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

I wanted to do thankful earlier this weekend, and just couldn’t. Real life happened, and I’m thankful that it did. (one) Because real life? It matters so much more. Most of the time, anyway. This party lets me be thankful even when I’ve messed up Lizzi’s (so thankful for HER as are all of you because […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Considerer - OhEmEffGEE HOW IN THE WORLD DO YOU FUCKING MAKE ME *FEEL* THIS MUCH.

    Just by WRITING.

    GOOD GRIEF!

    I love, love, love your numbers, Tucker eyelashes, Tu-uck present and SO glad that you left this til now. And left Christmas til late. And did Real things.

    Yeah, I’m glad your hand’s better too 😀

    (not that I even want to bring the game cos this was so good…first?)January 13, 2014 – 1:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - FIRST! I knew (fist pump) that you’d get the numbering! Thanks for noticing and yeah, his eyelashes are pretty incredible. I hope that they stay as long as they are forever (do all little kids have amazing eyelashes? Maybe it’s because their faces are smaller??).
      I’m glad I did real things, too. But one of these weeks, I AM going to post my TToT on a Saturday. I AM I AM.January 13, 2014 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

      • Considerer - First INDEED!

        Also *gasp* is this…could it be…surely I can’t dare to hope??

        NESTED COMMENTS?January 13, 2014 – 6:42 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - YUP. It is. It is indeed, nested comments with the ability to receive replies via email. I know. I thanked Captain Picard and Star Trek, too. And gave my money willingly. Also? Thanks to Dana for the reply notification plugin thing.January 13, 2014 – 11:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - I loved the way you presented your list this week. It was so uniquely you. It’s the sort of thing that I expect and like about coming to your blog- your wittiness, your spontaneity…your personality and ability to show how awesome of a kid Tucker is…I just love it all. So glad that your hand is looking better! Tucker is the cutest for not wanting Christmas to end. I love that the neighbors are on the same page! 🙂January 13, 2014 – 1:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks Brittnei! I think I was still editing as you were typing your comment – sorry if it got wonky for you! I think it’s strange how many neighbors have their lights still up but I’ll take it because it makes me not look like a total slacker.January 13, 2014 – 11:04 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I used to be totally with Tucker on Christmas, just hated when it was time to take the tree and all the decorations down (do you refer to them as decorations in the States or is that a British thing?) Now, I’m just about able to handle it, so Tucker’s doing way better than me if he can handle it at 4 and a half!

    This is a lovely post Kristi, full of your joy and love for Tucker, and so a pleasure to read. Thank you.January 13, 2014 – 6:11 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We do refer to them as decorations here! Well, at least I do… Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Yvonne! I was actually a little bummed myself that the tree was gone this morning…so I guess he’s not alone!January 13, 2014 – 11:06 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - So much to indeed be thankful for Kristi and love how you told Tucker he is your best present ever. Seriously, I know what you mean and truly feel the same about my girls even when they are being (as I call them) my beastly ladies! Yay to a great weekend and by the way here is to an even better week now!! 🙂January 13, 2014 – 7:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to beastly ladies – Tucker can be that way as well but yeah, overall, I’d say that they are truly the very best presents ever. I hope you have a great week, too!January 13, 2014 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

  • christine - I’m kinda happy for you and Peyton Manning. I’d be happier if Indy didn’t kick him to the curb, but since he’s such a good guy, I’ll be happy for you. 🙂

    So much wonderful for you and Tucker this week. Watching a child break out new skills, new words, new abilities, and new discoveries is just plain marvelous, regardless of his age. A child’s brain is fascinating.
    Wrapping himself up as a present for you is precious. Don’t feel bad about keeping Christmas around. Liturgically, Christmas just ended yesterday, so you were right on time.
    I hope this week is just as wonderful for you.January 13, 2014 – 7:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for being happy for me and Peyton Manning, Christine! He really does seem like such a great guy. Hey thanks for letting me know that Christmas just ended yesterday and that I was right on time. I hope your week is awesome, too!January 13, 2014 – 11:08 amReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - I had a really hard time letting go of Christmas, too. We actually still have all our cards up. But taking down the decorations was sad to me. I already miss them. I am with Tucker.-AshleyJanuary 13, 2014 – 8:36 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - The imaginary play and the counting are HUGELY awesome and to top that off with discovering Orange is the New Black, it doesn’t get much better than that (and not just bc I recommended the show but so glad you like it). I agree that you have so so much to be thankful for – your year is off to a great start!January 13, 2014 – 9:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily – I’m completely addicted and will need another recommendation because I’m almost out of episodes already! And yeah, imaginary play and counting are pretty amazingly awesome.January 13, 2014 – 11:09 amReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - I think we should have Christmas all year round. Tucker has the right idea…keep the trees and lights up so we can all stay in the Christmas way of thinking.

    Ps: Orange is the New Black is by far my new favorite show. I just finished up the series about two weeks ago and am so bummed it ended…enjoy it!!January 13, 2014 – 10:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ryan, I think we should have Christmas year-round as well. I didn’t even think about the fact that having the lights and decorations up changes our ways of thinking – cheers to that. Also, I’m running out of episodes!January 13, 2014 – 11:12 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Ack, the sadness when they leave friends and family. And then my own sadness at leaving friends and family, mixed with theirs. It’s..astonishing.
    I’m thankful for Tucker’s eyelashes too, and I’m thankful that I have a photo job tomorrow that will most likely (finally) pay for my BlogU ticket!
    Photos for everyone! Like candy!January 13, 2014 – 10:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YAY to paid photo jobs, Tamara! And to BlogU where we can be IRL friends! And yeah. The sadness is just sad…January 13, 2014 – 11:13 amReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - You have a beautiful son! How blessed you must feel…most of the time 🙂
    We had two trees ( I wrote about this in A Tall and a Small) and just took the small one down. At 8, my son had a few rough moments about it. It almost stayed and I guess could have-really, no one else’s business, right?!January 13, 2014 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - My TBP, I remember your Tall and Small post and I love that you have two trees. And yes! Nobody else’s business. I’m already missing my tree a little bit so maybe Tucker had the right idea making us wait to take it down.January 13, 2014 – 11:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - My heart is swelling right now. He counted and gave you a present and WAS present. I am just over freaking joyed for you.January 13, 2014 – 11:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Kerri! I’m pretty overjoyed too. So much so that I might even get motivated to take down the lights outside so that I can finally have an excuse to put away the Christmas wrapping paper that is all over my office.
      xoJanuary 13, 2014 – 4:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - So, you need to watch House of Cards. It is another Netflix original. Different than Orange is the New Black (which I can’t wait to start again) but equally good.January 13, 2014 – 12:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Kate! I’ll check it out. Only a couple more OITNB and OMG I am so hooked. So hooked.January 13, 2014 – 4:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Seriously, why do I have to enter my info every time I comment? What’s up, WordPress?

    Kristi, what a beautiful, beautiful post. I loved it start to finish. The images you’ve drawn of Tucker tug at my heart. I love to hear what he is saying these days! That present story?!?! My heart! It seems he’s making some great progress in a lot of areas!

    I think watching a child pretend is one of the sweetest things a parent gets to do. I love it so much! I watched Leo “vacuum” with a car scraper the other day.

    So excited you are watching OITNB. I was so addicted to that show I started playing the Regina Spektor song on repeat. Wait until to get to the cliff-hanger ending. Cannot WAIT til the next season. The long wait is the problem with binge-watching.

    If you need a new binge show after finishing that one, I highly recommend House of Cards. I liked it even better than OITNB, but I am a sucker for political dramas. Robin Wright is jaw-droppingly amazing in the show, and I think she won a Golden Globe last night, too.January 13, 2014 – 1:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah,
      Try just typing the first letter of your name and blog maybe? That works for me but I’m not sure if it’s browser specific (on Chrome because Safari was making me mad). I agree that watching a child pretend is one of the best things ever ever and AWWW to Leo “vacuuming” with a car scraper. So adorable! And yeah, binge-watching makes it so much harder to wait for the next season, although considering how many episodes I’ve watched in such a short time, maybe I need the break!!
      Kate recommended House of Cards, too. I’ll definitely check it out – thanks!!January 13, 2014 – 4:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Completely forgot: Sunshine award for you! See my blog.January 13, 2014 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Why do boys get the great eyelashes? Gorgeous. And so is your hand, because it is out of the cast. 327 is a lot of thankful. You are a lucky woman, and I love that you know it.January 13, 2014 – 5:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Why DO boys get the eyelashes? It’s just not fair. It’s wrong and I think maybe the makeup industry genetically coded DNA so that they’d be able to sell more mascara. Jerks.
      327 IS a lot of thankful, and I am a lucky woman for sure…January 13, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Also? Sorry for the double but now I know you can actually read them. There’s like a whole new level of pressure and coolness that I know you read the replies now. It’s awesome (thank you) and weird (weird). Thanks again!!!January 13, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - I am so crazy about this post! Love that you’re keeping the lights/tree up cuz who the fuck cares?? They mean happiness. I wish they were up all year.

    I’m so glad you got some quality time with your family, and just resting, enjoying life. It’s so important. I did that over the holidays and it was truly magic.

    Ok that’s IT. I absolutely HAVE to watch Orange is the new black!! I keep hearing about it and I want to be hooked onto a new show!January 13, 2014 – 7:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Beth!!! I was totally ready to take the lights down again, tonight, but the neighbors did not and I pretty much need them to do so first so that Tucker gets that this whole thing is over!
      You SO NEED TO WATCH.January 14, 2014 – 12:57 amReplyCancel

  • Manal The Go Go Girl - OMG!! I just love this post..it’s so special. You will go to the moon and back for Tucker. What truly matters in life is the time you spend with the family whether you watch TV or break the Christmas tree ornament. Everyone else can wait. Hugs 🙂January 13, 2014 – 9:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - ACHJanuary 14, 2014 – 12:58 amReplyCancel

      • Kristi Campbell - I want to go through the moon and back but well, thank you huge for getting it and sorry for the dumb comment duplication – still getting used to this new system!January 14, 2014 – 12:59 amReplyCancel

  • clark - hey your hand is no longer green! what the hell! (I saw the pitcha on ‘the Facebook’, and tell me they had some kind of guide for that circular blade? damn! I would not have been overly comfortable.

    you know, if you would try to stick to the conventional, accepted and normal format, these Posts would go *so* much smoother. lol

    (I liked the numbering).January 13, 2014 – 9:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Clark! Well it’s green but not in the cast way. It still sucks and is sore beyond belief, but yeah, wheee geeen be gone!
      And Ah Hem. Really? You think I’m going to go conventional now? 🙂
      Maybe I will. Maybe, I just will. Oh. Did you predict that too? Shit.January 14, 2014 – 1:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kari - My boys (ages 14 and 16) STILL have their LONG eyelashes…so hopefully, that will encourage you to know that they do last. My oldest often complains that his lashes hit his sunglasses–he hates them (the lashes, not the sunglasses). I love them (the lashes, not the sunglasses) 😉

    And… wow. LOVE LOVE LOVE the positives and improvements and strides Tucker is making! Awesome! My oldest is “on the spectrum” (Asperger’s specifically). He is on the much much milder end of the spectrum, but I do know that feeling a mother gets to see when the child finally “gets it”, when the progress is finally SEEN and FELT! Ack! So wonderful! Thank you for sharing this great list of Thankfuls!January 14, 2014 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - KARI! They do??? They still have the eyelashes? OMG I hope Tucker keeps his, as well. i didn’t realize that your oldest is high-functioning Asperger’s. Thanks for letting me know because what a small, small world. Thanks for getting the huge and small and they’re huge even when they’re small milestones! SO WONDERFUL, indeed. xoJanuary 14, 2014 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Lord, Kristi, but Tucker is gorgeous!That sweet, sweet face! And, yes, the eyelashes (I’m totally jealous of all my kids’ eyelashes too!) I think you are an amazing Mom and you must be because Tucker gives you the best presents, EVER!
    I am so glad that you have your cast off and your hand is almost back to normal. Bet it’s easier to put that bra on now, isn’t it?
    I love Netflix and am currently addicted to Once Upon A Time. Orange Is The New Black and Breaking Bad are on tap.
    I am so tired and was heading to bed when I saw this post and had to read it. Super glad I did…it was fantastic!January 14, 2014 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok Sandy, can I admit the truth? My hand is still swollen and sore and I STILL have to step into my bra. But dude. I’m typing. Almost the same as I used to and that’s huger for me than the bra. I mean, I type A LOT. The bra? Once/day. 😉
      I’ve not heard of Once Upon A Time (UGH because now that’s a new one for the list) but you’re going to (I think) love OITNB. Hang in there for two episodes. The first one made me feel like “HUH???” but OMG worth it. Thanks for reading before bed and sleep well, my awesome friend.
      Oh. Um. Yeah, I think Tucker is pretty gorgeous too but I’m pretty sure I’m just a wee bit biased. 😉 LOVE that your son’s eyelashes annoy him b/c they touch his sunglasses.January 14, 2014 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - OH, Kristi, this is like the best list ever! So many wonderful things here and I just kept getting all teary over and over again. I’m so far behind on my reading this week and I was about to quit because I have a headache (day THREE now), but I’m so glad I clicked one more!January 15, 2014 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m so sorry to read about your headache and hope you feel better SO SOON!!!January 16, 2014 – 1:27 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - There is always at least one Christmas ornament to perish every year. I’m still trying to figure out how mr. bear riding a red snowboard lost an arm…looks at husband with the hockey stick that he bought for kid at Christmas.
    Tucker is so cute and I love it when they cry over things that make their hearts truly happy (being with friends.)January 16, 2014 – 7:04 amReplyCancel

  • The Monko - what a beautiful post. It made me smile (and then cry a bit because anything heartfelt makes me cry – hormones are a terrible thing). I like Orange is the new black as well. Can’t wait for another series. (See I can only focus on the least serious thing or I will splash tears on my lap top and that could be disastrous!)January 16, 2014 – 8:29 amReplyCancel

If I had a million dollars, there are a lot of things I would do. Maybe I would be overly generous with it, get more frequent massages, a magical facial to make me look younger and hot, and buy a house that I like more with a cooler, larger, more interesting yard. But right now, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - I love what you would do with your million dollars and have no doubt your school would be the best damn school for Tucker and all other children, as well! Seriously you made me smile tonight with your wishes for this lump sum of money 🙂January 9, 2014 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks Janine! It would be one excellent school for sure, but I think I’d need more than a million bucks to pull it off…January 9, 2014 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - You are not alone in feeling inadequate about making decisions that will affect Tucker’s life forever. I feel inadequate about making decisions all the time, and my kids don’t face the same challenges Tucker does. You are not alone, and you’re worried and you’re scared because this is all new territory. I wish I could help you, Kristi, and be able to see into the future and tell you what you should do. But I can’t, so I’ll just give you a virtual hug and buy a lottery ticket to get you that million bucks.January 9, 2014 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for the reminder that I’m not alone in overthinking the decisions. It’s freaking hard and scary right??? If you win 100,000,000 make that school with me? And thanks for the virtual hug and also? Squeee. We get to hang out without the kids soon for lunch (OMG it’s my turn to suggest a date right?) and again at BlogU where we can drink and not drive!!! Whoot!January 9, 2014 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Oh I completely feel your torment over this…as you know, there is no perfect solution so it’s trying to make the best possible one that is so incredibly difficult. And the “Our Land” school? I love that. I’ve been watching the show “Parenthood” on Netflix and one of the characters on the show has Aspergers. They had to decide whether to keep their son in his special school or to mainstream him. Again, even a TV show accurately depicts that this is an agonizing decision for so many parents. If you ever want to talk about it, you know you can contact me – I mean it! I don’t have the answer, but I’m a good listener. 🙂January 9, 2014 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Actually, Emily, I’d love to talk to you one of these days. All of this early stuff feels so important and life altering and overwhelming that I ugh ugh ugh. Should I watch Parenthood again? I’m not even sure I saw it when it came out!!! And thank you so much!!!January 9, 2014 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - For yearsI have stressed and struggled if we were doing what was best for our son. I always wondered if we did MORE would he be better? I don’t know the answer, but what I do know is what was given to us, in the big picture, works. I wish he had more. i wish I could be more, BUT BUT BUT my son will be successful. He will make it in public school. He plays sports and has friends, which is great. When he was Tucker’s age, I wondered if those things would happen.

    What I’m trying to say is that the right things will happen for Tucker, if you don’t feel like it’s rough, then YOU will make more happen. You are a wonderful mom. Don’t doubt it.January 9, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Huge gratitude, Courtney. Huge. I’m so worried that I’ll choose wrong, or miss an opportunity, or not see the perfect solution staring me in the face. And then, I feel selfish that I know that even if I drive Tucker to stuff every day, that it’s not enough and not the same hours. I know that if I say we will go swimming three x each week, that when it’s cold, he may be on the iPad. I feel guilty that I need to work, and teach a 19-year old girl (who is awesome and loved but 19) how important this is…thanks so much for getting it and commenting.January 9, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • April - I’d be happy to give you some of my million to make your dream come true! I know the inadequacies of schools for children without development issues, I can’t imagine how the school operates for those that do. How much do you need? I have to fit it into my equation somehow. And you’d make a great queen… but wouldn’t the school need a principal too? LOLJanuary 9, 2014 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Um I don’t know how much I need but I’d be willing to make you the Queen Second, or the Princess or whatever if you funded it with your winnings!! And yes, do you want to be principal because it totally needs one!January 9, 2014 – 11:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - You would be an AWESOME queen! And I think you are a totally normal mom. We all worry about our kids and if we are doing enough for them… And it helps me to remember how resilient they are. And that a lot of research shows that while parents have a lot of influence on kids’s morals, religious beliefs, political beliefs, etc., we actually have very little influence over intelligence, temperament, etc. Sometimes that’s depressing, sometimes it’s very comforting.January 9, 2014 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, you’re right. Sometimes, our influence, or lack there of is so depressing, but comforting too. So um…wait, we have not much to do with temperament? That part is huge relief. And also depressing as Tucker seems so anxious when things are not his way….sigh…I wish we had a magic wand like the stupid movies do!January 9, 2014 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - So this is a catholic school? The stain glass window threw me off? Lol. You’re a great mom and I’m sure you’ll figure out whatever the best thing is for Tucker.

    Cool is already aware that other kids in his class are bigger and faster than him. He’s 4 for God’s sake! It’ll all work out somehow, million dollars or not! Oh, and you said facial! Hahahaha!January 9, 2014 – 10:56 pmReplyCancel

    • donofalltrades - And you suck as the queen! What are you wearing there with your crown, a green tank top and some grey cargo pants? Where is the flowing robe or sequined pants suit at least. Something more fabulous and befitting a queen!! Hahaha, ok, I’ll show myself out now.January 9, 2014 – 11:52 pmReplyCancel

      • Kristi Campbell - OMG I’m so ashamed. I’m going to go change into more appropriate queen-wear. Thanks for pointing it out. Not. I’m totally not changing my ugly clothes dude. That’s why I’m the queen.January 10, 2014 – 8:28 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Um no, it’s not a Catholic school but Catholics would be welcome of course. The stained glass window is just for happy light. And wow to Cool already knowing that other kids are bigger. He’ll just need to outsmart them all. Luckily, he has you for a dad and supercapes are available.January 10, 2014 – 8:26 amReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I love how you wrote a real post with this one. 🙂

    I predict that you will start an Our Land School some day. With or without a million dollars of your own. xoxoJanuary 9, 2014 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - And I would enroll my daughter. As for the rest of your post, I want to shout, “Hear, hear!” and “Amen!” You couldn’t have said it better. My heart seconds everything.January 9, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yay Sarah! Then our kids could go to school together! And thanks for the Amen and Hear, hear!January 10, 2014 – 8:47 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - I went through years of hell with Cassidy- one diagnosis and issue after another… listenning to various Doctors and therapists and more issues arose and on and on and on…

    I was a mess. A motherfu–ing mess. Constant anxiety. I remember a physical therapist being so hard on Cass that she was screaming and screaming…. and I said STOP!!! (She was a freaking baby) and this therapist said:

    “Don’t you want your child to be able to play on the playground with the other kids when she grows up?”

    Little did she know that her cruel statement still resonates with bitterness in my heart. Where there was already fear, she now introduced terror.

    Listen to your heart. Pray. Make a choice. Do it with all you got. And don’t look back.

    God made Tucker especially for you to raise. He trusts you. Now trust Him. And trust yourself. And most of all, trust that Tucker will grow to be every bit of who he is despite and because of your choices.

    Find peace in that- I never did, and it was a nightmare for years. And although our issues are different, the main theme is the same.

    Your kid? God’s got this. You got this. And most of all- amongst it all…

    Tucker’s got this. Raise and care for him as best you know how- with every part of who you are…

    That’s all the sweet boy needs.January 9, 2014 – 11:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chris, how is it that I had no idea of the hell you went through with Cassidy?? Good for you for making the therapist STOP. That sounds awful and horrible and her comment is just freaking mean and unnecessary. I really appreciate your encouragement and support, so much. Your wisdom is awesome and thanks for saying that Tucker’s got this. That God’s got this. It helps. You’re such a great friend. Happy Friday!January 10, 2014 – 9:51 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Our Land School is beautiful.
    I hope you always would save some money to hire me as a professional photographer regularly.
    And this: “And please tell me that I am not alone in feeling inadequate in making these decisions that will affect the rest of my innocent little dude’s rest-of-all-eternityforever?”
    Yes! I just like to believe that our love and awesomeness are really making a huge difference too. And that you’re doing all of the wonderful things you can do for him.January 9, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Tamara. Our awesomeness makes a difference for sure and you are SO hired to be our official photographer.January 10, 2014 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - Oh Kristi, I SO know how you feel. I worry so much about Isaiah’s self esteem. He has a tic right now that makes him rub his hands over his face, kind of like Curly from the Three Stooges. A kid in a homeschool group called him weird the other day, thank goodness he didn’t hear, but I did. And I wanted to smack her. I can’t imagine how worried you are, I think private therapy is awesome, thats what we do and I love it. Also the right sitter can be the most amazing thing. The best thing is making a decision and knowing you can change your mind. Tune into Tucker if things change so that if anything seems not right, like other children are not being nice, etc you will know right away.
    I know you’ll do great, I wish you could make the school. But you are an AMAZING mother who will do just what he needs, because you are actually participating and paying attention!
    Mwah! TTTx10!January 9, 2014 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jen!!! TTTx10 x a billion.
      I’m so sorry that first, Isaiah is dealing with a tick and that some jerkoff called him weird, but I’m very glad that he didn’t hear it. OMG how in the world can we protect these amazing kids???? Thanks HUGE for the encouragement. Huge big thanks.January 10, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - I’m back…cause I just can’t shake it…your heart- I’ve so been there. Cass not only was sick from the moment she was born with medical issues, but she also had physical (Not crawling, legally blind, and severe hearing impairment, speech delay, sensory issues, screaming and crying constantly,pulled all her hair out etc.ETC) I get it. I get you. I know they are different issues, but I get it- mom to mom.

    I wrote this years ago- and it still is my truth. I hope you find some peace in believing all was meant to be- for you and for Tucker…

    http://themomcafe.com/do-you-get-rocked-to-your-core/January 9, 2014 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I replied there. And I appreciate you so much, you. So much. Peace and hugs and lots of love your way.January 10, 2014 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - Wow! I can’t even imagine putting myself in your shoes to have to make a decision like that and wonder about it for years to come. You have to just remind yourself that you looked into everything the best you could and made what you believed to be the best choice for your family. Would sure be nice to be able to build that school thous.January 10, 2014 – 12:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I want to build the school! Maybe, you could come be our expert chef consultant!January 10, 2014 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - I think all moms feel the way you feel Kristi. So scared about making the wrong choice and the effects that choice could possibly have on our kids. I don’t think many choices are the wrong choices when we make them for the right reasons. And I hope you do get to start your school one day. And I know you will be an awesome queen.January 10, 2014 – 1:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, Ilene, thanks, you. I will be super nice about being the queen and you’re right. The decisions are so hard. Thanks for coming and thanks for reminding me that the choices are ok maybe even when they feel wrong for the right reasons or feel right for the wrong reasons, or whatever….January 11, 2014 – 1:53 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Resoundingly, (reading the other comments here) you are NOT alone in this worry. Not even a little.

    And you’ll do the right thing and make it work for Tucker, because even though you’re scared, you’re smart, you know him best, and you know what will support him well. I have every confidence in you.

    And in the meantime LOOK AT HIS PROGRESS 😀 Amazing. He’s DOING IT. With your help.

    And no matter what else, he will always, ALWAYS have you in his corner, supporting, encouraging, loving him. For. Ever.

    I’d help you build. You’d need more than $1million, but every penny would be worth it.January 10, 2014 – 2:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’ll help me build? FOR REAL??? That’s awesome and amazing and thank you huge! And yeah, I’d need more than $1m but it would be a good start right? I guess I’m not alone!January 11, 2014 – 1:54 amReplyCancel

  • Kathy at kissing the frog - I feel for you. I really do. Every child is so unique and individual that no one program fits them all. Just recently, my 9 year old was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, and his private school has no idea what to do with him. I wish I could pay someone who does. 🙁 Or put him in the Our Land School!January 10, 2014 – 5:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG Kathy, I’m sorry about the recent diagnosis for your son (and why it’s so late???). I wish I could pay too. It’s hard to know what to do.January 11, 2014 – 2:07 amReplyCancel

  • The Dose of Reality - Oh, girl. I so feel you. One of my best friends in the world has similar school issues for her child who suffers from multiple diagnoses. The best school for him is *gulp* $87,000 a YEAR. How is that a reality for 99.99% of the people in the world? It’s just SO frustrating and anxiety provoking. It makes me feel nuts. We need to do better for our children. We must.
    I love what you’d do with your windfall. It’s perfect. –Lisa
    PS. Oh, and you are NOT alone at feeling inadequate to make these important life decisions for our kids. For me, it usually turns out that the things I fretted over really DIDN’T have life-changing consequences, but the things I never thought would *actually do* and I never bothered to worry about them. Sheesh.January 10, 2014 – 9:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, Thank you for reassuring me that I’m not alone in worrying about making the wrong life-altering decision. Sometimes I think I give weight to things that don’t need them and don’t see some of the things that I should be thinking about. This being the number one person for our kids thing is hard!
      And $87,000/year? That’s just wrong. It makes it impossible for some people to even consider. Sigh. We MUST have better for our kids. They deserve it.January 11, 2014 – 12:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Okay, so now I have to go and change my whole post because if I had a million dollars I would give it to you so you could start the Our Land School. I know you’re scared but have faith. You are a tremendous Mom to Tucker and you will find the exact right thing for him. I just know it!January 10, 2014 – 9:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandy, Aw! You’re so awesome! Thanks much. What you would do with $1m is pretty cool too. I mean paying off your mortgage and taking your daughter to EU and riding a horse everyday? I can totally get behind all of those.January 11, 2014 – 12:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but Okay - Sure…I go snarky and you go all altruistic. Fine be that way. Create the perfect school for Boo to go to with her soon to be groom as soon as he pays the dowry. I’ll be all flippant and crap…

    I adore you. I am so so sorry you are scared and that being a parent of a child with special needs sucks as much as it is awesome at times. I wish the I’m scared moments were dwarfed by the my kids is awesome moments. But they don’t. They just don’t it is sucks eggs that we always have to wonder and advocate for our children to get the education and support they need to be their awesome selves.

    HugsJanuary 10, 2014 – 10:01 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA fine I will! Hey what’s up with the dowry? My kid is pretty awesome you know.
      I adore you too my friend. It really does suck that we have to wonder if they’re getting the best, that we have to ask for more, and that each school has such different educational settings and policies and BS. UGH. Hugs right back.January 11, 2014 – 1:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - I love that you automatically thought of ways you could use your windfall to help not only your child but other children too. It shows what an amazing mother and person you are. And I think every parent is terrified of screwing up their children’s lives!January 10, 2014 – 10:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Nicole,
      Trust me that I’m not all that unselfish. I just want Tucker to have the perfect school! thanks much for coming by and for the nice comment!!!January 11, 2014 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa Forever Five Blog - I am so with you on your fears, Kristi. My children are not labeled special needs, but the importance of their development at this young age as you described it is exactly how I feel. EXACTLY. I was unclear as to whether the school was giving you the choice to leave PAC or if they are mandating that you leave. IMHO, if you are being given the choice, what do you have to lose by leaving him in there until the end of the year? It sounds like he is gaining so much. My experiences with children (as a teacher and a mom) have almost always led me to the conclusion that doing things that make a kid feel confident and happy should never be cut off in the name of “independence” or “growing up.” Our kids will mature and they will become more independent from us no matter what we do (assuming we are not guilting them back home;). They will BEG us to be independent and let them do more grown up things one day. Tucker will do that one day. If PAC will help him launch more successfully later on, then hold on to it.January 10, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa, you’re right that having special needs or not really doesn’t take away the fear of doing something to hinder development early on when it matters so much. It’s a pretty big weight to carry – worrying about milestones and all of that.
      Regarding leaving him in PAC through the end of the year…there’s a kid in there who has behavior issues that Tucker has imitated and they’re not good ones to imitate. He’s more stressed out in PAC because he’s got anxiety and control issues and some of the kids in PAC don’t do what he wants them to do. So he gets more upset. I think the combination of PAC and non-cat is probably best but that’s not really an option. I mean it may be, but I’m not sure that I won’t have to fight like crazy for it. It might be wiser to save my energy and just get him private ABA and other stuff each morning. Sigh. I just don’t know really.
      Thanks so much for your thoughtful and insightful comment.January 11, 2014 – 1:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - The Our Land School would be awesome!!! When I taught special needs preschoolers, I watched parents agonize over these decisions and I hope that I was steering them in the right directions. I did not have parental perspective back then. Now, I do and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt the you will do the very best thing for tucker – even if you think you don’t know what that is. You are a wonderful mom and your love for him exudes through your words and your wishes. Go with your gut – it will be the right decision! ((HUGS))January 10, 2014 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree the Our Land school would be awesome. I’m sure you did an amazing job of steering parents in the right direction. Thanks so much for the hugs and for the reassurance that I’ll do the right thing even though I don’t know what that is!January 11, 2014 – 1:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - I’d send my son to that school! This year has been so icky that I am considering open enrolling him next year to a larger school district that has more resources for a kid like him. This would be hard for me because I’d have to drive him to another town every day and I would have to work out something to get him home on the days I work. He’s getting some help, but the bare minimum because our state laws suck when you have certain disabilities.

    If you find a million dollars, sign me up! It sounds wonderful! And I love that you’d be queen. 🙂January 10, 2014 – 11:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your son can have a scholarship, Sarah! I hate that one of your good options may be driving him to another town. Why can’t this stuff just be easier?? Seriously. It’s a huge flaw in our school systems that it’s so hard and that they can’t just get what they need. I hope you find a better solution than having to drive so far each day.January 11, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - You may not see what I see since you are the one that has to make the decisions – but I think you are empowered by knowing what is best for Tucker – like no other. And I think you will make the right decision. The right decision doesn’t always have to be the “best” one.

    I think it’s wonderful that you are Robert are where you are and you have choices.January 10, 2014 – 12:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Kenya. I need the reminder that the right decision doesn’t always need to be the best one, because I get so focused on wanting the very best one. It’s paralyzing at times.January 11, 2014 – 1:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - As a mom of a child on the spectrum, I completely relate to this post! I made the decision to homeschool my special needs child because his needs were not being appropriately handle by the public school system!

    I would totally send my son to “Our Land School”!January 10, 2014 – 12:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s awesome that you homeschool Echo! How old is your child? I’d like to hear more (not that I think I’d be good at homeschooling because I’m not sure I would) but maybe I could do it in part.January 11, 2014 – 1:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Mama C. - This was — unequivocally — one of the best, most thoughtful things I have read in all of my 36 years on this earth. Thank you, Kristi.January 10, 2014 – 1:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hugs, Mama C. Hugs. I know you deal with the same issues with your son and hope everything is going really wonderfully with your new baby girl!! xoJanuary 11, 2014 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - I need to perhaps go through your blog to see Tucker’s story. Every time I come by and you mention what you all deal with on a day to day specifically concerning his autism, I often wonder if the doctors or you all think he was born like this or did something change and things were different from a certain point? I honestly can feel the pressure you must be feeling as I was reading your post. I truly agree with you about making the right decision. It does sound like it will matter in the long run, but you’re right, maybe it isn’t too bad. Like maybe you can try one for a little while and if it’s not working, take the more expensive route if you can afford to? But then I know it’s like how long do you wait to see if it’s working, etc. More and more questions. I pray you all will make the best decision for your family for sure! xoJanuary 10, 2014 – 2:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi Brittnei, we did only meet recently I know. If I’m honest, I don’t really deal with that much every day because of his maybe-probably autism, it’s more that life is just different for us. Over all, he’s actually a pretty easy kid. He’s loving and engaged, and there are things that make him really happy. That’s not always the case, so we are really lucky.
      And when it comes to the doctors, they don’t know. Personally, I think that he was born with it but that we did not know anything was delayed until later on, when he wasn’t talking the way he should be.
      Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts, I appreciate them, and your friendship. I’m honestly not sure what to do. We’ll see! But again thank you!!January 11, 2014 – 10:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - I feel mad that you have to make these hard decisions. You put so much love, research, commitment, and resources into being the best mom and advocate for Tucker, and it makes me mad when I hear about you (and other families of kids with special needs that I know) who also have to jump through hoops, beg, education, and make agonizing decisions for their families all the time. Sorry if that comment is completely unhelpful. You are such a great mom, and you know so much shit. Tucker could not be any luckier. Good luck, my friend. I wish I could say more, something that would illuminate everything for you. Cheers to the hypothetical OurLand school. xoJanuary 10, 2014 – 2:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Steph, I feel mad about it too. But you know what? Parents of typical kids have hard school decisions to make too so I know it’s not just special needs. But I also know that it’s wrong and fucked up that there aren’t more federally mandated GOOD standards because “least restrictive environment” is just dumb. I mean it makes sense in theory, but not always in practice. I know you know a ton of families who have kids with special needs and they are SO lucky to have you as their music therapist!! In fact, I should bring you out here to work with Tucker and his friends for a month! Ok not very practical, but I’d love to see him light up when you sing to him in person.January 11, 2014 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - I so can feel your anxiety about that decision, Kristi, as you don’t know how it’ll turn out. Would it be possible to have a “trial” period of stopping PAC? Lily is in speech therapy due to her delay caused by moving to Germany when she was 2 and just starting to talk. Every once in a while they give her a break for a few months to see where she’s going on her own, and then they are better able to focus on her weeknesses. Try to listen to your stomach, and maybe get a second opinion. Have a great weekend, Kristi!January 10, 2014 – 4:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - There is a bit of a trial period, Stephanie, but the problem is that the slot will fill up (there’s a waiting list for PAC). I love how they give her a break for a few months to see how she’s doing – that’s really brilliant! Thanks so much! And I hope your weekend is amazing as well.January 11, 2014 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Eyes, fingers, and toes are crossed for you and the big win. Go buy a ticket. Now.January 10, 2014 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH Kelly!! I need to. Tomorrow. Can you keep them crossed that long???January 11, 2014 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - The Our Land school would be the best school EVAH!! Can I be a teacher there and make the big bucks? I’ve always thought I’d be a good teacher….except for that “showing up everyday” part. Cuz momma needs days off, you know?January 10, 2014 – 8:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hellz yeah, you can be a teacher there, Beth. I mean well. No, sorry. But you could be like our social media queen or something that you don’t have to show up daily for.January 11, 2014 – 10:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Oh, how I love you and your writing and how I relate to that feeling of panic you’re experiencing. One of the hardest things in life for me is making decisions (and I don’t think you’re like me that way) and I can only imagine the weight of responsibility over making the right one. Question though, if Tucker’s teacher are so awesome and they think that he’s ready to transition, do you think it might have such horrible set-backs? Maybe I’ve skipped something (reading as at home with my sick baby) and you do refer to this in the post, but perhaps it won’t be something as irrevocable as you imagine it to be if you discover that the regular school is not working as well as you were hoping.I hope don’t sound like a patronizing asshole, I might be completely out of line.KatiJanuary 10, 2014 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - VERKLEMPED. Thanks Katia, I love you and your writing too and I know you get the panic because you get the panic. Thank you my lovely friend. Decisions suck. You’re not out of line. There’s some bs that has happened that I didn’t post. XOXOXJanuary 11, 2014 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - You are most definitely not alone my dear. I have been agonizing over and second guessing every decision I have ever made regarding Bethany’s education and health for 13 of her 15 years now. I hate to say it, but I don’t think that will ever stop no matter how perfect the program. It’s just the nature of the special needs game. But Hey, when you get that school built give me a holler cuz Beth will be coming!January 10, 2014 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m not sure whether to feel comfort or anxiety about the fact that agonizing over each decision never goes away. And hey, I am thinking more and more and more about trying to build the school for real. Beth will be welcome as a student, and, later, as an employee, doing whatever it is that she wants to do helping other kids like her. And helping adults realize what they all need…January 11, 2014 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - You’re not alone in thinking and re-thinking the choices you make for Tucker. Being a parent is the hardest yet most rewarding job in the world. My kids are all grown now and I STILL rethink some of the decisions I have made, wondering if I should have done something differently. My youngest has always been the most difficult–I know I made quite a few mistakes there and sometimes wish I could go back and change things, even be more aware of his needs. I love the idea of building self esteem in your school—THAT would have made a huge difference in my son’s life. We tried to give him all those things at home but he wasn’t getting it at school and it was very damaging. I love what you did with this Finish The Sentence prompt, Kristi. Tucker is a very lucky boy to have a mother like you. XOJanuary 10, 2014 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, Marcia, I’m so sorry to hear that your son didn’t get the self esteem that he needed at school. I think one of the biggest problems is that kids get these things from their peers so much at a certain age. We can do what we do when they’re young, but at some point, they don’t believe their parent(s) and believe their peers. It’s heartbreaking.
      Thank you so much for your awesomely thoughtful and amazing comment.January 11, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - You are a wonderful mom and I hope that you know that.
    I don’t understand why the government/health care system makes these wonderful children and their parents shell out big bucks for education. Education is education. It shouldn’t matter what form that education may be. Do parents of (and I hate to use this word) “normal” kids have to pay for education? No. So I find it ludicrous.
    You’re doing what you can and then some. I wish that one day, you can send Tucker to a wonderful school that won’t charge you a foot and a nipple.
    Sigh…..January 11, 2014 – 9:14 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Only you can make me laugh while giving such a heartfelt and awesome comment. A foot and a nipple? But you’re right. It’s fucked up that people have to spend so much money finding an appropriate education. Way fucked up. Thanks, Kim.January 11, 2014 – 11:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Nina - Wow I don’t envy your position. It does seem scary when we’re at a crossroad at a pivotal time in our lives wondering which choice would lead to which outcome. Thing is, I’m almost certain that either one will work out okay, or that if you were to find that one didn’t work out, that there would be options to change that. I’ve always thought that things work out somehow, even supposed negative situations, which are often blessings in disguise.

    Good luck; let us know what you decide! I hope that you are able to trust your choice and realize that you did you best regardless 🙂January 11, 2014 – 10:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Nina, I’m almost certain either one will work out fine as well but it’s still well…terrifying. I know I can make changes if it doesn’t work, of course, and I’m sure it will but knowing that his language needs so much help right now, feels like weird pressure to choose correctly. Thanks so much and I’ll definitely let you know how it works out!January 11, 2014 – 11:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - You are always so honest in your writing and sharing and I know you want the best for Tucker. It is scary and I don’t know if there is a right answer. There may just be a right answer for you. There was a point when the school system told me that Lindsey would be better learning life skills. At first I didn’t believe them. I resisted. When they wanted to put her in more special education classes than mainstreamed, it broke my heart. I still didn’t believe she was “that bad.” But for us, as hard as it was to go along with the school’s recommendations, this track did work for Lindsey. You will make the best decision for all of you. And if I had a million dollars, I’d not be as honorable as you and build a school. I’d be flying first class every single time I flew from here on out. Your idea is so much better! And you being queen of the school–fantastic. You’d make an excellent queen. And I’d want to go to your school. 🙂January 12, 2014 – 12:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda, flying first class everywhere might be the smarter decision. I’m sure that even if I built my own school, that I’d deal with uncertainty and worry and overall just not knowing…but I’d be in total control so there’s that.
      Also, look at Lindsey now! I’d say you did the perfect thing for her. She’s married, she’s happy, she’s DOING IT. She’s got it.
      Also when your travels bring you here, you’re welcome to go to my school as much as it fits your schedule!January 12, 2014 – 10:51 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I already commented here but I am doing it again to test your new comment reply system. Please reply with something witty, so I can get your reply in my inbox. Thank you!January 12, 2014 – 12:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana, you are sexy and fabulous and overall amazing. I’m honored that you find the time to comment here just to see whether lameass me is able to install a plugin that will allow me to comment lamely back to your awesomeness. I am not worthy. In any way, ever. But I hope you’ll keep me anyway.

      DID IT WORK???? OMG did it work?January 12, 2014 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I think I want you to run all the schools in America! But, seriously, I know your decision is hard. There is no crystal ball to see into the future. But you do know Tucker NOW and can assess the situation from a great wealth of understanding of Tucker’s needs, strengths and struggles, as well as an undeniably deep love for your son. That counts for more than you know.January 13, 2014 – 9:33 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - what a beautiful, selfless, and amazing way to spend the money. Love it. I love the poster, yes…angry, mean, useless teachers need to get out…and I;m a teacher saying that.January 13, 2014 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen @ Real Life Parenting - You are NOT alone! On a completely different scale and with different parameters, I have had the same worry … am I making the right choice? Will this ruin him forever? How will I know if I did make the right decision?

    Oftentimes the answers to those questions don’t come for years … and that’s so hard because we want to know Right Now so we can change course if we think it’s needed. So, what I’ve come to learn is that I need to sit. And think. And talk–to my husband, my mom, my sister, my friends I can count on to be honest. To the doctor, the teacher, the parapro that I trust. And then I need to sit and think some more. And in the end, with all things on the table, I need to go with my gut. I need to quiet the nerves and quell the worrying … and just listen. Your answer will be there. XOXOJanuary 14, 2014 – 12:45 amReplyCancel

  • Diane - I HATE MAKING DECISIONS!! Especially when its a choice between good, better and best. I love hearing about you and your son. Whatever else he has in his life, he has you. Everything else is a bonus!January 14, 2014 – 12:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Debbie @ Heartbeats Soul Stains - I have 7 children and with each decision I have always wondered if I was doing the right thing. I think it goes with parenting we want the best for our babies 🙂January 16, 2014 – 3:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - It’s a sign of good writing when the author conjures up strong thoughts or feelings or memories for their reader. What you wrote about Tucker going between the different programs reminded me of the fears we had when we went to full inclusion with RTI. Teachers and students and parents were so worried about what would happen. I’ll admit, the first year was a hard transition year, most of all for the students. You have every right to be concerned about it.January 19, 2014 – 8:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I didn’t skim a single sentence, my dear. This was absolutely fascinating to read about austism as it has been soooo mysterious to me aside from watching a hit movie many years ago. That is SO AMAZING on the progress he has made! All of the decisions and pros/cons facing you for Tucker and what is best for him. I’m so with you on “if I had the money…”. There are so many things in life we want immensely to help and change along with helping others. That will often be what is first, nearest and dearest to our hearts. I so wish $1M upon you so that you can build that school and have that funding!! I wish I had read this soooo much sooner as it gives me huge leap forward in further understanding this blogger I adore so much along with her family. My favorite part was you saying how is perfect right now, Kristi 🙂February 5, 2014 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Mike. You’re the awesomest of all. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket today so that I can build it. Although, I have a feeling $1m will not be enough. It’d sure be a good start though!! Thanks so much for reading. And yeah, autism is very misunderstood, still. The thing is, kids with autism are as different as kids without it. Some are highly verbal, some not. There are huge variances from kid to kid. We’re lucky that Tucker is socially motivated and very affectionate. I think it’d be harder on me if he weren’t.February 6, 2014 – 9:39 amReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land Series piece has been contributed by a returning author. She is a kickassawesome blog friend who gets much of what I feel when it comes to searching for a diagnosis. Our kids don’t have an autism diagnosis, but both have special needs. They are also both adorable and amazing. I have been […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Dana - You have two extraordinary daughters, Kerri. It’s clear that the each bring so much joy into their sister’s life. At that Abby- she’s gonna do big things. BIG.January 8, 2014 – 9:43 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Dana,
    I so agree!! Big, huge, wonderful things!January 8, 2014 – 9:44 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Thanks, Dana. I am constantly amazed by Abby.January 8, 2014 – 9:59 amReplyCancel

  • nothingbythebook - Sibling love is magic.January 8, 2014 – 10:14 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica - First of all, you have two beautiful daughters, Kerri! I love those photos. Second, they both sound like amazing girls. It’s wonderful that Abby is so patient and understanding with Boo. That must make your life easier, as well as encourage Boo. And what character Abby is building. I agree with Dana; she is going to do big things! 🙂January 8, 2014 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - NBTB,
    Total magic.
    —
    Jessica,
    I love the photos too! And yes to the big big things 🙂
    —January 8, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle - Your daughters are beautiful. I love that Abby is so patient with Boo…clearly they have a special bond! I’m going to agree with Dana too…I see big things in store for Abby!January 8, 2014 – 10:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Michelle,
      I see big big things as well. I’m a little jealous that Tucker doesn’t have a sibling, actually….January 8, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - Kerri, Abby is so sweet. And true….children have a unique talent of seeing the good in things, and it makes US happier! Thanks for sharing!January 8, 2014 – 10:41 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Nothing by the book–Sibling love is better than Santa, Disney or the Tooth Fairy!

    Jessica–I’m a little nervous for when Abby takes over world domination. But it would make life interesting!

    Michelle Liew–Abby really is that sweet and genuine. Amazes me every day

    MIchelle We are very lucky that Abby has the patience I wish I had!January 8, 2014 – 10:53 amReplyCancel

  • Kerith Stull - Oh my goodness… Why do you not have a “crying ahead” warning on this one??? Precious. Simply precious.January 8, 2014 – 10:59 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - PMSing royally right, but either way am in tears right now front hat last line. Beautiful and love the sisterly bond here. Thanks for sharing Kerri and Kristi, too!!January 8, 2014 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but Okay - Kerith, thanks for your kindness.
    Janine, as the mom of two girls I know you get the bond they have that will never include us. Simply awesome.January 8, 2014 – 11:28 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I am sitting here weeping at how beautiful this post is…I have always been a big fan of Kerri’s blog and this piece is no exception. My favorite line: “There is nothing wrong with Boo. She is perfect. She is just in the hospital.” What a gorgeous, strong bond your two daughters share…they are so lucky to have each other.January 8, 2014 – 11:34 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Emily, thank you so much for your kind words. Sorry I made you weep! I consider us very lucky indeed that the girls have the bond. It is unlike anything I have ever witnessed.January 8, 2014 – 11:45 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - So beautiful, Kerri. Abby’s got such an amazing spirit, and a wonderful relationship with Boo. Completely precious, and I would also assume that it’s in no small part down to your parenting. Kudos to you for setting her such a good example, getting her involved with Boo’s treatments and therapies and visits, and not keeping her in the dark.

    Very well said.January 8, 2014 – 11:54 amReplyCancel

  • erin - Oooh, sibling fever going on in my heart….I pray we are able to have a sibling like Abby for Evan. Loved this piece.January 8, 2014 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Thanks, Lizzi!
    Erin, I think every child should have an older sibling like Abby. My wish for you is that you someday get to see the magic first hand.January 8, 2014 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel The Alien - That gave me shivers! Abby and Boo are so lucky to have each other.January 8, 2014 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I am sitting in my car waiting for my own daughter to finish her guitar lesson and tears are rolling. Happy ones. Your Abby is what is right in this world and I truly believe it’s because you never tried to hide what is from her. You are all in it together and that’s a wonderful way to be. Your girls are both so beautiful, Kerri. Those pictures speak volumes.January 8, 2014 – 5:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I used to read your blog a year or so ago, so I was stunned to see how much Boo and Abby have grown! So nice to get this beautiful update. My son Des was in the NICU at birth and it was heartwarming to hear my three-year-old wrap her head around it. He was in there because my water was broken for more than 24 hours before his birth and they wanted him on a week of antibiotics to make sure he didn’t get an infection. Well my daughter would tell people that he was born but just wasn’t big and strong enough yet to come home, but he would soon. (he was 8 1/2 pounds but I loved her reasoning)January 8, 2014 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Angel thanks for commenting. They are very lucky indeed.
    Sandy, Sorry to make you cry 🙂 I think it was the right course for our family, never hiding what was and is going on. At least it has worked so far!
    Tamara welcome back. They have grown over the past year for sure. It is always amazing how kids rationalize what is going on. I’m just lucky enough Abby never makes me wonder what is going on in that brain of hers.January 8, 2014 – 6:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - So I love this because my first is named Abby, too, and she is always such a little caretaker of her little brother. It is so amazing to see the love between siblings. Boo is so fortunate to have such a great big sister. I love the way she explained her sister’s conditions….January 8, 2014 – 8:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - You know what is so cool is we never gave Abby the words. She just came up with a way to explain Boo to her peers in a way that worked for all of them. Equally cool we both have Abby’s 🙂January 9, 2014 – 9:48 amReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - beautiful! just beautiful. I’m sharing.January 8, 2014 – 9:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - Both of your girls are beautiful. Loved this! What a blessing to see that sibling bond continue to grow! Thanks for sharing 🙂January 8, 2014 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa Forever Five Blog - I am crying as I write this. The love you described between your girls is beautiful, but so much more than that. I have 3 girls, so sisterly love touches me deeply. Abby’s relationship with Boo sounds exquisite. Thank you for putting that into words so eloquently, Kerri:).January 8, 2014 – 9:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Thank you, Lisa. The love they share is quite beautiful and so unlike what I ever had with my siblings. So they constantly amaze me.January 9, 2014 – 9:51 amReplyCancel

  • Ilene@TheFierceDivaGuideToLife - This is such a gorgeous post in every way possible. I loved reading about both of your daughters and particularly, seeing Boo through Abby’s eyes. We all have something to learn about focusing on the success and the good and versus the struggles…and a reminder that maybe we don’t have to change or grow or get better but it’s ok to just be who we are.January 8, 2014 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Yes! Focusing on the successes. I think without Abby I might worry more and focus on the struggles. Thanks for putting it just right!January 9, 2014 – 9:52 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Oh, those pictures! Tonight, a big part of the world, Kristi’s Our Land world, gets to see Boo as Abby does. And we get to see both of your daughters through your eyes. A beautiful sight…just like the pictures!January 8, 2014 – 10:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - The imagery you create with your words, combined with the beautiful visuals of those photos paints an amazing picture of your family’s love, Kerri. Thanks for sharing this beautiful glimpse into your world. You are a wonderful mama.January 9, 2014 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Oprah style ugly cry right at my computer right now. What a beautiful post in every way. Sisters are amazing, but that Abby definitely takes the cake! :)-AshleyJanuary 9, 2014 – 10:00 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - That is so incredibly sweet and heartwarming! I have three daughters. They don’t always get along, but when they do – when they stick up for each other or show concern for one another – if is definitely something special. What Abby and Boo have is certainly special as well. What a beautiful post and beautiful pics, too!January 9, 2014 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - I think some of the beauty of Boo being a-typical is that I don’t have to endure the typical sibling fights, hysterics and she wore my shirt!!!January 10, 2014 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Bless her heart. I do wish that other people saw her the way she does. Boo is lucky to have such an amazing sister who loves her with everything she has.January 9, 2014 – 2:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - The lesson that children can show us the way never gets old, does it? Kerri, you put a beautiful spin on that lesson. Bravo to your daughters. And omg those photos.January 9, 2014 – 4:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Be still, my heart. I love the simplicity with which you convey such profound ideas. It’s almost like this is written by Abbey herself. What beautiful girls, what a beautiful relationship.January 9, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - Thank you, Katia. If Abby wrote the post I am sure it would have been filled with fairies that brought her such an awesome sister.January 10, 2014 – 1:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Oh, I just love this. I am very close with my sister, and I think there is a special bond there that not many people can understand without experiencing it. I’m so warmed by the idea that Abby’s love and friendship has been instrumental in Boo’s development. sniff sniff. Beautiful post.January 9, 2014 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kerri @ Undiagnosed but okay - See, that is just it, Deb. I’m not close to my siblings at all. We go YEARS without speaking to one another. It is not what I want for my girls. Thankfully their relationship is organic and intuitive. They just love one another and I know they will not be over 40 and the only village they have is the one they created out of a mix of friends and in-laws!January 10, 2014 – 1:57 pmReplyCancel

  • K - “There is nothing wrong with Boo, she is perfect. She is just in the hospital.” This line gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.

    Words cannot express how much I love this post! It was written so beautifully, and the ideas it conveys are so, so important. Everyone could learn something from Abby, and the entire world should read this. This was the highlight of my day; thank you. xoxoxoJanuary 10, 2014 – 7:41 pmReplyCancel

Didn’t Thanksgiving feel like a long time ago, now that we are week-deep into 2014? It feels like a really long time ago to me. I’ve had a cast since Thanksgiving, and it feels like toolong. Most of the time, we don’t think about the mundane daily tasks that are usually completed using two hands. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Ilene - Feminine hygiene, stepping into a bra? Typing? I had no idea you had a cast on! At any rate, I am so glad it will come off this week! Wishing you many great ponytails and face washing sessions to celebrate!January 5, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Ilene,
    That just makes me an even better sister wife, yes? UGH to the cast, here: https://www.findingninee.com/how-bargain-hunting-on-thanksgiving-and-black-friday-went-wrong/
    Also XOJanuary 5, 2014 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - That is a super long time. I don’t know what this black girl would do with one hand and her hair. I’ve got burns on my ears as it is. I gotta tell you your title have me the giggles.January 5, 2014 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Oh Kristi, I completely forgot about your cast! I cannot believe you’ve not only been writing all of these great posts, but replying to the gobs of comments with only one hand!!!
    My 11yo was in the same cast as you, but for only three weeks. It didn’t seem like too big a deal for him, so I never thought about how terribly awful it would be if I had the same injury. Good to know about the shampoo and bra and hair and, well, all of it. It’s remarkable how resourceful we women can be when we have to be.
    Here’s to freedom and the use of opposable thumbs!January 5, 2014 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - You are a one-handed wonder! Happy Tuesday to you!January 6, 2014 – 12:03 amReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - How can you make having your cast on your arm forever sound funny? HOW? But I am SO HAPPY for you that it is coming off! Yippee! Hopefully the world won’t shut down that day for freezingness.
    I am thankful you will be able to clean your feminine areas after Tuesday. Whatever that means…January 6, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - I’m so sorry you are still dealing with everything, one-handed! But I’m thrilled that the end is near. Your struggles, as painful as they sound, added a chuckle (no disrespect intended) to my evening. I guess I also find humor in the things we take for granted. I don’t think I will try these things–all though I should prepare in case this happens to me. (I sure hope not!) Thinking of you (from Mexico). Sorry to rub it in. 🙂January 6, 2014 – 12:39 amReplyCancel

  • Donofalltrades - Oh my god, what will you cry about when this cast is off? I can see what this DR is saying! Wait! Im DR! I can open a beer bottle with one hand, don’t you worry! It was pert of the police academy training back in the day. I’m using my phone or I’d give you more shit. Bye!January 6, 2014 – 12:43 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - HUGE THANKS FOR TUESDAY! *phew*

    Glad your life can begin to return to unbroken normal 😀January 6, 2014 – 2:17 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Seriously, not sure how you did it, but god do I give you huge props and my heart went out to you repeatedly and here even more so when you did list all that you had trouble with, but still somehow much to overcome with your broken hand. God bless you for this and so much more. And seriously just hoping your hand is on the mend now. Is the cast off yet? I font I hope you are getting it off anyway now.January 6, 2014 – 7:26 amReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - I can think of zero times of the year that having a cast would be convenient, but I have to guess that the holidays were the ABSOLUTE worst time ever to be in one. I think I will try stepping into my bra today just for fun! ;)-AshleyJanuary 6, 2014 – 8:18 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I hope I don’t jinx myself by saying this but I’ve never had a cast..I can see how it would be really annoying (love the ribbing you gave to DR too btw). Anyway, congrats on Tuesday and I expect your typing to return to normal.:)January 6, 2014 – 9:18 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I love that you either know or speculate that your DR drinks Bud Light Lime. And also..all that jazz about how we humans can get used to anything. And we’re really good healers, so…healing vibes to you! I need you to have two working hands for our college weekend. Double fisting drinks and all that. (I tend to have a decaf coffee in one hand and a water in the other, but I’m a lightweight)
    You should see my husband try to give my daughter ponytails! He’s learning fast.January 6, 2014 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - This is so hilarious but I can see how annoying and true it is! You’re right! We don’t really think about how much we need certain things or they may seem minute until we actually need them. I hope the cast comes off soon. I know you are probably used to this but I can see how at times it can still be frustrating. 🙁January 6, 2014 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Ah, the little things we take for granted, right?? I played basketball in high school and, in one game my sophomore year, I dislocated the pinky finger on my right hand. No cast, but I had to wear one of those metal splint things for three weeks. It was ridiculous how much harder it was to do stuff! Good luck on Tuesday!January 6, 2014 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - You should be thankful you can blame the wearing of sweatpants on the arm and not well…just because you like to. So happy for Tuesday! You will now be ready to deal with DR and the those crazy Calliou typesJanuary 6, 2014 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - I am SOOOOO HAPPY you get that damn thing OFF!!!! I can’t imagine how hard it must be with not being able to use your hand!!! I would be spitting out some serious ugliness through it all- and yet, you didn’t! (Or maybe I didn’t hear it!)

    You will be like a flash of LIGHTENING when you get that thing off!! you will be SO clean *down there* and your hair will be in a perfect pony and you will type a hundred miles a minute!!

    WOOHOO!!!!January 6, 2014 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Yay for losing the cast! Tomorrow!!!January 6, 2014 – 2:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - What a great thankful post! You’ll be dancing and typing and shaving your armpit while hooking your bra once you’ve put it on tomorrow! Yay!

    A few years ago one of my sisters broke both her arms when we went ice-skating! She didn’t get casts because of the type of break, but she definitely had lots of trouble doing all of those things you listed!January 6, 2014 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Woohoo! now you won’t have to soak that sucker off!January 6, 2014 – 5:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Yay – happy almost cast-off day! I hope you at least got out of cooking and cleaning while it was on. Although I don’t do much of either and I have full use of both hands.January 6, 2014 – 5:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - I knew you dropped your phone in the toilet, but somehow, I missed the one-armed Kristi story. I guess the only worse time to break your arm (other than during the holiday season) would be during the heat of summer. Glad you’re soon to be cast-free and no longer at the mercy of your husband for all toiletry-related things. I will say that is one time being married to a former funeral director would come in handy; he could at least fix my hair and do my make-up, although he would make me look like a 90 year old dead woman in the process.January 6, 2014 – 5:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - More reasons to love you, Kristi Campbell! You have figured out how to be awesome with one hand! Is there nothing you can’t do?January 6, 2014 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Oh, I remember! #6 – you’re a genius! Couldn’t we have just met in 2011 and be broken together?

    Ponytail and yoga pants. Ouch. Remember. Hang in there, my friend!I so love the topic of the post and can so relate. <3January 6, 2014 – 9:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Well, today is Tuesday and I’m late but right on time! Today you shall be cast free and able to shave your other armpit! Hooray! This post was both funny and informative so way to kill two birds with one stone!
    Seriously, though, I’m so happy that you are getting that darn thing off today! XOXOJanuary 7, 2014 – 9:49 amReplyCancel

  • Johnny Knox - Nice post, entertaining 🙂January 7, 2014 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - I never thought about all of that with one arm, maybe to a SMALL extend having hands that crack and bleed all the time, there is always one covered in a band-aid in the winter, and I’m forever trying not to get it wet, but I don’t think that’s the same thing.
    This is making my mind race with questions. I like the garbage bag over the cast for shaving, good idea!January 9, 2014 – 4:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I’m still hung up on #6 and so bummed there wasn’t a video demonstration for this, Kristi! I broke my right hand (and I’m right handed) at baseball camp when I was a kid. Worst. Summer. Ever. You are so right at how you can and WILL adapt when you lose the use of a hand temporarily. And all kidding aside there are some female “things” that men never have to concern themselves with. So, kudos to you that you obviously got through it well! 🙂March 10, 2014 – 6:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Haha and ew gross to having a video for number six, Mike. Honestly, it was such a pain to do anything at all. The cast came up so high on my fingers and I couldn’t even touch my thumb to my index finger, at all. Sorry you know first hand how sucky it really is.March 11, 2014 – 7:53 pmReplyCancel

  • doudi sayed - hi.. your advice really works.. thank u so much 🙂 . I’d like to ask u if u know any method of waxing or hair removing for my left arm coz i didn’t find any video for this case… thanks in advanceMay 17, 2016 – 12:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m sorry, I don’t. I basically let my waxing go the time I had the cast! Such good luck to you!May 17, 2016 – 9:25 pmReplyCancel

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Finish the Sentence Friday! I hope that you each had a magical, relaxing, and memorable-in-the-good-way holiday. Tonight, we’re talking about blogging goals. I have to admit that I don’t have any, and I never have, really. I started blogging because I was scared. Our family, and Tucker’s delays, didn’t fit. Anywhere. So […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Kerith Stull - Wow. The F-word? Multiple times? Now that’s speaking freely and with bravery!January 2, 2014 – 10:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I am totally with you, Kristi. I may print out that last photo, color the hair brown, and tape it to the wall above my laptop. And in the spirit of this post, I am linking up and going to get in bed with a good book. Everyone will be here tomorrow.January 2, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Kristi, you said perfectly why I do blog and seriously just love being able to express myself with all and share. Sometimes, I feel like balance though is now definitely needed, but still how I love blogging and getting to share with all, as well as get to know others better through it, too!! 🙂January 2, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - And “You’ll Never Walk Alone” started playing in my head as I was reading this and I can’t shut it off! 😉

    Just keep being you. Oh and the drawings are so fun!January 2, 2014 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kerith,
    Well, really, it’s cartoon me, saying Fuck it, and angel/devil with me on the ride, so maybe it’s only one F-bomb with two echoes?
    —
    Dana,
    I’m happy to vhange the hair color for you!!!! And you’re right. We will all be here tomorrow…
    —
    Janine,
    I love blogging too! Sharing is awesome. But real life is more so. Mostly…January 2, 2014 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Sarah,
    I LOVE LOVE that you had 80’s rock (it’s 80’s right?) in your head while reading this!!!January 2, 2014 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - Kristi-Actually, the version in my head is from college chorus, but I’m pretty sure it’s an Elvis song. But here’s the Celtic Woman version, because girl power…

    January 2, 2014 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - So I just love your 3 blogging goals. And I love your statement that we are our stories. Our stories matter – it’s about finding the universal in each of our particulars that keep us writing and reading. Keep on keeping on, friend!January 2, 2014 – 10:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Sarah Almond!!!!! OMG I have goosebumps!!! I love this so much more than the version that lived in my head!!!!
    Thank you!!! I’m enthralled!!! GIRL POWER gives me huger goose bumps! Amazing! XOXOXO<3
    ---
    Sarah Buddah,
    Our stories so matter!!! Keep on keeping on to you, friend!January 2, 2014 – 10:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - I love the feedback and sense of community that is present. I never expected it and it is important to me. When I am struggling and I read someone’s post…it helps. I like to think that info that for others too sometimes 🙂 Check out my piece about picking a new, important 2014 word!January 2, 2014 – 10:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - MTBP,
    On it! right now! It does help… so much…January 2, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Speak freely and with bravery: I’d say you do that and I LOVE it as a goal. I think finding a voice and a community sums up so much of why many blog – and bringing it back to those basics is a good way to start the year.January 2, 2014 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Louise,
    YAYYYY to speaking freely and with bravery! Yes to bringing back the basics!!!January 2, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I think if I was going to write the end to this sentence it would be pretty much what you wrote. I started it the month my husband suddenly had his position of ten years eliminated. Boom! No notice, no hints, no nothing. Just “see ya!” And I had to stay on at the SAME PLACE after that. Scared would definitely have been an appropriate word for why I started my blog. And angry. And confused. And a few others. And F*** for sure.

    So I love what you said here and I feel just the same way. It helps me sort things out. It helps me connect with others who are like every version of me – dealing with unemployment, ADHD, chronic illness, parenting, marriage, and all the rest.

    So glad to know (over and over, really) how many other “just because I needed to” bloggers are out there just doing what we do.January 2, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel The Alien - I don’t really have any specific blogging goals. I don’t like to put too much pressure on myself for blogging, because if it starts being too much of a chore, I know I won’t do it anymore. But it would be nice to start making a little money from my blog. I had a blog many years ago that I used to do sponsored posts with, and I used to make an extra $20-50 a month!January 2, 2014 – 11:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Lisa,
    YAY (and F#CK) to the “just because we need to” bloggers. But I think there’s still a distinction. There are “we need to connect” people, which we all need. And there are those of us driven to write. It’s a minor distinction, but a big one, too… Here’s to writing!!!!
    —
    Angel,
    I know what you mean. I did some sponsored stuff, and now don’t have any desire to, unless they are worth the time!!!January 2, 2014 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Yes! You said it. Your goals are mine too. Keep on keeping on. Write freely and from the heart and take breaks when needed.
    So good.
    I do want to be a famous blogging rockstar and all but not gigantic dreams. I am building this very slowly and brick by brick. Bird by bird?
    Whatever.January 2, 2014 – 11:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Tamara,
    Building is building, and that’s enough.January 2, 2014 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - Connection is so very important and something I do not think is completely understood by those who don’t blog. The stress we do to ourselves is worth that.January 2, 2014 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Jean,
    You’re so right that those who don’t blog don’t get it.How could they??? BUT THEY ARE AWESOME TOO!!!January 2, 2014 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - Absolutely! We share the same goals, here. I just wish there was more time in the day to read everyone’s blogs. I also wish for a quicker sense of creativity so that it doesn’t take me so long to figure out what the heck I want to blog about!January 2, 2014 – 11:53 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Marcia,
      I wish there was more time to read other blogs, too! So much!
      —
      —
      Christine,
      Wow, friend, what a lovely comment! Also your pig stories are epic and hilarious, so there’s that. I love that you’re more empathetic to your friends’ kids because of connecting with moms like me. You saying that makes the whole blogging thing worthwhile and more meaningful. Thank you!
      —
      —Brittnei,
      I’m so glad that we connected as well and you’re right that plans often just disappoint…
      —
      —
      Kate,
      It can be draining for sure and I can’t wait to meet YOU IRL! WHEET!!
      —
      —
      Considerer,
      YAYYYYY to blogging to people. Thanks for getting it.
      —
      —January 3, 2014 – 6:27 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - First off, holy cow, Sarah, thank you for that awesome bit of a link.

    And Kristi, I love your goalless goals. My only goal is to enjoy myself. Honestly, I have no illusion that I will get rich or famous off of horrible pig stories. I just want to have fun with all my fellow bloggers. Oh, and learn lots of new things. I never could have predicted the people I’d meet or the things I’d learn. One of the biggest things I’ve gained from blogging is a better understanding of families which have a child with some sort of struggle. I only know three families in real life who have kids on the spectrum, and I don’t see them all that often. I learn what I can, but it’s limited. I find myself being much more compassionate and helpful and just having a better grasp on what families go through since reading blogs about families with special needs children, including yours. I’m a better person.
    So, keep on keeping on. You are doing lots of good here in the blogosphere.January 2, 2014 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Kristi, you are just like me with the blogging goals. I find that my life functions better when I don’t plan so much. I focus on the day at hand and as things come, I make decisions and keep my most important things at the forefront. I used to be extremely goal-oriented and I just planned my life without ever living it. I was either disappointed when things didn’t go the way I planned or I was planning the next thing. So glad we connected. I truly enjoy reading and finding myself and the similarities that we share in your words and stories. 🙂January 3, 2014 – 12:09 amReplyCancel

  • Kate Hall - Kristi, you’re so right on. I think you blog for all the right reasons. Don’t change it, don’t get obsessed like I have – it sucks and is completely draining. I can’t wait to meet you IRL in June!January 3, 2014 – 12:40 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Big Goals. All crossed out.

    Still, I guess this whole topic was gonna create synchronicity for a whole bunch of people. There are those who blog to blog, and there are those who blog to people.

    You blog to people. Carry on 😀

    (and keep drawing – LOVE the drawings)January 3, 2014 – 2:01 amReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Yes yes yes yes! I have no blogging goals – sadly or maybe not? I write when I have something to write and I do this because I’m here and you’re here and it’s nice to know that we’re both here. Everything you say, about the great community to social media being this crazy time suck – I get it. As much as I love Tamara, if for some reason you ever divorce her, will you be my sister wife? Or maybe the 3 of us can work something out?January 3, 2014 – 8:32 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Love these goals Kristi! I wrote that I am still trying to figure out my ultimate goal, but I love where you are with it – just writing and making connections and happy with wherever it goes or doesn’t go. I want to get to that place myself. Keep on keeping on with honesty and bravery – that is an admirable goal in anything we do.January 3, 2014 – 8:35 amReplyCancel

  • Tarana - These are the only goals we should really have. Like you, I don’t ruminate on my posts long enough. I just write and hit Publish, and I like that voice of spontaneity. Happy 2014 to you!January 3, 2014 – 8:47 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Your three goals are right on the money! And we write and publish pretty much the same way! I think I may have scheduled three posts in the past six months. If I scheduled more than that because I thought it would be easier, they probably went to the trash. I love the community too and am hoping to find more honesty and bravery coming in 2014! Great post,as always, Kristi!January 3, 2014 – 9:59 amReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Love it! I’m glad you met me through blogging, because I’m pretty awesome and need to be shared with the world. Best wishes to you and your family for a great new year.January 3, 2014 – 10:23 amReplyCancel

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - I was thinking about how touching this was as I was reading along, and loved your three goals at the end – really does sum it up. Then I got to the cartoon and nearly split my side laughing. 🙂January 3, 2014 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Oh, there is definitely the need to connect also. It’s not that there aren’t connections in my everyday IRL life, but it’s different. And it’s been really great, for sure.

    I do also feel compelled to write, but I often find myself saying things in my head like “don’t say that – you aren’t a writer – you have no business pretending to be” but if I think about it honestly, I really always have been. It’s cathartic and it works for me. I have journals and diaries and books of poetry and all kinds of things that I’ve written from as far back as grade school, I think. Not sure why that’s pouring out all of a sudden, but it might be about a dream I had. I may put it on the blog later.January 3, 2014 – 12:08 pmReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - I love the idea of writing for ourselves and writing bravely. That’s when you really find out about yourself and about other people. If you don’t write for the approval of others — you sometimes have to face the consequences but that’s where true freedom in self-expression lies.January 3, 2014 – 1:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebeccafaith - What a great (non)goal! I do agree, this is the way it started and this is the way it should be. It feels like not to be alone, thanks for sharing your journeyJanuary 3, 2014 – 1:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Rebeccafaith - It feels good*** not be be alone, I mean. lolJanuary 3, 2014 – 1:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa Forever Five Blog - Ah, to blog without getting weighed down by logistics! I am in complete agreement with you, Kristi, but I have noticed that people who have monetized their blog usually give up quality for quantity. I think it has to be hard to depend on your blog for money and still be able to produce authentic, quality posts. Actually, I fear that because maybe one day I will want to do that and I don’t want to lose the creative satisfaction I get from it…January 3, 2014 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Yes – to writng and blogging for the community. So very true!

    I also think the “connect and retreat when necessary” goal is the best yet. My FTSF goal for this week was completely deleted by my son falling ill and spending most of yesterday with his face cooled by the bathroom floor. Nothing like that to put things into proper perspective!

    Here’s to writing on our terms in 2014!January 3, 2014 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - This post made me feel a whole lot better than I’ve been feeling lately about my blogging…no goals over here! Just writing when i want to write and I’ve stopped stressing over promoting it so much. Yes, my readership has probably declined a bit, but since I have no goals, other than to keep blogging because I like it and if it leads me to something/somewhere else, great but if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. I blog because I love to write and I never want my blog to feel like an obligation so right now, this is working for me the way it is.January 3, 2014 – 3:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Yes! #3 was perfect- connect when you need to and RETREAT when you need to. So many of us feel so guilty when we retreat, like we are disappointing everyone. I try to remind myself- when you take a break, people aren’t just sitting on the edge of their seat wondering where you went. (Well, not you- me. You know.)
    And that last drawing is perfection- summed it up perfectly. xoxoJanuary 3, 2014 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - Awesome goals, Kristi! Just stay you!! Happy 2014 to you and all your family!January 3, 2014 – 4:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I love “Speak freely and without fear.” This might surprise the hell out of you, but I don’t always do this. I worry that my sarcasm and silliness in real life will offend someone when, in fact, anyone who knows me knows that I have a heart of gold. (Is it okay to say that about yourself?) I always tell my sister, “Well, I suppose if someone wants to judge me, they will, but my character will always stand out in the end.” Great post, Kristi!January 3, 2014 – 5:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Ilene,
    While I am a faithful sister wife to Tamara, I think we could work something out…Also yayy for us both Being Here.
    —
    —
    Lisa,
    I mean, of course it would be fun to get famous from it but then, talk about the kind of pressure that is, ya know??
    —
    Tarana,
    Love that you’re spontaneous as well!!!
    —
    Sandy,
    I’ve only had one scheduled post actually work. Ever. So yeah…mine are probably in the trash, too!!!
    —
    Don,
    Um right. What you said. But you know, except about me.
    —
    Chris,
    Aw!! Thanks, you!!!
    —
    —
    Jamie,
    Here’s to writing for ourselves and to true freedom in self-expression! Well said!!
    —
    Rebecca,
    You’re right that it’s the way it started – I think for so many of us, that’s really the case. Happy 2014!
    —
    Lisa,
    Yeah, so many people who go for big monitization stop writing really. It’s sad and I never want to be that person!! I skip almost all offers I get for sponsored posts…
    —
    Kelly,
    OH NO!! I hope your son is feeling better. Something’s going around…Tucker has a fever today, too. You still have time to link up with us if you’d like to!!!
    —
    Emily,
    Your readers will be back, because you’re that awesome. Also, what you’re spending your time on is so much more meaningful and important. Little Dude needs mom! XO
    —
    Stephanie,
    The realization that people aren’t waiting around for us to post was a big one for me, too. Here’s to retreating when we need to. XO
    —
    Stephanie Life,
    Happy 2014 to you and yours!!
    —
    Shay!
    My favorite skankster!
    I actually know just what you mean. I know my swearing has offended some people but well… whatever, ya know? Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re awesome!!
    —January 3, 2014 – 6:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth Teliho - Love this. Love the goals…which should totally be everyone’s goals, I agree. I’m going to stick to that this year, too. Everyone seems to be speaking the same language around the blogosphere today. My main goal is to blog when I feel like it so it doesn’t take over every second of my day. I realized how much I’d been missing of real life when I had my little blog hiatus over the holidays. Wow. I need to balance this shit better.January 3, 2014 – 8:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Natalie - The Cat Lady Sings - Your goals sound remarkably similar to my goals…January 3, 2014 – 9:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Real Life Parenting - This! 100 million, bajillion, cajillon times! It’s exactly what I’ve realized over the last few weeks that I’ve stepped away! Just write for what makes me happy and love blogging!! Whatever else happens, happens.January 3, 2014 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

  • K - “To remind you that you’re not alone.

    That neither am I.”

    Kristi, this gave me shivers. Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone. Thank you for being there for me when I needed somebody. xoxoJanuary 4, 2014 – 12:52 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Neeeeeesh! Okay, now that I have that out of the way. I LOVED “retreat when life is better.” Well I love all of them – “Write for the reasons that you write.” Good resonating stuff Kristi!January 4, 2014 – 7:52 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I think our goals are very personal in a sense, based on what we want to do. Yours are truly awesome. I love the connect and retreat goal!!! Community has been huge for me as well. I never imagined when I started blogging that there would be this incredible sense of community out there that I would become friends with. Friends that I actually call when I need to bounce things off of, friends that visit and comment often and make you feel like they care (because they actually do!) and friends that I make plans to meet up with in real life! This is the first time I have actually linked up for FTSF and I am so excited to join in!January 4, 2014 – 8:03 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - While I didn’t “stumble into” blogging for the EXACT same reasons, I still feel like this is such an accurate summary of how I feel about blogging and why I stumbled into it and as usual put into much better words, sentences and paragraphs than I would. I too, as I put it, stumbled into it, driven by a need to find some echo, resonance in others who felt the same way. For me it was the fact that baby #2 felt nothing like baby #1. While I adored him I felt so confused by the fact that I’m supposed to have this all figured out what with baby number two and all, but I don’t.

    I love you and look forward to more Kristi awesomeness (and to you changing your mind about a certain conference I might be attending).

    xoJanuary 4, 2014 – 2:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Ginny Marie - This is so awesome! Keep on keeping on is exactly what I think when I get frustrating with my blogging, or anything else for that matter. I’m totally pinning this post to my blogging board!January 4, 2014 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Beth,

    Hell yes to balancing this shit better and better!!!! Here’s to us!
    —
    Natalie,
    Word up, sistah!!!!
    —
    RL Parenting,
    YES!!! Whatever happens happens!!!!
    —
    K
    XOXO XO and a billion. Your mom wants to know, I promise.
    —-
    Kenya,
    NEEEEEEEESH! Thanks. NOT!
    You just write for the reasons you write, you.
    —
    Michelle,
    SO glad you linked up, joined, all that. and you’re so right that our stuff is our stuff. Of course I’d like me to go viral but don’t expect it!!!
    —
    Katia,
    I love you back my awesome friend!!! And yeah – motherhood never is the same even when we think we know it!!!
    —
    Ginny,
    Thanks for the Pin!!! Blogging can suck. But it’s also amazing… Sigh…January 4, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Seriously Kate - It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one without “real” blogging goals. I’m just hoping to keep on keeping on. 🙂 Hope your 2014 is wonderful for you! And keep doing what you’re doing, it’s totally working for you!

    KateJanuary 5, 2014 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - Love your blogging goals! I don’t have formal goals about numbers or anything myself but totally embrace what you’ve come up with!January 5, 2014 – 5:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Disha Sharma - Hi Admin,
    I’m a Blogger & this post is really helpful & valuable for me because of as a Blogger. I must need to everything about Blogging so thank you so much Admin for it.January 6, 2014 – 4:26 amReplyCancel

  • Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma - Well you have well and truly hit the nail on the head here, Kristi. I love your perspective on this and I also love your profanitizing angel! Go forth and blog bravely this year, my friend. That is my greatest wish for myself as a blogger too.January 6, 2014 – 6:17 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - This, this right here is not only why we connected but why we continue. Our goals are just to keep going to keep up this village we have created.January 6, 2014 – 12:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Amazing, inspiring goals…from the amazing and inspiring Kristi Campbell (I’ve felt the need to say your first name and last name twice tonight).January 6, 2014 – 8:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - Love this, Kristi! With all of the 2014 resolutions and goals and ‘one word’ posts floating around the blogosphere, this is just what we all need to read. Of course, like you, I need that broadway stand-in so I have more time to read great blogs like yours! Happy New Year!January 8, 2014 – 11:17 amReplyCancel

  • catherine gacad - best post ever! what you’ve accomplished in building the community you have—that’s what’s truly important.January 8, 2014 – 5:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - AMEN. I love this. My blogging goals in 2014 are to “keep trying to write” and to “not let myself get bogged down in irrelevant stats” which I promised myself at the beginning of this journey I would not do. I got in to this to share in the community, and that will remain my goal. Thanks for the awesome reminder.
    AND PS- can’t wait participate in Finish the Sentence Friday. I need to get on this. Will look for your post next Friday eagerly. Thx!January 12, 2014 – 8:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey Allison,
      There’s a Facebook group for FTSF if you want to join it! It’s called Finish the Sentence Friday. We have to approve you but it’s got a list of all of the upcoming sentences and stuff. Friday’s (we go live at 10pm Thursday nights) is “I once saw the biggest…”
      I hope you’ll come hook up with us! It’s a really fun blog hop!January 13, 2014 – 5:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Manali - At the start of 2012 I’ve tried to set some goals for myself. It’s hard to know if it’s too high or not high enough :/ It’s nice to see a good site for blogging.January 20, 2014 – 7:06 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - #2 Speak freely, and with bravery. Because of you, I did 🙂February 8, 2014 – 2:56 pmReplyCancel

It’s that wonderful time of year filled with cookies, ribbons, broken childhood ornaments, impossible to assemble toys, and just enough magic and laughter sprinkled throughout to give parents something to hang onto so that we gleefully repeat the whole process each year. While Tucker did break a Frosty the Snowman ornament that had my 1977 […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Jean - Kristi, I loved your wrap-up. What stood out to me the most was your mention of Tucker attending kindergarten in the fall. I get sucked into your posts that reflect on time gone and the future and of course everything about your child. I am so looking forward to what you have to say about him heading off to big kid school. I’m so thankful I found your blog this year.December 30, 2013 – 8:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Jean! I adore you! I can’t believe Tucker will be going to kindergarden this year! Also? I’m SO glad to have found YOU!!!December 30, 2013 – 8:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - I CALL FIRST! (I hope…)December 30, 2013 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Damnit! Leave the ‘first’ THEN read the post *facepalm*

    You hooked me in too soon.

    Love this.

    All of it 😀

    Thanks for it. And for you. And for your way around words and your knowing.

    And for gorgeous Tucker pictures 😀

    And goofy drawings.

    And you. 😀December 30, 2013 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Great wrap-up (and photos!) and you’ve helped me realize that I actually CAN list things to be thankful for from this past year. So what if there are only 4 of them — kidding (sort of)! Happy New Year and thank you for all your virtual support this past year — it truly has meant so much to me.December 30, 2013 – 8:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Excellent, Kristi. I read the whole damn thing, and I don’t have to click on any of the links because I’m a creepy stalker and I’ve already read them all. I mean, I’m a devoted friend so I read everything you write. Also because your writing is Good. Happy new year, my friend!December 30, 2013 – 8:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - You did good! I read the WHOLE thing. LOL – I’ve been off from reading blogs for about a week or so and this is my first day back so you had my full attention. 😉 I am trying to decide if & what I’ll will write about it I get one more in this year. Anyway…

    I am exhaling that you had a good Christmas break without all the stuff you worried about. Sorry about the knees. My husband and I sleep in a full size bed at the in laws. Christopher sleeps in his own spot now but for the several years he slept with my in laws in their king bed. One night we came in super late and didn’t want to wake them so Christopher had to sleep with us in the full bed. He was probably Tuckers age. I had a TMI stomachyuck and it was the worst up and down spend the night somewhere in a full bed with my husband and son night of my life!December 30, 2013 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Janet - Excellent summary. I’m so glad we met and that I found your blog. It has been an immense help during a very trying year. Best Wishes for 2014!!!December 30, 2013 – 8:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - so very, very happy you are back. Missed you. You’ve had a remarkable year and I’m personally glad I’ve been a part of it. And your Christmas sounded spectacular too. Denver must have kept you incredibly busy since we missed so many of your words of encouragement and courage and love. Happy end of 2013. And Happy New Year to you and your family too. Love the pictures–especially your family pic. GLAD YOU ARE BACK!December 30, 2013 – 8:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - Hey, Duckface.

    Wanna come to a NYE party? Totally sitter-worthy (though maybe not car service-worthy from VA).December 30, 2013 – 9:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Considerer,
    SORRY!!! But thanks for trying to be first!!! Thanks for you, too… Big. Huge.
    —-
    —-
    Emily,
    Four of them is ok. You’ve had one SHIT year. Four is good….
    —
    —
    Dana,
    HAHA!!! Love that but really? January? You rock!!!!
    —
    —
    kenya,
    OMG the KNEES!!! I can’t imagine having the stomach nasty at the same time!!! OUCH!!! Hubs of mine left the room. I almost did, but each time I was about to, Tucker put his arm on my neck and said “mommy.”
    —
    —
    Janet-
    We so need to catch up!!!!!
    —
    —
    Linda,
    DEnver, life, my head…Glad YOU are back, Mz. World traveller!!!!
    —
    Lori,
    YES!!!! Is that an invite?????December 30, 2013 – 10:23 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - What a wonderful Christmas you had! That Tucker is just precious. My favorite photos are the ones of him hugging the statues. Adorable. And aren’t those airlines so nice, only overcharging a leg instead of an arm and a leg for a tiny can of chips.

    I did Joy’s link-up, too, and we have two of the same answers. Book of the year (thought I only had one) and favorite meal. Any meal I didn’t do anything to make is my favorite.
    Here’s to a great 2014!December 30, 2013 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Ginny Marie - I stopped by to read how you broke your hand…I was curious after I watched our MOAM video! Not only did I learn about THAT…(you really had me going with the woman and the bat story!) but I learned a lot about you in this very long post! 😉 Such a nice recap of your year!December 30, 2013 – 11:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - I like the way you did your wrap up—great pics (love the light show at the botanic gardens)and especially love the way you answered all the questions. Nice to learn more about you. I can relate to a lot of your answers! 🙂December 31, 2013 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I am SO looking forward to visiting some of those past posts you’ve linked here! I am trying very hard not to click now because, well, once I start I’ll be here all night and I really need to sleep.

    This is the loveliest thing I read all day – “We found very big magic in the very small.” I have not read your blog very much yet, but I think you have a wonderful way of seeing things. I wish you and your family all the best in the new year!December 31, 2013 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - WOW what a year!!! And yes- I kinda scrolled through it, but dangit I hung in there til the very end!!!

    Here’s to a beautiful and bountiful year for you. CHEERS!!! (*She gulps her “Kristi-bought” Bacardi*)

    I adore you 100 X’s over. 🙂December 31, 2013 – 1:40 amReplyCancel

  • Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma - Our scale mysteriously ran out of batteries too … unfortunately for me though I know that my boobs are getting smaller and saggier and my bum and tum larger and wobblier. Love your duck faces and love how you write about your beautiful boy … “I you”, just gorgeous. I agree, food made by someone else is always the best 🙂 So glad I found you in the blogosphere this year. Happy new year to you and yours!December 31, 2013 – 4:46 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I am seriously so happy that in 2013, we got to know each other better through blogging, co-hosting FTSF and become friends. Seriously, when I was reading this, I remembered so many of your posts and felt like I had been there for so much of this past year with you. I really loved the first picture of the three of you at the Botanical Gardens by the way. Oh and I also couldn’t resist joining join today either!! Happy New Year Kristi to you and your family 🙂December 31, 2013 – 7:28 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Holy crap sista friend that was the longest typed with one freaking hand post ever written. Tell the truth, Robert is playing secretary for you. I would write more but your trip down memory lane has my nether regions itching thinking about toilet paper lice. I could have sworn I scrubbed that from my memory!

    In all seriousness, thanks for being my friend. I look forward to 2014 and wondering what you will think of nextDecember 31, 2013 – 9:16 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I read the whole thing and my biggest takeaway is that I want that bathtub – the tranquil place to wash off the grime!
    And..that I had read many of these already but I did have to click on a few. 2013 was the year we virtually met! Maybe 2014 will be the year we real-life meet!December 31, 2013 – 9:24 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Christine,
    Whoot to the book! And yes, I agree that the airlines were kind in allowing me to keep my broken arm. Happy NYE!!
    —
    Ginny,
    You’re so awesome to have stopped by! Thanks, friend!!
    —
    Marcia,
    We do have tons in common, for sure. Happy New Year to you, sweets!!
    —
    Lisa,
    Aw, thanks so much. I look forward to getting to know you better as well, and happy new year!!
    —
    Chris,
    Cheers to Kristi-bought Bacardi! I’m impressed you still have it! Also I adore you rightback. Big.
    —
    Lizzy,
    I am pretty sure that my too-tight pants are an indication that I did not in fact lose weight…sigh. So glad that I found you!!
    —
    Janine,
    Happy New Year to you, Kevin, and your adorable girls!! I’m so glad we became such good friends this year as well!!!
    —
    Kerri,
    I wish Robert were playing secretary for me but I hate to say that my one-hand typing is about as good as his two-hand typing!! Sorry about the TP lice… Thank YOU for being my friend!!! Happy New Year, you!!!
    —
    Tamara,
    I want their tub, too. They never use it!!! I hope we will meet IRL this year!!December 31, 2013 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - This whole post is completely engaging! I’ve been bouncing all over the place, visiting link after link. I love your magical photos of Christmastime. Happy New Year!December 31, 2013 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

  • Shay - I stuck around for the whole post, becuase you’re awesome and it was a great post. So sweet. I love seeing the pics–and it really was a great year for you. I’m so glad we “met” through out blogs!December 31, 2013 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

  • meeshie - This year I found your blog and we managed to connect. I’m glad for that. I hope you have a lovely new year.December 31, 2013 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - I love number 20 and 26 on your list.
    Insight of the year? Worrying does nothing but eat my guts. The most delicious meal or food you ate? The ones that other people made.

    Amen to both to those!

    That light show does look amazing, and I’m glad to read your Christmas went well. Here’s to a Happy New Year.December 31, 2013 – 4:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Wow, great pictures, great holidays, great posts! Happy New Year to you, friend. xoxoDecember 31, 2013 – 6:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - Okay – I’m so coming back to check out a few of the links, but we are about to do family new years (yay!).

    It looks like you guys had a wonderful Xmas! Rock climbing rocks! It’s my hubby’s sport. And Tucker truly looks No Fear there 🙂 Your photos are beautiful (I’ll have to check back more re: the funky snowman… but I like him).

    I’d also been wondering about the Our Land Series – so I’ll bookmark and visit back.

    Finally – I suspect you can verify this fact with half the population: bigger boobs are fine.December 31, 2013 – 6:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kristi,
    Happy New Year!!!
    —
    Shay,
    YOU crack me up, over and over. Happy New Year, friend. I can’t wait to see where 2014 brings your brain!!!
    —
    Meeshie
    What can I say other than HOLYFUCKTHANKYOU???? Because you saved me, from me….December 31, 2013 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Yvonne,
    Gut eating is bad,,, bad, bad. Happy NY to you!!!
    —
    Sarah,
    Happy NY to you, Sweets!!!!
    —
    Louise,
    Yay for the fam NY. I’m a little jealous, as we don’t have family here…
    YAY for climbing. I mean you know, not for me… but for Tuck and your hubs!!!December 31, 2013 – 11:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I love the photo of Tucker looking at the snow globe. Adorable and i can see the magic from here.January 1, 2014 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy Christi - There is so much beautiful, absolute JOY and love in this post, I’m wiping my tears on my shirt.
    Did that all really happen in just ONE year??
    p.s. I’m totally loving this sentence:
    “Worrying does nothing but eat my guts.”
    Amen, sister!
    Happy 2014!!January 1, 2014 – 6:38 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Kristy I’m so glad I got to meet you this year. some of the links you had here for your review were absolutely hysterical.I hope only the best for you and your family in 2014 and I hope to see more of you! ZoeJanuary 1, 2014 – 6:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - First of all you look gorgeous on that family photo. Second of all, the photo of Tucker studying magic is breathtaking. Third of all I loved that trip down memory lane letting my mind wander back to some of your amazing posts last year (the letter to old man Tucker, oh my gosh, my heart palpitates at the memory). It also made me a little sad realizing I will probably never find the time to go back and read every single post there, because I wish I could just read more and more of you. Love you, my friend, and isn’t Steph like totally awesome? 🙂January 1, 2014 – 8:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Manal The Go Go Girl - A very sweet post. I made it thru the end but was hopping from post to post..Love your blog and I promise I will read a lot more..Love the pictures and I’m in love with Tucker. Adorable little angel!January 1, 2014 – 9:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine Gacad - what a year! looking forward to what 2014 brings.January 1, 2014 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kate,
    I love him looking at the snow globe, too…
    —
    Joy,
    Amen to less worry and I’m so glad I found you!!!
    —
    Zoe,
    Ditto, my friend!!!!
    —
    Katia,
    LOVE LOVE you! And yeah, Steph is awesome. I’m glad I found you this year!!!
    —
    Go go-
    Tucker is awesome and I look forward to reading yours more too! Happy New Year!!!
    —
    Catherine,
    OMG I look forward to what 2014 brings you!!! A new baby!!! EEEEP!!!!January 1, 2014 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Learning to make a duck face with Pringles is a valuable life skill! I’m glad you got to meet a blogger friend who was just was awesome in person as in the blogging world. I love when that happens. And worrying? Can’t agree with you more on that one!January 2, 2014 – 6:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Now see… I was coming back to make sure I HAD read this one yikes…don’t judge- Bacardi can do these things…

    And I just read your reply…

    Dear sweet Kristi,

    Tis NOT the same bottle, my love.
    The Good Lord knows.
    That was many bottles back.
    I surely don’t keep track…
    Way too many to count!

    LOLJanuary 2, 2014 – 6:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - No, YOU are awesome and adorable! How much fun did we have??? More, if we’d stayed up all night playing CAH, no? Anyway… I am jealous of this- I intended to do a wrap-up year end post, and I totally bailed. I guess I needed the blog break more than I needed to write that post. But I wanted to. Sigh.January 3, 2014 – 4:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Awesome photos and that one of Tucker and the snow globe is priceless, Kristi! I soooo have to try that with the duck lips. I’m a Pringles addict hence I virtually never have them in the house except for food posts. My favorites of your’s here were 1, 13, 20, 31, 39 (of which your saying inspired me to write my last post)! May 2014 be even more beautiful for you every day 🙂February 13, 2014 – 6:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike! FOR REAL? I inspired you to write a post? How awesome are YOU??? And thank you so much my awesome friend. Huge. Duck lips are like a law of Pringles.February 13, 2014 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

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