whole world does really change when we get pregnant, see them on an ultrasound, and then, hold them, name them, stay up with them, worry for them, and finally, somewhere in there, realize who they actually are, aside from our dream of them. Thank you.March 4, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - I’ve thought and said some of the same things as you in my youth. And Lindsey had the same (or very close to the same) Apgar scores. We thought things were perfect. Until much later too. We are on a challenging unknown path–whether we like it or not. You’ve embraced it better than me. I think I ignored the doctors warnings for several years. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the diagnosis. Anyway, as always, another beautiful post. And I appreciate the honest way you write. It is so refreshing. p.s. you are right. This would have been perfect for Spread The Word To End The R Word day. But it was also perfect for the day you posted it.March 13, 2014 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Tina McGrevy - Great post!

    Oh, I hate to think of the things I used to say. It would be interesting to interview the pre-mom me…I’ve changed so much I actually forget my previous opinions on certain matters. (Maybe that’s a good thing!)October 24, 2014 – 7:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ha, Tina! Me, too! And I’m pretty sure that me forgetting most of what I used to think is a good thing, too!October 25, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Such a beautiful post! We all have things that we say like this before we are mothers. I once said I was going to have 8 kids. That makes me laugh hysterically now. No way am I prepared to birth that many children, or would my sanity allow it. But, it sounds like you and Tucker were just meant to find each other for all the right reasons.January 15, 2015 – 10:23 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah @ Thank You Honey - As I read this a Bruno Mars’ song came ring in my ears… You are AMAZING just the way you Are… I don’t think I could have said it any better.January 15, 2015 – 2:05 pmReplyCancel

When I was in fourth or fifth grade, I had purchased a Rolling Stones Peechee. Because I thought the tongue thing was cool. Edgy. I didn’t actually know anything about the Rolling Stones then. I just liked the bright yellow peechee with the flaming red lips and tongue sticking out. Back then, one of The […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave - I love It’s Raining Men. I sing it all the time & it drives my husband nuts!February 25, 2014 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

  • Joanna Sormunen - Great choices! I love Raining men from The Weather girls also. Great song and great video. My songs are from the 80s and 90s era also. It’s so good that retro is hip, no need to be so ashamed anymore, LOLFebruary 25, 2014 – 1:17 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - It’s Raining Men is forever etched in my mind from Friends, because Chandler’s Dad. DUDE! Howard Jones! I have not one but TWO Howard songs on my phone. You know who wasn’t on anyone’s lists that I just thought of? That boy with the man voice-Rick Astley. Hmmmmm…

    Metallica, awesome every time. No guilt there. Just sayin. 😀February 25, 2014 – 2:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wait what did that Rick Astley guy sing? I can’t remember so many names – just those one hit wonders!
      And yeah, no shame in Metallica. Ever.February 25, 2014 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I have to hang my head in shame that I’ve never heard of these songs until now. Though I have heard of The Weather Girls and Howard Jones (that video stopped with an error though). And yes of course I know Metallica. Told you when you posted about your new car and put up the CJ Jeep pic that I love them. Hot girls in a CJ with the top down (the Jeep’s)…sexy as ever! Add a cute dog riding shotgun is even better. Embarrassing song? Thinking, thinking… OH! Lordy…ok, here goes…”Stacey’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne. Good post, Kristi! I’ll go check out your guest post now 🙂February 25, 2014 – 3:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I don’t know Stacey’s Mom, Mike! I’ll have to check it out!!! Remind me to tell you the story of when my dog Arthur jumped out of my jeep. On a Sunday. In the mountains. It was awful. (he was okay but surgery cost me like $1200 which took me forever to pay off)February 25, 2014 – 1:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I love Howard Jones!!! “No One is to Blame” and “Things Can Only Get Better” are my top picks, though.
    And in 5th grade, my brother put a Metallica sticker on my binder. (remember those?) And a lot of the boys in school were really impressed so I just smiled and nodded when they asked if I was a fan.
    (I would be, but not yet in 5th grade)February 25, 2014 – 7:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Howard Jones rocks!!! That whole album was boss. HAHA to your brother putting a Metallic sticker on your 5th grade binder and you being cool because of it. Love it.February 25, 2014 – 1:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - You totally had me smiling about It’s Raining Men and will tell you One by Metallica totally brings me back to my first love in high school, who played the drums in a band and was obsessed with this song. And like you still now wouldn’t change this song if it was on the radio for anything and can recite all the words. Aww, the memories 🙂February 25, 2014 – 7:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Indeed to the memories, Janine!!! It’s Raining Men is just too catchy for it’s own good.February 25, 2014 – 1:48 pmReplyCancel

  • that cynking feeling - I had no idea that the group singing “It’s Raining Men” was called The Weather Girls. Teehee.February 25, 2014 – 9:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s funny! At the beginning they say “Hi! We’re your weather girls!” Love when something like that clicks 😀February 25, 2014 – 1:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - Got to love the Raining Men song! A great mix!February 25, 2014 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Nina - I’m so unhip that the only ones I recognize from this list are New Order and Metallica. I’m one of those people that like music in general but aren’t big fans of anyone in particular. I’ll go so far as to getting their CD but I won’t research who they were or go to concerts. I like music that moves me, either physically or emotionally, and it’s hard to tell what kind of genre does that, or how they even do it. I know almost instantly if I like it or not!February 25, 2014 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know instantly whether I like something, too, Nina. But you’re missing out on not going to concerts! They’re such a blast!February 25, 2014 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I miss that place too – that 1980s place. I guess that’s why I constantly have my satellite radio tuned to the 80s station. Until my kids yell at me to change it. 🙂February 25, 2014 – 12:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I miss that 80’s place too and SO have that same station on my presets! So far Tucker doesn’t usually make me change the station. Yet.February 25, 2014 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - Talk about music I am way behind you. I am still in the Baroque/Classical time period.February 25, 2014 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Did you know It’s Raining Men is Homer Simpson’s favorite song? I do, because every time I hear it with Matt he tells me that. Just gives a whole new level of coolness to the song, doesn’t it?February 25, 2014 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana, I had NO CLUE that it’s raining men is Homer Simpson’s favorite song but I might like it even more now. And how does Matt know that???February 25, 2014 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Quickstepp Melissa - Psssttt, come here I have to tell you something…
    At no time is Metallica and New Order not cool. They are always cool, well, except for that period in the late 90s when Metallica were being douche nozzles. I’d also throw Howard into this list.February 25, 2014 – 12:54 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAAH to that period in the 90’s that Metallica was being douche nozzles. That was SUCH a disappointing phase for them. I remember trying to like their album and was just bummed.February 25, 2014 – 1:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I’m sorry, but these are all cool songs (especially Metallica)! I’d never change them for some silly 20-year-old. 😉February 25, 2014 – 1:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, Metallica is the one I’m quite proud of. The It’s Raining Men? Not so much. I still love it though!February 25, 2014 – 1:54 pmReplyCancel

  • beth teliho - it’s raining men! Awesome song. So fun. And you’re right…that video….LOL. I know the Metallica song, too. My brother was HUGE into Metallica. In high school, I remember loving The Violent Femmes…oh blister in the sun…so many memories! haha.February 25, 2014 – 2:34 pmReplyCancel

    • beth teliho - Oh and WHAT? So cool you had your own special vanity plate! JEEPS ROCK! unless you’re driving on the highway. and then they’re loud. And windy.February 25, 2014 – 2:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Like a blister in the sun!
      When I’m a walking, I strut my stuff, and I’m so strung out. (something)
      I’m high as a kite; I just might stop to check you out!
      Let me go on… like I blister in the sun
      Let me go on… big hands, I know you’re the one!!! WHOOT.February 25, 2014 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Oh yeah, baby! And that was just for the jeep! I don’t know how I have missed Raining Men on my iPod all this time?!?!? Metallica ROCKS! Kristi, you are so cool…I want to come over to your house and play!February 25, 2014 – 3:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandy Sandy come over please! Like red rover (get it?). You must add Raining Men. It’s like a woman freedom song, or something. Same with I Will Survive (which damnit, I should have included here).February 25, 2014 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I was born and raised in the South on country music. I still love it and listen to it 80% of the time, but I am sometimes embarrassed to admit that depending on who I am talking to. I remember taking a field trip when I was in middle school maybe and everyone on the bus was singing “Friends In Low Places” at the top of our lungs! 🙂February 25, 2014 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG LISA!!! Ok so the ONE and ONLY time I did karaoke, I sung Friends in Low Places. I was SO SOS SO bad that the karaoke guy who was running the word machine or whatever got on stage with me and helped me sing. As in I LOVE that song but was so bad at singing it…although a bus full of people would have made me excellent, I’m quite sure.February 25, 2014 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcy - I had to Google peechee. I never heard that term before, but I totally remember those Rolling Stones ones. Cool.February 25, 2014 – 7:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Really? You googled Peechee? I’m not sure whether to say thank you or wonder if it was just a term utilized by me and mine!!! Still, ha 😀February 25, 2014 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - It’s Raining Men is just the greatest. The end. P.S. Is it wrong to still miss my Trapper Keeper? ;)-AshleyFebruary 26, 2014 – 9:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAHAH to the Trapper Keeper and thank you for the words I was looking for!!!February 26, 2014 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - This is why we are friends. Because I too would have Metallica on a mix tape with Howard Jones.February 27, 2014 – 12:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Anita@ Losing Austin - I never know who sings anything- or the name of any song. Except maybe, ‘It’s Raining Men’ which is now stuck in my head. Thanks.February 27, 2014 – 3:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - That jeep reminds me of the 90s when the movie Clueless came out lol. I’ve heard of some of these people but I’m not into music like that really at all so I’m like you. LOL.February 27, 2014 – 4:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Jenni Moore - “Funky Town”! I dunno if I’m embarrassed bc Im still a 20 something, but Im still aware of the song’s embarrassing quality.March 1, 2014 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

It’s that time of week again. No, weirdos, I said WEEK, not month. Sheesh. It’s the time when we force ourselves, occasionally less-than willingly, to acknowledge the things for which we are thankful. This week, I’m thankful for the following: Friends who don’t mind my kid totally violating her kids’ bedrooms when a six-kid playdate is […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Janine Huldie - You are so totally a ninja and love you for that and more. But seriously, love that Tucker has a wonderful imagination and he sounds similar to both my girls who come out with similar stuff like this all the time now. Hope you had a great weekend and wishing you a wonderful week ahead, too!! 🙂February 23, 2014 – 9:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine! Some of the stuff he comes up with is just mind blowing. Weird, but adorable. Like really, how would the refrigerator heal the transformer’s broken arm? Maybe because it’s cold? Too funny. I hope you have a great week, too!February 24, 2014 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I have complained about it before, and I will complain about it again? Why do I have to enter my info Every Time I Comment? Why Can’t This Site Remember It?

    I’m over it. Nothing like a good rant.

    Imagination. Yes. I have felt the same. So huge! SO HUGE!!!! I want to hug you and Tucker! For the life of me, I can’t think of a single example, but Maggie has started doing that, too. I understand.

    What are Jorts?

    My mother’s rule was, “Come home when the streetlights come on.” Just the memory of that statement conjurs of the smell of cut grass and sweat. So sweet.February 23, 2014 – 10:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok hm. I don’t KNOW why it won’t remember you! What browser are you using? Maybe switch to Chrome (because yeah, you’re totally going to switch browsers just to make it better for ME but really I’m just trying to look out for YOU and I’m sorry it’s a pain :()
      YAY and thank you for the Tucker and me hugs! I’m pretty impressed with his imagination and love that you’re seeing the same in Maggie.
      Jorts are jean shorts. They used to be cool.
      Love that the streetlights expression reminds you of cut grass and sweat. So so so sweet.February 24, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - I always love your list and drawings. I LOVE ninjas! They are super cool in our house and so are you. I’m so excited for BlogU, because then I get to meet you in person!February 23, 2014 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Cheers to ninjas, Courtney and I can’t WAIT to meet you in person!!!February 24, 2014 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - I love the concept of bounce house (maybe therein lies a treatment for drug addiction!… bounce crack house(s)!!… same as a regular crack house but not only do the floors bounce when you walk or fall on them, but they can be remotely bounced by the team of Addiction Therapists/(retired)gymnastics judges lead by Bela Karolyi

    damn! what a great idea!

    (remember: italics! they’re not just for Posts anymore!February 23, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAHA what a weird idea is more like it. But hey! Maybe it’d work. You could have Doc branded bounce addiction houses and the therapists/judges people could all wear DocTanks! Whoot!February 24, 2014 – 1:12 pmReplyCancel

  • cyndy - I say if you wanna be a ninja, then you’re a ninja. I mean, who’s to say otherwise?!
    I remember all those things…mullets and fannypacks, etc. And the time when nobody (at least not regular people) had even heard of a cell phone!February 24, 2014 – 12:44 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - While I adore my phone and the convenience it affords me, there’s something about the days before cell phones that I feel nostalgic for. Glad I’m not alone in remembering mullets and fannypacks!!February 24, 2014 – 1:13 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Omg Clark. ..are you ON crack? Go fix the fever, man!
    You know before you start thinkin youre a ninja or somethin!
    As an aside….all boys pee that way…I practically had to repaint the bathroom when my kid learned to stand and pee….good luck!February 24, 2014 – 1:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Zoe! HAHA to Clark being on crack!! It was a massively weird idea, and I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking so. Thanks for consoling me that it’s just a boy thing. Maybe I should hang up plastic and make the bathroom like Dexter’s kill rooms.February 24, 2014 – 1:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - You are a ninja.
    And I remember fearing white vans. And wouldn’t you know it? I have one now! Somehow I think my white Honda Odyssey with a little snow on the roof (I’m not tall enough!) blasting Tori Amos isn’t going to fill anyone with fear.
    This is very thankful stuff.February 24, 2014 – 7:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You have a white van? You’re so cool. And thanks for letting me be a ninja.February 24, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - I understand your excitement for pee on the wall. Good for Tucker. I, however, am so far past being excited about pee on the wall. There is entirely too much pee on the wall at my house. At what age do they learn to aim???

    I miss the days of neighborhood kids playing outside all day, every day. Desperately. Because guess what the moms were doing while the kids were playing? Having coffee together. Helping each other. Being the support system for each other we all need.

    Yah for Tucker using his imagination!February 24, 2014 – 7:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Christine, do they EVER learn to aim? Boys can be gross. And yeah, it’s too bad that we no longer can just say “Come home when it’s getting dark” any longer. Although, maybe where you live? Here, it’s just crazy traffic and stuff, and life’s just different now I guess. But remembering those days DID make me a little less of a helicopter at Monkey Joe’s yesterday, so there’s that. At least I got to sit on my butt for a few minutes.
      And I agree – yay! to Tucker’s imagination. Not sure how the fridge would help a transformer’s broken arm, but I’ll take it! 😀February 24, 2014 – 1:23 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Love it! You are adorable and are totally a ninja! 🙂 Is there anything better than a good friend who will let your kid chill out where he needs to? I think not. And I do think you should try a little harder to find that picture of your hubby! ;)-AshleyFebruary 24, 2014 – 8:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok Ashley, I’ll try to find the pic of hubby. Or take another one because he walks around that house like that ALL THE TIME. I keep telling him that he looks like an 80 year old but he doesn’t care. Which is cute in a dorky way, I guess.February 24, 2014 – 1:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Burgeoning imagination skills and a for real friend? As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t get much better than that – huge stuff my friend! Oh and please find that photo of your husband – my dad dresses like that too sometimes – always good for a laugh!February 24, 2014 – 8:56 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree, Emily!!! Imagination and a for real friend is pretty much perfect! I’m going to just take a new photo of the hubs walking around the house like that. He’s such a dork. But fun to laugh at, so there’s that!!February 24, 2014 – 1:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Susan Zutautas - There’s always pee on my wall and on the bathroom floor but I’m not happy about it at all. It pisses me off :)Price I pay for living with 3 grown men. Augh!!!! But I can totally understand why you’re happy about it and congrats to Tucker!February 24, 2014 – 10:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Susan! And yeah, the pee on the wall can get pretty annoying. I’m just trying to make myself feel better about it. It’s already wearing thin, though…February 24, 2014 – 1:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - You are totally a badass mama ninja! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!February 24, 2014 – 2:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Bring a part time ninja myself (when I’m not a robot, of course) I know a ninja when I don’t see one.February 24, 2014 – 2:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Great list and I love your Ninja-ness, Kristi! I hope Tucker’s Ninee Transformer is recovering. The Dewey Decimal System sucked…remember that well. I LOL’d to your husband’s attire. I’m totally unpresentable for public consumption in my weekend home attire – slippers (if they haven’t been stolen by you know who), ratty sweats, rattier sweatshirt and the rattiest ballcap! But, I’m comfy 🙂February 24, 2014 – 3:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG the Dewey Decimal System SO SUCKED, right? Ugh to the fact that I still remember the codes on the front of the books that categorized them. and YAAY to being comfy on the weekends, dude. We have to take the wins where they exist.February 24, 2014 – 10:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The Dewey Decimal System SO SUCKED and I love that you remember it!!! HHAH to your weekend attired. I’m no better. He just looks more dorky. Or so I tell myself.February 25, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - That is why I never bought a white van, windows or not. But if I were with you, my ninja friend, I would not be afraid. And so happy that pee on the wall is a good thing for you.February 24, 2014 – 4:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’ll never be able to buy a white van. And the pee on the wall? It’s getting older. Also he puked on me, and his bed, and himself, and maybe has a flu, tonight. Whoop.February 25, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Mandi - I want to be a Ninja, and I want to be able to make those cute ninja photos. I don’t always comment, but I’ve read some of your post. #6 and #9…that’s awesome.February 24, 2014 – 6:57 pmReplyCancel

  • beth teliho - I hope you really love pee on your wall cuz it never ends.

    oh God. Mullets and fanny packs. I hope those never come back.

    shit, I would need a break in someone’s bedroom during a 6 kid play date. Glad it went well!

    yay to lists of eleven! woot! yay to transformers in the fridge! double woot!

    NINJA!February 24, 2014 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I already hate pee on my wall. I’m just trying to be thankful and shit. Damnit. HAHAHA to mullets and fannypacks.February 25, 2014 – 12:42 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - I wish I was a ninja.February 24, 2014 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah, wishing is enough. Granted. You’re a fucking ninja. You’re welcome.February 25, 2014 – 12:45 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - 6 at a playdate sounds super duper fun. LOL. Friends are really great to have too! I second that! Wow the decimal system. I remember when I was working, there was one program we used that was still DOS. Hilarious! I like the internet too. 🙂February 27, 2014 – 4:58 pmReplyCancel

What is your hidden talent? I’d be willing to bet that the majority of women reading this had a first thought along the lines of “I do not have one.” I’d also be willing to bet that men reading the opening sentence had a prideful moment, knowing that their abilities to fart on demand, excel […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Your hidden talents are definitely all yours and kind of jealous, because I have to admit I always wished I could twitch my nose like Samantha on Bewitched and your nose trick is pretty damn close! But seriously, you totally made me smile getting to see and hear you tonight, so thanks 🙂February 20, 2014 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to twitching your nose like Samantha. Man I loved that show!! By the way!!! My uncle was in it, I think. I need to ask about the family history, again….February 21, 2014 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - You are absolutely good enough and perfect and talented. I’m very happy to have even more reasons to think so after seeing your vlog. xoFebruary 20, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thank you huge. HAHA to the vlog. Dumb, but you know, we should be proud of the dumb stuff.February 21, 2014 – 10:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - ARGH!!! I just lost another huge long, WONDERFUL, comment AGAIN because I hit one wrong key in the Email* field/Enter and it loses the entire thing vs saving what has been drafted!!! Oy vey… For starters a huge congratulations on the success with Tucker and his name! That put a huge smile on my face! You’re experience of women being dismissive is far different than mine…so that was interesting. I see them as being completely the opposite. You have a special gift in that you can send a warm vibration to the intended person at the right time and likely not even be aware you did it. I know because I have been one of those recipients. You are such a blessing to us and thank you always, Kristi! 🙂February 20, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike,
      That’s interesting to me that your experience with women is the complete opposite. Me, and most of the women I know are so easy to dismiss being good at anything. Perhaps, the one(s) you refer to are hugely insecure, mean or otherwise assholes? Because really, the best women that I know, even those with the most powerful of jobs, feel insecure and never good enough. Ever. Tell me more.February 21, 2014 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

      • Mike - Hi Kristi! Possibly I misunderstood or something? I read your post again. I again focused on the word “dismissive”. In my experience I’ve met many women AND men (myself included) who are dismissive of their talents…hidden or not. Agreed there with you totally. At the same (since it was directed at women) I’ve also known many women who are not dismissive in a very self-confident way about certain talents – i.e. their artistic ability, photography, expertise on their blog theme/message, cooking, writing, etc. Some of them have been long time friends and others I’ve ironically come across the past couple of years in blogs. I forgot to mention this the first time – awesome Chipmunk voice! 🙂February 22, 2014 – 3:07 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - HA thanks for the shout out to the Chipmunk voice, Mike. I guess I know some women who are very self confident but not many, and the ones that I do know, always seem to shrug off compliments and their talent a bit. Does that make sense? Maybe I was just confusing!!February 22, 2014 – 5:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Oh, so very, very impressed!February 20, 2014 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Hi Kristi, what a wonderful post! You are so beautiful and your talents are amazing! I’m glad to hear Tucker saying his name. I hope next time you’re in Target he starts saying it so it sounds like he’s saying Fucker, because that’s funny.

    What else? There was something else…Well, it’s trash night so I have to go take the trash out now. Damn, I really did have something else to say but I completely forgot! I hope you win FTSF this week! I vote for you!February 20, 2014 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

    • donofalltrades - 13 clicks to get to this box in order to start typing this comment. Just saying!!

      I remember what I was going to say now. Ninee?? Like 9E?? Really? I’ve been pronouncing it Neenee this whole time! Tell Tucker he’s saying it wrong so I don’t have to adjust. I hate change. Have a great weekend.February 21, 2014 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

      • Kristi Campbell - If it took you 13 clicks, you are the dipshit one.
        And yes. 9E. Thanks for noticing after we’ve been blog and book friends for like a fucking year now. He’s saying airplane finally so call it what you need to, for your own promotions. He ain’t changin’.
        Oh and HI DONNY thank you SO MUCH for coming by!!! I so totally appreciate your comment and loveliness and your just complete unique you,

        ….

        douchebag. Said in the fondest of loves ways, of course.February 21, 2014 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - thank you so much, my lovely friend Don of Jackass of trades. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement to me getting Tucker to speak, your words, your loyalty to this blog, and to the word Fucker. I totally won FTSF this week. Only because you were too On the Rag to play.February 21, 2014 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

  • linda Atwell - Out One Ear - your hidden talents are amazing! I especially enjoyed the talking in helium voice but I was also fascinated with the nose and ear movements. You could be like a ventriloquist for nose and ear movers!!! I can hula-hoop. Still. And I’m 55. And I can do a whole bunch of tricks with a hula hoop. And I was tempted to do a video too, but then I couldn’t get anyone to film it, so you just have my word. I’m a pretty darn good hula-hooper and won a trip to Disneyland (once. a very long, long time ago) for being so good.
    That’s all from me.
    Happy weekend to you.February 21, 2014 – 12:56 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ha, Linda, I think amazing may be a bit too powerful but thank you and yeah, I’m especially proud of the helium voice as well. I guess I missed my calling!! And OMG you SO HAVE TO post about winning a trip to Disneyland for your hula hooping skills!!!February 21, 2014 – 11:35 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - I am still so embarrassed about last week. that is what happens when I read posts when sick and exhausted…sorry.

    Now for this week, I love your talents…the thumb wiggle is freaky but cool…I can not wiggle my nose or ear unless my face moves with it…

    I agree with you, we are good at what WE do…we know your kids, our routine, our family and only we can rock it.February 21, 2014 – 6:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - WAIT. DO not (please) be embarrassed about last week. A totally understandable mistake okay!!! And yeah the thumb wiggle thing is weird.February 21, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

  • elizabeth bradt - I think Tuckering Tuck is the best talent! I become friends with a woman who has a 5 year-old named Cam who doesn’t have a specific diagnosis, but she calls him a sensory mess and swears he’s on the spectrum near Aspergers. But watching her mother him is beautiful. It is definitely a talent. She anticipates potential problems and guides him through the day just the way he needs it. This is nothing short of Mommy talent. It’s just the way you Tucker Tuck, I’m sure!February 21, 2014 – 8:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aww Elizabeth, thank you so much for getting it!! I love that you’ve become friends with Cam’s mom and that you can remind me that I’m doing what I’m doing, and her, what she is, while being so amazingly your awesome self. You ROCK. and I adore you.February 22, 2014 – 12:11 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Purple sweatpants! Whooooo! And I will often tell people about local photographers who are better than me. And writers.
    I can turn my ankles backwards, though, and I’ve never seen someone who can do that better than me!February 21, 2014 – 8:45 amReplyCancel

    • Tamara - Sweat SHORTS, rather.February 21, 2014 – 8:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I guess we all tell local everybody’s why Others are Better and Better than we are. They’re not. They’re just peopling.February 22, 2014 – 12:13 amReplyCancel

  • christine - Oh how I enjoy a good Kristi vlog!
    First, yay for Tucker making progress on his name!
    Second, I see your weird voice less helium and more Natalie from Facts of Life.

    Your creepy hand/finger thing is just…creepy.

    Hidden talent of mine? I can pick up just about anything with my toes.February 21, 2014 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAAHAH to Enjoying a “good vlog” – maybe, one of these days, I’ll make one. See? THERE I GO> ugh. Do tell, about the toes thing, because me, too, but I was too afraid of grossing everybody out.February 22, 2014 – 12:23 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - HOLY CRAP!!! This is the exact reason why I skipped FTSF this week. I had no talent. I mean not one I could think of. Now if the sentence was….I really suck at or I am an epic fail because….I could have rocked those. But this one? I cannot find one thing to brag about.

    I adore you. I love this post. I love that you take my fears,thoughts and dreams and do such a great way of explaining what I am going through.February 21, 2014 – 10:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerri,
      Seriously? OMG How weird is that? I know what you mean about it being so much easier to say the ways in which we utterly suck. Which is really sad, right? I adore you right back, my fabulous multi-talented friend. Big.February 22, 2014 – 4:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - Women should definitely channel their inner dudes and shout our awesomeness from the rooftops! Without apologizing for it.February 21, 2014 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Love this! I agree and I don’t know what we as women find it so hard to say we are good at something – anything – without following up with a “but. . . “. I like your talents – that tongue thing is cool. Everyone in my family can roll their tongue – except me. Supposedly, it’ genetic. Anyway, great post and YAY for Tucker!! (And you!)February 21, 2014 – 11:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to us bragging about our awesome (weird) talents and not saying “but…” Lisa! And I remember how surprised I was when I found out that not everybody can roll their tongues. So weird. I don’t know anybody else who can do the foot thing though.February 22, 2014 – 4:09 pmReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - Such good points, that is the first thing I said when i saw the prompt…i have no talents. lol. Woman are such losers sometimes, we gotta step it up.

    The video- The fingers creep me out. FYIFebruary 21, 2014 – 11:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We totally gotta step it up, Girl Ryan. Yeah, I can see why the fingers would creep you out. Sorry ’bout that.February 22, 2014 – 4:09 pmReplyCancel

  • The Dose of Reality - Love your mullet outfit!! Bwahahahahaha! I don’t know if it’s a hidden talent, but I can make anyone stop hiccuping. People always seem like they think it won’t work, but it works EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. I even taught my kids’ school nurse how to do it because she didn’t believe me!

    (and why IS it that women are so damn hard on themselves? We are 100 times harder on ourselves than we would be to others. GAH!) –LisaFebruary 21, 2014 – 12:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hehe thanks for appreciating my mullet outfit! But um HELLO you now need to tell me the hiccup trick. Please? And here’s to being nicer to ourselves and recognizing our kickass talents!February 22, 2014 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - oh my GOD… we are sistas from different mistas…I can do that stuff too!!!! I cannot do that way cool thing with my voice though! or the tongue thing…mine is boring and only rolls…there was something else freakishly cool… I can do Billy with my eyebrow…I used to think these made me freaky ….now Im all proud cuz you were so adorable on that vid!February 21, 2014 – 12:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - WHOOOT to being sistas from different mistas, Zoe! Your Eyebrow Billy sounds freaking AWESOME. Own your freakishness, you. Practice the voice thing. I’ll bet you’ll be able to master it in no time. And then you can vlog about it! 😀February 22, 2014 – 4:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I love, love, love where you took that. This is such a great observation and so many different articles and posts I’ve read through the years flashed through my mind as I was reading this. The part about “there’s always someone else who is better” made me think of an article I once read about how we, as women, are almost programmed to deflect compliments and to always respond with “yes, but…” pointing out why things are not as they seem. Another part made me think of another very insightful post I once read written by a mom who discussed how despite having huge body image issues she deliberately made the decision to not smirk or say something self-deprecating or even pull away instinctively if her daughter touches one of her “fat” parts to teach her daughter that there’s nothing wrong with different “non-perfect” body types. Last minute writing is definitely a talent of yours. This turned out beautiful.

    Oh, and congratulations on making such great progress with Tucker saying his name. That puts everything else in perspective.February 21, 2014 – 1:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Katia. We really do deflect compliments, feel unworthy while knowing that other people are better at the things we’re good at. I love the idea of not even flinching when somebody touches a fat part (especially a child you’re trying to teach that the important stuff is on the inside to).
      And thanks for the congrats on making progress w/ Tucker saying his name. It really does put so much in perspective and I appreciate so much that you see that!!February 22, 2014 – 4:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - I bet burping on purpose can come in handy.. I know my kids would appreciate some thing like that 🙂 Have a great weekend, Kristi!!February 21, 2014 – 4:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Stephanie, I think my brother taught me to burp on purpose when we were kids. 😀
      You have a great weekend, too! And thanks!February 22, 2014 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Yes, we need to be better about embracing our talents, claiming our awesomeness, and not feeling like we have to apologize about it. You are an awesome you! {i loved the headline… so true!}February 21, 2014 – 4:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Sarah! We are all awesome uses!! (Hm. Us’s??) anyway CHEERS to us claiming our awesomeness!February 22, 2014 – 4:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Of course your writing was insightful and meaningful and all that, but I am immature and it’s Friday night and I just wanted to be entertained by your amazing hidden talents. I am super impressed, and a little grossed out by the fingers and tongue. If you, Lisa, and Tamara all get in the same room and show me your talents, I may get a little nauseous. But I’m still super impressed!February 21, 2014 – 5:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH to me, Lisa, and Tamara all showing you our hidden talents and grossing you out. That sounds like fun actually!! KIDDING. I’m nice. Mostly. Sorry I grossed you out. Mostly.February 22, 2014 – 4:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - I think that your no-so-hidden talent is making me think and feel at the same time and for stepping back from my screen after reading you and going, “wow” there is so much truth in what Kristi just said. And this post is no different.February 21, 2014 – 6:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Celeste - Great post, and I love your mullet outfit. New reader 🙂February 21, 2014 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - First off – love that your hidden talent is you. Doesn’t it feel good when our kids accomplish something that you worked so hard helping them with. That’s a wonderful reward. Side note: I had no success with getting Christopher to boo boo in the potty. So he went to my parents for a week and mom calls to say that granddaddy got Christopher to boo boo in the potty. I was really excited that potty training was over but at the same time I was like “Really? and HOW long have I been working with him?”

    That was a serious side note.

    Love the video!February 21, 2014 – 7:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m giggling over the side note, about Christopher and the potty! Tucker’s teacher basically got him to pee in the potty and while part of me was really glad, and grateful, part of me was annoyed because when I tried, it was like having a puppy in the house.
      Thanks, Kenya!!February 22, 2014 – 4:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Steck - Your post hit home for me, Kristi. I don’t know how long it took for me to decide what I’d write for my hidden talent. I just couldn’t think of anything other than things I couldn’t do. Sometimes I need a little encouragement and you sent it my way. Thanks!!February 21, 2014 – 7:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jennifer, isn’t it awful how hard it is for us to think of what to write? I almost considered skipping FTSF this week because I couldn’t think of something I’m good at! We women folk really need to be better at recognizing how special and unique we really are.February 22, 2014 – 4:25 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - I guess I have one less hidden talented than I thought, when I sat down here at my typtrolla…. oh well, sorryFebruary 21, 2014 – 7:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - This is sooo true, Kristi! I think women in general suffer more from low self esteem—I blame a lot of that on the media. On a lighter note, my hubs is very proud of his special talent—burping the entire alphabet. He can even fart on command. I’m still trying to find my hidden talent–unless I get total credit for eating an entire jar of Nutella in one day….February 21, 2014 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Marcia, I think eating an entire jar of Nutella in one day is a great hidden talent. I mean, that takes dedication and commitment. Your husband can burp the alphabet? That’s way impressive. And yeah, it’s sad that our self esteem is so hammered by the media and stuff. Really.February 22, 2014 – 4:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I was sitting here reading this and yelling ‘Yes! Yes!’! No matter how much I do every single day, I always feel like I have fallen short. This is a great reminder to cut it out. I work very hard and I may not earn a paycheck for what I do…only because no one could afford to pay me for it all! The video is priceless, the finger thing a little freaky but I think it’s awfully cute that you can wiggle your ears!February 21, 2014 – 9:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandy,
      Isn’t it awful how easy it is to feel badly about ourselves, even knowing how much we did accomplish each day? It’s so much harder to see the stuff we did well than the stuff we didn’t get to, or did in a less-than-perfect way.
      Thanks so much!February 22, 2014 – 4:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - That’s SO true!! Men are so quick to pat themselves on the back and women are so quick to tear themselves down. It’s sad, really. When, obviously we are superior anyway. 😉February 21, 2014 – 11:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We are so totally superior anyway! We should remember that more often!February 22, 2014 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Knopp - Very insightful. I love your sad but true perspective. Us women, don’t give ourselves enough credit.February 22, 2014 – 12:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We really don’t give ourselves enough credit. Here’s to us trying to appreciate ourselves more!February 22, 2014 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Christina Morley - Those were some fun hidden talents! I bet you could use some of those talents as a kid to get yourself “cool” status. 🙂 My husband is so refined, not like those guys you mentioned who think farting is a talent. Hahaha! Enjoy your weekend!February 22, 2014 – 1:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to the “cool” status. I used to use the voice a lot as a kid, and it definitely got some giggles. Not sure I was ever actually cool though!!February 22, 2014 – 4:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - You’re so spot on with the gender differences of processing “talent”. I never really thought of it that way before, but it’s true.

    Okay, your video is awesome. How did you link it? Is it on YouTube? I tried ALL FRIGGIN MORNING to get a video of me making the veins in my hand wiggle like a snake, and it wouldn’t download in my blog. But it was a vid from my phone. oh well. someday I’ll figure it out and you’ll see this amazing talent. 🙂February 22, 2014 – 4:27 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It really is true! We’re so easy to dismiss what we’re good at as being “nothing special” or simply by knowing that somebody else can do it better.
      OOOH you can make your veins wiggle like a snake? Yes, in You Tube, you can just click “record” then save it to your you tube (you need an account) and then you embed the code and voila!! IM me on FB if you want more deets.February 22, 2014 – 4:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Amber Day Hicks - I can curl my tongue too!!! I’m also trying to learn the hidden talent of telling someone off and them not realizing they have been told off until like five days later! (It’s a southern trait that my bestie has perfected without cussing, i’m gonna figure it out! Lol)
    XO ~A~February 22, 2014 – 5:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You can curl your tongue? How cool are we then?? And your friend’s talent sounds awesome. Will you teach me?February 27, 2014 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

  • Crystal - Love your video!!! I guess my hidden talent is that I can almost use my feet like hands. Been doing this since I was little. LOLFebruary 22, 2014 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Using your feet like hands is awesome!! Like a monkey! And I love monkeys 😀February 27, 2014 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

  • April - I think women dismiss their talents because they feel if a hunch of people can do it, it’s not really a talent. Of course, I think I’m amazing in everything I do! No humility here. Lol.February 22, 2014 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA glad you know you’re amazing but yeah, I do think that women feel not unique enough, or something.February 27, 2014 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - This is funny and a new perspective. I actually think people come off to be very me oriented lol. I actually think with social media being so popular that it’s made people even a bit more narcissistic and given them platform to say “look at me, world! because I’m so great!” LOL. I can see what you are saying though. I guess I just never really thought of too many as being insecure in that way at all. On the other hand, I do read great blogs by people who acknowledge some good things they believe they are doing and talk about the bad or things they need to work on as well which, I think is pretty admirable. 🙂February 23, 2014 – 1:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - True, about social media, Brittnei, but to me, people saying “look at me look at me” is kindof a part of the insecurities. Like, they need validation from other people online that they are pretty/fit/fabulous/good/whatever.
      And I agree that it’s totally admirable when people write about the things they need to work on.February 27, 2014 – 10:13 amReplyCancel

  • Catherine Gacad - frankly, i can’t remember the last time any woman seemed unsure or dismissive of herself or downplayed her talents, yet all i hear about in the press is how women are so unconfident. it’s more perception than anything else. i think if we just stop talking about it, then we can really make some progress, instead of making women out to be these weak, unconfident creatures.February 23, 2014 – 4:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Catherine,
      You don’t feel like women accept compliments less easily than men do? I find so often, that even if I tell a friend that I like her outfit or something, that she will say something like “thanks, it’s really old” or “thanks, but I need to lose weight as it’s tight,” which feels like a dismissal of the compliment. I don’t mean to portray women as weak at all. I think we’re much stronger than men in a lot of important ways. But I do notice that I often don’t feel “as good as” even though I should. I’m working on it though and thanks for your perspective.February 27, 2014 – 10:15 amReplyCancel

  • Courtney Conover - You’ve posed a very good question here, Kristi. I have no idea why women tend to downplay their talents, but I’ll tell you what: I file this “issue” in the same folder as when women dismiss compliments given by others. Example:
    Woman 1: That dress looks awesome on you!
    Woman 2: Really? I don’t think so. It was laundry day and it was the only thing left that fit.

    Woman 2 just should have said “thank you.”

    I’ve found myself being woman 2 a lot until I finally realized that compliments are gifts and we should just accept them. Why turn a compliment into something bad? We deal with enough bad shit already…February 23, 2014 – 9:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree that it’s so much easier to deflect a compliment than just say thank you, Courtney! You rock for having learned to just accept them. I’m going to try to do that, too.February 27, 2014 – 10:16 amReplyCancel

  • The Insomniac's Dream - I love the hand claw. You could couple that with the voice and do some really creepy shit for Halloween.

    Or something . . .February 24, 2014 – 7:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to doing some really creepy shit for Halloween. Now, I’m already excited for Halloween. And it’s um. February. Thanks.February 27, 2014 – 10:17 amReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land Series post has been authored by the full-hearted, heart-full, fabulous Chris Carter, from The Mom Cafe. This woman is not only fabulously amazing, but she’s got such an unwavering faith for life, motherhood, and peacefulness. I truly admire her and am more than honored to feature her words here, today. I think that you’ll […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Janine Huldie - You made me tear up reading this Chris, because I think we have all had out moments and agree only a mother can relate. One moment for me that comes to mind was having to leave my newly turned one year old to be hospitalized being pregnant with my second and bleeding during my second trimester. I cried to the nurse and doctors on call about leaving my baby that I never left overnight at home. I truly was a hormonal mess and felt torn between my two children in that moment even before having my second one even be born. Yes, I too made it through, but at the time I was truly was distraught and thought I wouldn’t. I do thank god for watching over me and not only taking care of Emma, but Lily in utero, too. So, I think we are blessed my friend, but sure we will got through more moments, because again we are moms and that is what moms do best I suppose.February 19, 2014 – 9:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, Janine, I’ll bet that was really really scary, having to leave Emma at home while worrying about Lily in utero! I’m so glad that everything worked out okay and you’re right – I guess that worrying and hoping and getting through the moments really is what moms do best.February 19, 2014 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Janine! That must have been SO hard!!! There is nothing more traumatizing than being separated from your baby… and to be hormonal on top of it just makes it all ten times harder. I get that. I was beyond exhausted too many times to count, and when we are in that vulnerable place already- oh those desperate cries…

      I know. And I thank God too- for carrying me through.

      There will be many more moments… and yes- we WILL get through them. That’s what we do. XOXOFebruary 19, 2014 – 9:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - Chris, thank you for sharing just a part of your amazing story here. Yes, we were chosen to be our children’s parents, but it never ceases to amaze me how much my daughters give and teach me. Every.single.day. No matter how difficult or tough or frustrating motherhood gets, I always try to remember that I’m the lucky one.February 19, 2014 – 10:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Nicole,
      I agree that we – the mothers – are the lucky ones. Even on the crappy days. Thanks so much.February 19, 2014 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - I never even imagined how much WE would grow from GROWING our babies… it’s incredible- this journey we are on, Nicole. Isn’t it? We are blessed because of it.February 19, 2014 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - Wow. That last paragraph gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. Your journey….all of them…continues to amaze me. Not only that you endured (are enduring) them, but somehow manage to be one of the most positive, giving, generous, amazing people I know!

    I heart you so BIG, Chris.February 19, 2014 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I heart her big too, Beth! Chris is amazing!!!February 19, 2014 – 1:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Aw! You are so kind, Beth!!! Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement… I am SO grateful for you! Wow. Still crying over this comment. You have blessed me BIG. XOXOFebruary 19, 2014 – 9:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Chris, I cannot even begin to imagine how hard this must have been for you all. I have had to bring my son to the ER a couple of times due to dehydration (for some reason, stomach bugs tend to linger with him) and that was frightening enough, never mind a child gasping for air. As an asthma sufferer myself, just hearing anyone talk about not being able to breathe strikes some fear in me. I know I can deal with it, but if it were my child… I don’t know if I could handle it. You have such great faith, and seem so strong after going through this great challenge. I am glad your daughter is doing better, I hope the medical community will continue to be able to heal her so she never has to deal with this again. As for the last part, I completely agree, and this was beautifully said. I have learned so much from my son, more than I could have imagined. And I hope I will be a good teacher for him. Wonderful post, Chris. Thanks to you and Kristi for sharing this. 🙂February 19, 2014 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jessica, going to the ER for dehydration must have been really scary too! I agree that Chris’ faith is incredible and yeah, I think my son has taught me more than I’ve taught him as well.February 19, 2014 – 1:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - I am so grateful for your beautiful comment, Jessica. Thank you for taking the time and giving your heart to my story and sharing pieces of your own here too.

      I always love connecting with people that have experienced Asthma firsthand… it gives me such comfort. No one could treat my daughter’s asthma- no medicines worked. No intervention worked and all specialists were simply shaking their heads. It was a hopeless and desperate season for me…

      We found answers in severe reflux, completely destroyed pharynx/larynx/adenoids/upper GI. Multiple ulcers in her stomach. This coupled with abnormally formed sinuses and ears (She’s also legally blind and was hearing impaired for her first three years)made for the great and perfect storm that put together- causes relentless unyielding illness.

      So many pieces to this puzzle that is my daughter. So many years of discovering them all and treating them all- days where I charted 15 meds a day… with still no resolve.

      Endless story- but that’s the nutshell. Much more therapies etc. that went along with that.

      After several surgeries/procedures and medicines- her health is restored- her tissue is still so severely destroyed that they say they have never seen anything like it. Too many doctors looked at me with that “face”- of complete fascination and utter surprise at every corner… long journey.

      (And long reply!! LOL. Sorry- could write pages about her!)

      Thank you Jessica- for your heart here.February 19, 2014 – 9:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I “wowed” all the way through your post and especially the last paragraph. This is powerful “You will help her navigate her plan and find her purpose.” Thank you Chris for teaching us this lesson and seeing the flip side of motherhood.

    I can relate to the angst of leaving your baby in the hospital. I had to do this a few days after Christopher was born and we had to go back to the hospital. All I had to do was go back to my room and I sobbed. We were in a military hospital and they let me stay but I couldn’t stay with him. I came back in the middle of the night to look at him and then I was there again at dawn. I would have sat in a chair right beside him all night if they had let me.February 19, 2014 – 10:47 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Kenya! It’s like tearing your heart out when you are taken away from your baby!! I get that- from the very depths of my heart do I get that.

      When Cass was born and turning blue- they had to keep her… I walked the corridors (the night I delivered) to the nursery just to watch her…. I wanted my baby!!February 19, 2014 – 9:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya, they had Christopher in another room? Wow. I can’t imagine. I actually assumed that they’d take Tucker to “a nursery” but they didn’t and he slept with me. I do remember bawling though that he wouldn’t “eat.” Little did I know that my boobs, a couple of days later would be all BOOOMMMMMM!!! Whomp. Here we have food now. Awww to the baby C and you though 🙁February 19, 2014 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

      • Kenya G. Johnson - Christopher was trying to eat but I didn’t know that I wasn’t producing anything. So when I took him back to the hospital through ER he was dehydrated. Poor baby. We didn’t know what was wrong though and they did a bunch of tests. That was like two days after he was born and we spent three more days in the hospital. He was jaundiced too. They let me stay since I was trying to breastfeed. I ache for anyone who has to leave their newborn at the hospital. Plus when they had him under that light for the jaundice he was completely naked. I just imagined he felt so lonely.February 20, 2014 – 6:12 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Chris, you know I love you and this is so beautiful!! Motherhood is definitely a journey that is different for everyone. I love that last paragraph – remembering that our children are a gift, not matter how difficult or scary their “issues” are. Fortunately, my girls are very healthy, but we did go through a time when one had some stomach issues that were never really answered. I understand how hard it is to watch them suffer and feel like there is nothing you can do. This is a perfect addition to Our Land!February 19, 2014 – 11:25 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - It’s never easy to have to watch your child suffer- no matter the pain. Every parent has they path… and we are all better for taking it. 🙂

      Thanks for your precious words, Lisa! I love you too, my friend. XOXOFebruary 19, 2014 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Such a gift, no matter their issues, is so agreed, Lisa. Thank you…February 19, 2014 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - This post was very meaningful to me since I am currently watching my youngest son battle cancer. I do find comfort in your words and your conclusion that each child was made specifically for us and vice versa. I do believe that and have believed that even before my son was ill. Thank you for sharing part of your journey here – I am so glad to hear that you are in a much better place now.February 19, 2014 – 11:34 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Emily- simply gasped when I read your comment. Then I cried. And then I prayed….

      You are called to a great place in parenting, and I am in awe of your strength and perseverance in finding solid ground from which you can stand on- and carry your precious boy.

      Please know that you are in my heart. And in my prayers.February 19, 2014 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Xo Emily. Big ones. Like the biggest ones of all.February 19, 2014 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Chris, I’m a recent follower to the Our Land series and the stories continue to amaze me. I’m terribly sorry for what you went through and infinitely more so for your daughter. I totally understand feelings of fear and anxiety for anything in life but in direct relation to your life experience with her. You’ve proven to yourself an incredible inner strength yet your daughter possesses a strength and will beyond what we can fathom. So many blessings being sent her way for Right and Perfect health for the rest of her long, beautiful life. This story was very powerful and emotional to read. Thank you for sharing it with us and also to Kristi for bringing you here 🙂February 19, 2014 – 12:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Mike- I am SO grateful for your beautiful words of encouragement and I appreciate your blessings sent our way!!

      We have been through an incredible journey, and you are right- both my daughter and I have endured so much. With that comes a strength and a will that can only be born out of hardship and adversity. You should see my daughter now! Her light shines bright- bold- and assuredly full of hope!February 19, 2014 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, Mike!!! thank you for being such an Our Land supporter!!! You should write one!!!February 19, 2014 – 10:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Nearly speechless.
    I do like to think it’s about us too. I like to know that it is.
    I do know bits and pieces of your journey with Cassidy, and this fills in a lot of holes I hadn’t read before.
    May you all breathe easily in decades of years to come.February 19, 2014 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Last year was the first year we had a fairly ‘normal’ year- it was so new to me to not be in a constant state of desperation. It took a year to trust it- and there were times she got sick and I fell apart yet again- knowing how it goes…

      But each time- brought to now. I still thank God EVERY single night that I can sleep- in a quiet house. Peace is here. Peace is finally here.February 19, 2014 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Laurie - More pieces to the story, your story. I loved your last paragraph, Chris. I don’t talk about this on my blog because my daughter (23 years old) reads my blog. She was 6 years old before she talked, or articulated, I should say. There were many diagnosis from non-verbal apraxia, development delay, possible autism, low IQ and so many others I can’t remember. None of these threatened her life but raising that child was a bag of mixed blessings. She still has issues, and sometimes I wonder why God chose ME to be her mother, and not someone more patient, understanding, and patient. My daughter now has a sever stutter. My daughter is my hero…who deserved a better mother, yet I received THAT honor. Thanks for sharing your story.February 19, 2014 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh gosh Laurie- that must have been incredibly hard to go through with your daughter!! You had and still have exactly EXACTLY what your daughter needed… flaws and all. Good Lord, I have NO idea why God chose me to care for Cassidy- it was quite frankly the WORST path I could have ever encountered with my anxiety. Do you know I used to scream to God “Why this? Why not diabetes or some silent sickness! I’ll take ANYTHING but this!! I can’t handle the violent sounds and desperate gasps over and over and over again for WEEKS…no break no rest -nothing! Give me something ELSE!”

      I am a mess just thinking about those years- YEARS- endless nights full of every sickness under the sun…coupled with asthma…breathing treatments that never worked…shots of steroids…clumps of hair…crying… blood vessels popped all over her face from the coughing… and on and on and on….

      Long season of suffering..February 19, 2014 – 9:54 pmReplyCancel

      • Laurie - It sounds like you went to hell and back. I can’t imagine watching my child suffer the way you did. Thank goodness it has gotten better for her…for you. No more clumps is a good thing, right?February 19, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Laurie, it sounds like we may have some In Common as well. My son is 4 1/2 and can’t say his name. We’re not sure what it is, but THANK YOU for coming here as I loved your vlog!!!February 19, 2014 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Chris, I am speechless. Those last two paragraphs, with the contrasting mother-child themes, took my breath away. I have not experienced a medical crisis of a child (yet, knock on wood) but I very much related to these words- “My greatest weakness is fear. My most profound disability is anxiety.” Thanks for such a powerful post. Beautiful.February 19, 2014 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Stephanie, thank you SO much for your precious words!! I am so glad you haven’t had to experience any medical issues- thank GOD!

      It comforts me so, to know you get that line. So you must get me. And I must get you. Fear and anxiety- defining words indeed. XOFebruary 19, 2014 – 9:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Writing so you know I read, Chris.

    This is an incredible piece of writing – very evocative. I held my breath as I read.

    <3 you.
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    • Chris Carter - Oh lizzi!!!! You DID read it after all!!! Oh bless your HEART- for your beautiful support here. You amaze me, dear lizzi…. stretching waaaay beyond yourself to read this and praise me and even give me my LINES!!!! Oh, how I need them… or at least the grace. I can’t keep up.

      Keep ’em comin’…. mom here until TUESDAY!!! (Bangs head on laptop hard)February 19, 2014 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

      • Considerer - Tuesday? OWWWWW!

        Just remember – she’s there so you can teach her to be a better person. Or something. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT!!!

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  • The Dose of Reality - Aw, CHRIS!!! As I find myself so often doing when I read your beautiful and touching words, I am typing through tears over here. Bobby has had some health challenges among other things and it has sometimes been so hard. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent just sobbing on the phone to Ashley over the years. When I think about all we’ve been through together in this context it just all fits together and seems so right. I think this is it…exactly.

    I could not have read a more meaningful and lovely thing post. Thank you for giving me this today, Chris!! XOXO –LisaFebruary 19, 2014 – 5:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - AW Lisa!!!! I am always SO touched by your response to my posts!!! I love that you had Ashley with you during those difficult times with Bobby!! It can be just so hard to do it alone… parenting can bring out our deepest pains and our greatest joys, ya know?

      Thank you for your beautiful comment, dear friend. I SO appreciate you… XOXOFebruary 19, 2014 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

  • another jennifer - Such a powerful and beautiful post, Chris. That last paragraph is truly striking. I learn so much from my kids. I do believe I was meant to be their mother and they my sons. Just too good for words, this one.February 19, 2014 – 6:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Thank you SO much Jennifer!! I really am so glad I thought of this post for the series. Every mom truly needs to grasp this truth- because it can be SO hard and we can question SO much along this path of parenting.

      Trusting that we were hand picked by God to be the mom of our child- is a fundamental principle we must live by, always.February 19, 2014 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - To read this after reading Cassidy’s triumphs on the swim team…I have to go back and reread that knowing how hard it was for both of you to get to that point. And like many other commenters, that last paragraph really got me. I smiled and nodded as I read the first one, but I cried a little when I read the last one. How our children make us something more than what we were before.February 19, 2014 – 8:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - AW! Thanks Dana!!! I love that you cried ‘a little’… you are SO adorable!! 😉

      And YES!!1 THIS is why Cassidy’s triumph is so incredible!! There are endless layers of painful year after year for my girl. It’s only been since last year where she lived a ‘normal’ life. I must celebrate every new step we take in this new world of what ‘healthy kids do’.

      All new to us. All so wonderfully new!February 19, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle - Chris, this was so beautiful. I can’t imagine going through all that you have…you know my story about my son from our book, and I was at wits end throughout all of it. Its the worst feeling to have not been able to help, and just hold them in your arms and love them and pray. As usual, I have tears in my eyes. You always manage to do that to me. Hugs to you, my friend.February 19, 2014 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Michelle… I absolutely get what you went through- I think at some point in every mother’s journey, they have to endure a similar feat. It’s simply unbearable, but apparently endurable. Us moms MUST make it through for the sake of our children.

      I love that this touched you so deeply, my friend. XOXOFebruary 20, 2014 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - Somehow with all of my allergies I had two children that did not contract asthma. I just can’t imagine! I think a lot of people don’t understand that it is serious and not just something they make up, and in your daughter’s case scary and life threatening. You describe your situation and emotions so beautifully in this post-you continue to amaze me with your writing Ms Chris! So glad you came to Our Land this week! 🙂February 20, 2014 – 1:28 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Sarah!! You are SUCH a dear… thank you for your kind words and yes oh yes, how blessed you are to NOT have the horrifying ailment of asthma in your precious kiddos.

      Thanks so much for taking time to read my story, dear friend. Truly grateful!February 20, 2014 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

  • jhanis - My son has asthma and we’ve had so many scary moments at the ER. Sometimes I ask why not me, I’m stronger. Why not me, I’ve made so many mistakes in life and I deserve to be the one in pain. Just not my son please
    It’s hard to watch your kid when they’re sick. So thank you for posting this. *HugsFebruary 20, 2014 – 1:35 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - I have spent many agonizing nights praying for God to allow ME to have all the pain and horrific illnesses my daughter endured, instead of her. I have begged and pleaded for mercy… and questioned myself along the way. I understand.

      But there’s a piece to parenting that is about surrendering our brokenness in hopes to birth a greater good. There’s a gift in grace…February 20, 2014 – 11:25 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia - Oh sweet Mama, I cannot tell you how in awe I am of your faith! I am not a stranger to your story but every time I read a post with tales of that dark time, it just “wows” me. It is a beautifully touching testimony to the power of faith that is available to all of us to help us through our dark times. Thank you for sharing!February 20, 2014 – 8:16 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - And even in those desperate moments of anguish when I felt betrayed and alone… those are the times when we MUST rely on His Holy Presence. Even when we don’t even feel our God with us, that is when we MUST trust that He’s got this, we just don’t see it yet.

      Too many times I gave up on Him, on me, on this dark life I had to live and suffer through to survive. I see NOW, where His Hands were perfectly placed. You simply can’t see things in the dark- hence you MUST simply trust.February 20, 2014 – 11:28 amReplyCancel

  • Karmen - Wow. This is amazing. You are amazing.Your daughter is amazing. Your husband is amazing. Thanks for sharing. You go, girl!February 20, 2014 – 2:43 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - Wow Chris, this really is amazing and touching and relatable. I remember the hardest time with my Isaiah, when the doctor’s thought he might have Leukemia and started testing him for everything. And I had to keep telling myself everything is for God’s purpose, but I didn’t know if I would be strong enough even though I was telling myself that.
    I am weak when it comes to my relationship with my boy. I am never sure I could make it if ever something was life-threatening. When his tic gets really bad and I worry it is more than the neurologist has said, I lose focus, I pray for hours, and then I worry more.
    This story is so inspiring, thank you for sharing. Really. Thank you!February 20, 2014 – 4:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Jennifer- I get that. Oh do I get that. I seriously “gave up” too many times to count. My second also had asthma and speech and hearing issues…sick a lot too. I lost it over and over again, just thinking there was absolutely no way I would have the strength to endure…

      We did, didn’t we? Somehow, we did.February 20, 2014 – 5:52 pmReplyCancel

  • WriterMom Angela - Chris, as always your writing is beyond eloquent! Thanks for sharing your story, I feel certain it will be helpful to a mom who is dealing with a similar situation! <3February 20, 2014 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - AW! Thanks SO much Angela… so grateful for your sweet encouragement!!! I appreciate you stopping by over here to read this, my friend!February 20, 2014 – 9:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Chris – you always, always, find inspiration and wisdom in every moment, every trial, every challenge. And I love how you turn this one around. Yes. yes. Yes. Mine were born to be my children. and all for different reasons. Apparently, I had a lot to learn. xoFebruary 20, 2014 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Thanks SO much Ilene- you always bless me with your words, you know that? I love that you get this- and it is absolute truth. Apparently I had to learn alot too… and it ain’t over yet! OY. 😉February 20, 2014 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Oh, how heart wrenching to have to leave your two year old! I know I would have sobbed like a baby too. Your take-away from it all is so inspiring.February 22, 2014 – 2:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - It was the hardest moment in parenting for me… especially because it was the first time I had to leave her so sick, when I am the one she needs most during those horrifying times! It was tearing my heart out- but somehow, God managed to step in for me and she made it through just fine. I call that a miracle. 🙂February 22, 2014 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Amber Day Hicks - Tearing up! Takes me back to Kensie’s 21 day stay in the NICU after birth because she couldn’t breath and the 3am calls from the hospital, “you need to get here, we don’t know if she will make it until morning” I’m so grateful God had bigger plans for OUR girls, amen,SSSF? XO! ~A~February 22, 2014 – 4:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Amber!! That sounds TERRIFYING!!! I am SO glad “God had bigger plans for OUR GIRLS!!” AMEN SSSF!!February 25, 2014 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Kristi, thanks for having Chris over here.
    Chris, thanks for making me cry. No, really! I’m still working on the right words for the post you inspired with your 3-parter (I didn’t forget – it’s just a toughie) and the words you have here get me dead center – we were put here to be the mother of a particular child for a particular reason – and vice versa. I believe it one hundred and ten percent every time I think of my daughter and how our lives are unfolding. There is always a plan. It doesn’t always make sense, but every now and then maybe we see a glimpse of what it’s all about. I really just loved this. Thanks.
    🙂February 23, 2014 – 12:35 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - Oh Lisa! Now you’re making ME cry!! I just love that you ‘get it’… and that you are touched by this message. I have all the time in the world to wait for your precious inspired post to come!!

      There is ALWAYS a plan… and we must trust that. Even when we are drowning in it.

      Thank you love, for your sweetness.February 25, 2014 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Real Life Parenting - What a lovely, moving perspective on motherhood. It’s one I’ve come to see more clearly lately. As my kids are teens and continue pressing on toward their independence and adulthood, I see how much I’ve learned–about them, myself, and this world. Through it all, every day is a lesson. Really beautifully written!February 23, 2014 – 8:13 amReplyCancel

    • Chris Carter - I am so grateful for your kind response, and your beautiful take on this message. I am sure that you have had a journey rich in growth with your kiddos, now nearing independence. Wow. I can only imagine…

      I believe they will continue to teach us, grow us even as adults. And we too, will do the same for them. What a glorious path we are on, as moms.February 25, 2014 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

Last night, I had somebody wonder why anybody would read a blog, or write one. I was getting ready to leave my book club group, and already had my coat on. I sat down, too warm, ready to leave, but enthralled. I wanted her to understand, and to answer her properly, although I ended up […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Lori Lavender Luz - I saw the news this morning — congrats on being in the LTYM show! Wish I could be there. Guess I’ll have to wait for the video.February 16, 2014 – 2:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Lori! Are you on in Denver again? I wish you could be there, too. Here, I mean, when I read…February 17, 2014 – 5:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Woohoo! That’s SO awesome that you auditioned and made it into the show! To be honest, I don’t know a whole lot about it, but of course I’ve heard of it and in fact, my neighbor who is a blogger is involved with producing the NY one. Oh and the “why do people blog?” question is always one that stumps me too. It’s so hard to answer clearly, even to myself sometimes. 🙂February 16, 2014 – 2:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Emily! That’s cool about your neighbor. Are you going to try out this year? And yeah, the whole “why blog?” question is one that I guess all of us are occasionally confused by. It is a really weird thing.February 17, 2014 – 5:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I was going to post up a “FIRST!!” comment but I don’t want to wear out my welcome on that 🙂 So, who knows where I’ll end being. Wow, you took your rock star status to a whole new level!! Huge congrats on your audition and being chosen, Kristi! We would love to be there so please picture Phoenix and I in the audience supporting you with thunderous applause! But, if you’re doing that speaking technique (learned this is Speech and Debate) of picturing your audience members naked pullleezze don’t look our way. Phoenix is a hottie but me…well, I don’t want you to lose it on stage laughing from Alfred E Newman UNDRESSED! I know whatever you have chosen to read will be amazing!! That sledding looks like so much fun! I tried to get Phoenix to go down the slide with me last year. He pushed me down and backed way…and laughed at me. Jerk! Love your Tucker pics and you continue to amaze, enlighten and teach me so many things. xoxo’s from your two buddies in Reno 🙂February 16, 2014 – 2:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Mike. Thank you so much for your congratulations and encouragement. I appreciate it more than I know how to say. And they will post all of the videos on You Tube so you can watch me read my piece after the fact. Hopefully, I will not make a fool of myself. Gulp.
      HAHAH to picturing the audience naked! I’ll have to try and remember that. Phoenix wouldn’t go down the slide with you? He’s a sneaky one!! Maybe you should see if he likes to skateboard. I’ve seen videos of lesser dogs than he on them and they look like they’re having a blast!February 17, 2014 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Huge congrats on Listen to your Mother and so happy and excited for you. And Tucker looks adorable all dressed up for the snow and seriously looks like he is having so much fun. Happy Sunday and hoping you a have a wonderful week ahead now! 🙂February 16, 2014 – 3:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Janine! I hope you have a wonderful week as well. I heard it’s going to snow more though. Sigh.February 17, 2014 – 5:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I have no idea what Listen to Your Mother is but hooray for you! We have been home since Wednesday night. Snow days Thursday and Friday…then weekend for real…tomorrow Kidzilla has school but I don’t (hoping to accomplish some real work and chores while she’s gone – and she NEEDS to go to school – she’s stir crazy)…then in theory everybody is back to things on Tuesday, BUT…more snow and ice. Is it pathetic that I’m actually hoping for that to be another snow day? But that is another story all in itself.

    Tucker is unbelievably cute – love the pics.

    Have a great week!February 16, 2014 – 3:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, LTYM is a show that is produces in 32 cities around the US in honor of Mother’s Day. So 10-12 writers read a piece to a live audience that has something to do with Motherhood. I almost didn’t audition but I’m so glad that I did! I can’t believe I got in and now just have to focus on not messing it up.
      And yeah, I hear you on the NEEDS to go to school. This is nuts.
      Hm. You’re hoping for another snow day? Do tell! And thanks – you have a great week too!February 17, 2014 – 5:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Congrats on LTYM!! I submitted a piece to my local show and was offered an audition. Long story short, there was no way I could make the schedule work so I had to graciously decline and I’m totally bummed about it.

    I agree that blogging is difficult for non-bloggers to understand. I just had this conversation with Janine recently. My hubby cannot understand why I refer to people I have never met as “friends” or how I can feel so connected to them. It is a very unique bond/relationship. 🙂February 16, 2014 – 4:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Lisa!
      Sorry to hear that you had to back out due to your busy schedule. It is a bit of a time commitment but I didn’t really think I’d get in! I’m glad I did though. You’ll be a shoe-in for next year, I’m sure (if you can find the time which isn’t easy, I know).
      And yeah, I feel like we’re all true friends as well. I’m not sure my husband (or anybody else) get it, either. It really is a unique bond. Maybe because we share so much of ourselves through our writing.February 17, 2014 – 5:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Listen To Your Mother!! Wooooo!
    And that snowman is fantastic.
    We don’t have school tomorrow or all week for President’s Day and then February vacation so I’m freakin’ thrilled over here about that. (not)February 16, 2014 – 4:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH to February vacation. Sorry to hear that. One snow day is fun, ya know? But the mores of them (mores is a word)? Not so much.
      Thanks for the Wooooo!February 17, 2014 – 6:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Oh my to more snow on Tuesday. I won’t reiterate our Wednesday temp. I don’t want you to write me off ;-). I know what you mean about writing out loud – though not nearly what you’ve done, I’ve tried to dictate a blog post instead of type it and I couldn’t do it. Super congrats on the DC Listen thing. I have no idea what that is, but you’ll tell us when and where to go listen right? Love the video!February 16, 2014 – 6:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yes, Kenya, thank you for keeping how lovely and warm it is there to yourself today. I tried to dictate some posts when my hand was broken and found it easier to just type with one hand. Weird.
      And yes, I’ll tell you when and where to go listen! They film them all and put them on You Tube. It’s a live show done in 32 cities around the US where writers read something about motherhood, in honor of Mother’s Day. I’m really excited. Hopefully I don’t mess up.February 17, 2014 – 6:12 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - Congratulations!!!!! I am so proud of you for doing it and putting yourself out there!
    Also, the blogging thing. Question for the ages, right? I mean with my whole disaster, why didn’t I just quit ROTR? I don’t know. It makes zero sense whatsoever. So…..
    Personally, writing is the best way I’ve found to remove what is stuck on the inside of my brain.
    But as for the community, that is the most amazing benefit yet. You are absolutely right about that.
    Looks like you guys had so much fun! You’re an amazing mom. I would have freaked about the toilet paper, it’s not free you know!
    Guess what? We are due for 5-7 inches of snow tomorrow and then RAIN on Wednesday! They say we will have flooding!
    Armageddon is here!!!February 16, 2014 – 7:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Jen! I was shaking like crazy when I went to read it but am way excited!!
      Yeah, the blogging thing. HUGE question for the ages. I’m glad you hung in there with ROTR. All these glitches are temporary and it will live forever, right? NO WAY that you’re getting more snow. I feel for you, friend. Big time. Sigh. Will spring EVER get here?February 17, 2014 – 6:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Oh my heart! You’re gonna be on LTYM!!!! That is so exciting! I am so happy for you and I can’t wait to see your clips! blogging – sheesh – you know I can’t even remember exactly why I started but I loved writing and also wanted to write novels and thought of it as first as weekly writing exercises – but now it’s so NOT THAT! It’s a strange bird blogging. A little bit of this and that and also getting to know amazing people.February 16, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Ilene! I am pretty psyched about it!! Blogging is just weird, isn’t it? Seriously weird. And addictive. But yeah, the amazing people. You. Friends. Community. It’s pretty empowering.February 17, 2014 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - Wow – Tucker’s getting tall! I guess I haven’t seen pics of him full body in a while. I bet he’s lovin’ the snow! I bet you’re ready for it to be the fuck over already. Here’s hoping you get some me time this week. 🙂

    BUT BUT BUT WOW HOLY SHIT WOW!!! CONGRATS! I have NO idea what the Listen To Your Mother Show is, but I’m wildly excited you got the gig!!! Is it a reoccurring thing or just once? A radio show?

    I’m so fortunate that even though most of my friends don’t know jack about blogging, they get it. They ask questions, they’re interested, and for the love of god they read me, which blows me away and is so touching to me.February 16, 2014 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He totally is getting tall. Everybody thinks he’s a good two years older than he really is because he’s just HUGE. And yeah, you might say that I’m exactly ready for the snow to be the fuck over already.
      LTYM is a yearly show in celebration of Mother’s Day. In like 32 cities, they have a live show for an hour and 1/2 and 10-12 writers read something that they wrote about motherhood. You should check it out!
      I love that your friends read your blog. Most of mine don’t really. (weep)February 17, 2014 – 6:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - OMG, FABULOUS!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! I am totally going! I am totally going and will stalk you after the show! Watch out!February 16, 2014 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA, Sarah! Where do you live? They have shows in like 32 cities. And I hope you DO come. I’d be really cool if I brought my very own stalker.February 17, 2014 – 6:22 pmReplyCancel

      • Sarah - Girl, you know I live in your neck of the woods! I’m totally coming to YOUR show, and I am SO excited!
        Also, really glad you can take these comments as intended and not in a really frightening kind of stalker way that I am definitely not.February 18, 2014 – 9:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh. You’re in Texas or something. Where it’s warm. Boo.February 17, 2014 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy - I am just thrilled to hear about the LTYM gig! Just freakin’ awesome, Kristi!
    Tucker is a handsome dude! And that smile! I am just a sucker for a cute boy smile….my son knows this very well!
    Sorry about more snow. I want you to continue to like me so I’m not mentioning our weather here in Florida.
    I have about two people in my “real” life that know I blog so I don’t get the question. But if I ever did my answer would pretty much mirror yours. If it weren’t for the people I’ve met out here, I would probably have quit very shortly after I started. Now, there is no way I could. It has become part of who I am now. “These people,though. These people.” Yep…that’s it exactly.February 16, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so much, Sandy! I’m pretty thrilled myself!! Thanks for not mentioning your weather in Florida because I like liking you and it would suck if I had to be all jealous and stuff and you rubbed it in my face, because that would possibly make me cry. Maybe. Probably.
      And yeah, these people. You. This community. It’s the best part of blogging.February 17, 2014 – 6:30 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - how much do you want to make a bet that all of the people for congratulating you would have known that you’re going to make it into the finalistif they have even known you were trying out? I know that because I’m not that smart and I knew!!!congrats again and I’m glad you didn’t have to use Clarks exit line !February 16, 2014 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Zoe to Clark’s exit line! You’re smarter than I am because I really wasn’t sure at ALL. BUt I’m really glad that I did and thank you for listening. You rock.February 17, 2014 – 6:31 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Damn I hate autocorrect!February 16, 2014 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Tucker looks like he’s having so much fun in the snow. I’m glad someone is enjoying it.
    YAY FOR YOU!! I’m so excited for you making the cut for LTYM!!! Can’t wait to see which one you chose.
    I haven’t been able to bring myself to even tell my book club about HerStories. I get so self-conscious about talking about writing. I don’t care if people I know read the blog or the book, but they all know, we aren’t allowed to talk about it.February 16, 2014 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Christine, I hear you on book club. I didn’t actually tell them that I was in it – the host did. It was intimidating reading it out loud because what are they going to say? I mean it’s not like they’d tell me “yeah, that was okay but the other people in the book were really much better?” Also, I don’t think most of my IRL friends read my blog. Some do, but we don’t really talk about it either. It’s a weird thing, really.
      Thanks so much for the congrats, too!! I’m super excited.February 17, 2014 – 6:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Super congrats on ltym! You will be amazing. Have been thinking about this post and I agree about the immediacy of blogging. Been submitting and the gap is so long until publication, if at all! Definitely one huge benefit. Although I hope you write that novel sone day!February 17, 2014 – 10:03 amReplyCancel

  • Kate Coveny Hood - Now I feel nostalgic for the days when I used to blog more frequently! (and when people actually read what I wrote…) This is inspiring. Looking forward to working with you on LTYM!February 17, 2014 – 12:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kate,
      I’m over the MOON looking forward to working with you on LTYM. Thanks so much! Oh and if you need a reminder – blogging is also the time sucker of all motherlode time suckers. Still, fun though, right? Or well, addicting, anyway.February 17, 2014 – 6:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - I completely heart that kid. He is too cute!!!
    Did he and Bridget enjoy their V-Day?? Aww … young love!

    xoxo
    LanayaFebruary 17, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Awww to young love indeed! And I agree that he’s adorable, although it’s possible that I’m biased.February 17, 2014 – 6:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - I can so completely relate to your reaction to the comment made in your book club about blogging. I would want to say so much and wouldn’t know where to start and then just wouldn’t.

    It’s a funny coincidence. I’ve never read anything of mine out loud either until last month and it was actually by choice, although terrifying, despite being presented to a small group. I volunteer at an organization that helps newcomers and they came up with an awesome idea, a motivational club for immigrants and the lady who oversees it asked me to volunteer. I was supposed to talk about professional success. Instead I’ve decided to read one of my favourite posts, which is funnily enough the exact same FTSF you’ve mentioned here on why we blog. I talked about how it helped me reconnect with myself after becoming “immigrant Katia”.Blogging for me, quite simply, is a way to be me 🙂

    I am thrilled for you and can’t wait for the post reveal! You belong there. This is great!February 17, 2014 – 1:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Katia,
      Wow, how bizarre and wonderful that we both just now read our own writing out loud and I love love that you read your FTSF on immigrant Katia to a group. I’m sure they were incredibly moved and inspired!! That’s awesome.
      And thanks so much for the congrats!!!February 17, 2014 – 6:50 pmReplyCancel

      • Katia - I know, it’s so odd, especially considering we share a blogiversary! It’s like we’re blog twins 😉February 17, 2014 – 7:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica Smock - Congratulations! So thrilled again that you read the HerStories Project for your book group. And I too have been wondering about why we blog. Sometimes I have a great answer, sometimes I don’t. But I love hearing other people’s reflections and stories.February 17, 2014 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me, too, Jessica! They really liked the book, a lot. Reading out loud was hard but I’m so glad that I did it. And yeah, why we blog is a hard one. Some days, harder than others, I suppose.February 17, 2014 – 7:03 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Am SO EXCITED to hear that you got the LTYM show!! That is just wonderful! You will do great! I definitely think it is in moments like that for bloggers that we remember why we do this in the first place! :)-AshleyFebruary 17, 2014 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Ashley! I’m super excited too!!! And yeah, this is why. You guys. And I submitted a question in my comment tonight. Let me know if it’s worthy.February 17, 2014 – 8:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Julie Chenell DeNeen - Congratulations!!!! I knew you were awesome 🙂February 17, 2014 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA not nearly as awesome as you, sweets, with the coolest hair ever. And this. shining moments are a bonus. That stuck with me today big time.February 17, 2014 – 8:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Congratulations! That’s wonderful news about making the show. I hadn’t heard about it – but surfed about their site and it looks great! Well done.

    The car wash and race track made me smile – very creative. As for sledding – looks like he had a blast!February 17, 2014 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Louise!!!
      HHAHA to the car wash and race track. Truth be told, we reused the TP. Don’t tell.February 17, 2014 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine Gacad - great insight on why we blog. i totally feel the same way: the community and instant connection versus the solitude of say, writing a novel. i guess the downside is that no blogger really writes an award-winning novel. it can totally be a distraction. i’d say that the best writers are not bloggers. and the best bloggers aren’t the best writers.February 18, 2014 – 2:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re probably right that the best writers don’t blog and the best bloggers don’t really write, although I find that a little depressing as I still really want to write a novel. But, I’m not working on a novel, so there’s that. The community of blogging is truly amazing.February 18, 2014 – 9:45 amReplyCancel

  • elizabeth bradt - I often struggle with the question of why I love to blog and why I devote so much time to it. I’ve debated the narcissistic side of it, but have decided that the community keeps me here and the Bloppys are my friends. You’ve hit the nail on the head! .February 18, 2014 – 8:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree with the community and the Bloppys being true friends. Thanks, Elizabeth!February 18, 2014 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - Looks like you and your little guys had a wonderful weekend.February 18, 2014 – 12:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - Congrats! I can’t imagine reading something I wrote IN FRONT of people, but that’s amazing.
    I love Tucker’s monkey hat, he’s such a doll. It never would dawn on me to use toilet paper as a track for cars but that is genius!
    I may have to try that in Comfytown w/my gang. My girls LOVE cars and trucks.February 18, 2014 – 6:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney Conover - Hi, Kristi! Rough day around these parts. I’ve got nothing to add, other than to say I came here because I knew I’d learn something and smile during the process…and I was right. Thank you for yet another though-provoking post.February 18, 2014 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave - I think part of the reason why I blog is that there’s a bit of anonymity out there. Yeah, some of us have pictures of ourselves, but there’s still a level of anonymity. I also like it because we can reach out to others who may be going through the same thing we are miles & miles away.

    I love your son’s little monkey hat. Looks like you guys made the most of the snow. I hope you guys get a break though!February 18, 2014 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Look at you all getting to read your great stuff out loud to a bunch of hens!! Yay you! Lol. That’s sweet, for real.

    Tucker looks great. Such a happy boy! He needs a brother or sister. Do that you must.February 19, 2014 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I’m getting to this late this week, but it was worth it! Congratulations on your super achievement – being a Brit I don’t actually know what the DC Listen to Your Mother show is, but is sounds very impressive and cool. Wowee!

    I agree with you it’s so much easier to write than to read out loud. I have done it a few times, but not for years – apart from at my Dad’s funeral, when I told myself it didn’t matter if I broke down and cried because people would understand.

    An interesting question you pose -why do you blog? I posed this question on my blog a while ago about writing in general and I think the general consensus was one you’ve included – because we must! And connecting with other people is important too. You do a great service with this blog, that’s for sure.February 19, 2014 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Congratulations upon congratulations for acing the audition for the Listen to Your Mother Show! You will truly be such a highlight at the program!

    Your snow is pretty and your kiddo is adorbs. I especially like the ghetto games with the tp. Funny, we just use it for, um, well, you know….February 19, 2014 – 11:39 pmReplyCancel

  • The Insomniac's Dream - Ghetto toilet paper fun! Second only to tying on towels for capes.February 20, 2014 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

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