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

Have you ever done something that made you feel like you deserved a medal? I look at my past, which is long and winding, and I think about the moments that make me proud. I think about the ones that made me me. I think about the fact that I’ve created life, and how the life […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Rachel - Since I’m a judge and can’t compete for the money, can I leave a crappy comment? Oh, and to all of you out there who are leaving comments after me…I do accept bribes…September 19, 2013 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Congrats on the one year and you trumped me telling me dad at 4 years old that my grandfather said, “Son of a Bitch”, when getting cut off by another driving while driving with me in the car somewhere. But seriously, congrats!!September 19, 2013 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - You did not have that conversation with your father. I told my husband that and now he has something new to panic about. Your father does deserve a medal for that and you deserve one for telling us the story. So funny.
    Also, good call on the “moist” rule. That is my most hated word.September 19, 2013 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Keep your money. I am glad you started blogging and we found each other. I might not always comment, but I read them and I love them. Happy blog birthday to you! How did you know when your blog turned one?September 19, 2013 – 10:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Well first of all, I am “almost first” to comment, so that should give me an extra point!!
    And secondly, I work tirelessly on my little ol’ blog and haven’t made but a dime and spare change, so it would really be neat to pretend I make money blogging- my mission? Reaching out and encouraging people…that is the dream I pursue. I can say I made A HUNDRED BUCKS and no one needs to know how- it’s connected to my blog someway, right? Then my dream is fulfilled: I am “legit”.
    And thirdly, I think you are freaking amazing and quite frankly, all of those judges I see up there are the elite of the bunch… so just them reading this gives me goosebumps and smiles, and I’m content just being a part of this blog world with you. (I mean that- I’m not kissing up to get the money… really.)

    I am an email subscriber too! (YAY for one point!!! If I don’t get any points, at least I got one!! lol)September 19, 2013 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - You deserve a medal for all of the above including incorporating 8-year-old Kristi’s conversation with her dad. Happy birthday, my friend, I am so glad I found you and your blog!September 19, 2013 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Happy Birthday to your awesome, and yes, award-deserving blog!!! And that story is so funny… When I was 8 I asked my mom what a prostitute was, and after she carefully explained to me what it was, I responded with, “Oh, you mean like a hooker?” So much for childhood innocence!September 19, 2013 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I just came over here to read b/c you’re awesome and I adore you. And when I read the post, I just about shit my pants from that kind of “Oh no she didn’t!” laughter. And you know what? It’s hard to get me to just about shit my pants with a little bit of shock and “Oh no she didn’t” b/c, well, you know me–some of the stuff I say gets the same type of reaction, so I should never be surprised at what others say. Anyway! I am pretty sure I eliminated myself with all the “shit my pants” stuff, but I’d be boring if I were picked, anyway, b/c I’d give the money right back to you for working so hard and making us all laugh and being so supportive of all of us bloggers every day. You deserve it! CONGRATS on one year!!!!September 19, 2013 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Your dad TOTALLY deserves a medal for that! WOW! Poor guy! Just glad he didn’t crash and kill you both!

    So (looking at your rules), judges can still enter? In which case I’ll totally state my case for winning lies simply in this sad state of affairs “Bloggy Tour Of USA Fund = £0”

    (P.S. You’re lucky the guy behind your Dad’s car didn’t have an Asshole Laser (like the one I’m inventing) available for that swerve…September 19, 2013 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Heather - I don’t want the money, but only because I barely managed not to spit coffee all over my computer. Your dad so deserves a medal, that was absolutely hilarious!

    Also love the rules – what is it with pumpkin flavored everything? I saw pumpkin flavored m&ms recently, ew. The m word – it’s just gross. Although there is this smart ass part of me that wants to say – If I win I will be using the money to purchase pumpkin flavored m&ms at Walmart and making deliciously moist cookies with them. (sorry just couldn’t help myself)

    And happy birthday – am only recently finding your blog, but I love it.September 19, 2013 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • just JENNIFER - Oh pick me, pick me! (Think Donkey from Shrek)

    Shall I give you a sob story? My daughter needs school pics and my son needs soccer pics. My daughter also needs a flash drive for her graphic design class and new sneakers for her big ass feet for PE. Then they’re gonna need Halloween costumes and we gotta renew our car tags next month. I could really use a new sports bra too.

    So what good uses I would put that money to? 😀September 19, 2013 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Erica - I don’t think I deserve to win. I just wanted to say happy blog birfday!September 19, 2013 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - I am now curious to see what offspring a squid and roly poly make. LOL!
    And absolutely you deserve a medal for creating Tucker. He is damn cute! While your at it … can I have one for making Reagan?

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.coSeptember 19, 2013 – 11:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - OKAY! When I agreed to be a judge you never told me there would be penis kissing of any kind in this post!!!!! 😉

    Happy Blogiversary! Yet another blogger that I am totally shocked has been at this gig for less time than I have!September 20, 2013 – 1:13 amReplyCancel

  • karen - OMG….you have one awesome dad to not only answer you in such an honest way but to let ask those questions and not freak out…

    I am sure I am going to have lots of those situations with Dino…I think honesty on a level they can understand is very important. I let Dino know that touching his penis and testicles is okay in the privacy of his room, they belong to him and no one else.September 20, 2013 – 6:07 amReplyCancel

  • clark - I am so, so very shallow… I got as far as the (sentence fragment that included the words) ‘blow job’ and started laughing… and came right down here to the Comments.

    …now that I have stopped laughing, I can go back and finish reading your Post.*

    *are all the Contestants looking all crestfallen and such? muttering… ‘the frickin guy can’t get through ‘blow job’ without laughing and stopping what he set out to do! what the hell am I willing to do for $100.00?!?!September 20, 2013 – 6:54 amReplyCancel

  • clark - (…am back, have finished reading Post).

    If you weren’t already the creator of the Contest, I would surely have voted for you, if for no other reason than Rule 10.

    Hey, other Readers go to ‘the Facebook’ anyway and find one of the Kristi things and nominate and/or vote for her anyway.

    damn, I get so jealous of people who are not only more original (in their weird-assed way of seeing the world around them) but have the guts to do it without reservation.

    lol… I am glad I know* you

    (* in that totally imaginary-but-wicked-cool-cause-we-get-to-make-up-anything-thing-we-think-we-can-pull-off kind of way.)September 20, 2013 – 7:05 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Well I shot out a kid from my bionic vagina. Kidding. My back is bionic.
    And my kid told us the other day that we picked him up in the graveyard and put him in my stomach. I had to correct him obviously…cause we all know that the cutest kids come from aisle 9 in the God store. Pft..kids are so dumb.
    Happy anniversary you blow jobbing hooker.September 20, 2013 – 8:48 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Golden Spoons - I am laughing so hard at the thought of one of my daughters asking my hubby that question while he is driving them somewhere!!! Your dad totally deserves a medal because my hubby would certainly crash that vehicle!

    Also, you combined sex, blow jobs, your dad, a birthday party, and money all into one incredible post. That, my friend deserves a medal of epic proportions!!! (And if anyone happens to read this comment before reading the actual post – It’s not what I just made it sound like – I promise!)

    So glad I found you and this fabulous blog! 🙂September 20, 2013 – 8:55 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Just wanted to say “Happy Blogiversary!” and thank you for asking me to be on the panel alongside all those other cool judges…I’m honored! So far there are lots of great comments to choose from — this is not going to be easy, but it will be fun!!September 20, 2013 – 9:38 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I am so glad that Allie’s question about Kinicki sparked this post. At least I am taking credit and sharing the medal with your dad. I can just picture you asking not one but a zillion annoying questions about penises. Should I ask if you ever got over your phobia 🙂September 20, 2013 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

  • Jen @ Real Life Parenting - This is my first time reading your blog. (Thanks to someone who named you as a must read on Four Plus an Angel’s post on facebook yesterday and the link from Mommy, For Real’s blog post). I’m already a fan!! Love your sense of humor. Right up my sassy alley.

    I’m not vying for the cash–but let’s be honest, Benjamins never hurt anyone’s feelings. Amiright?? I think I would pimp my blog page with some extra cash … as in hire someone who knows a lot more than I do about making it look pretty.

    I haven’t done a prompt post yet … so I think I’ll give this a whirl. Looking forward to lots more fun. I’m going to go look in your cupboards and then start writing!!September 20, 2013 – 10:03 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I deserve to win because I have made a grand total of $0.82 doing this blogging thing so far. I am meeting you IRL next month and I need the money to get a manicure and a cute outfit so you won’t be embarrassed to be seen with me. I also subscribed to your blog, which I rarely do, but you are that awesome. Also, I was showing my 12 year old your post so he could see I was judging, and he caught the words “kissing penis.” So now he thinks I read porn all day. The $100 would pay for his first therapy session.September 20, 2013 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

  • Meg B - I currently own two bras that fit me. One of them is a nursing bra. And since I stopped nursing three months ago it seems kinda silly that one would still be wearing a nursing bra. It’s not that money is SO tight I can’t afford new bras it’s just that when given the choice between buying new bras or picking up extra formula or some new activity thing or clothes for my nine month old twins, I pick the twins (and not my TWIN GIRLS (wink wink)(boobs, I’m talking about boobs) the actual real twin boys I birthed nine months ago).

    I am suffering from Pancake Boob Syndrome. And while that’s all fine and dandy for my husband who insists I am hot even with the extra twenty (ok, thirty) (ok, maybe a little more than that but I won’t tell you how much because then I’ll have to kill you) pounds, the stretch marks and the saggy boobs, it is not fine and dandy for me when I go out in public. I miss my old boobs. I would like to pretend they are still there with the use of a proper bra. All of my old proper bras shrunk in the wash (I am not too fat for them. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it).

    Here I am in all my selfish glory. I want money for my boobs.

    p.s. Your father deserves a medal for that question for sure! He can share it with my mom who had to explain to me what the term sixty-nining someone meant. I was ten.September 20, 2013 – 11:09 amReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - I Google Plussed your Babble page.

    Ask your dad what THAT means.September 20, 2013 – 11:20 amReplyCancel

  • Misty @ Meet the Cottons - i left a FB comment above, does that enter me in the contest? if i’m selected, i want you to donate that prize to Beard & Pigtails for his Little Brother Quincy!September 20, 2013 – 11:37 amReplyCancel

  • Kate - I am DYING laughing!!! Your dad does deserve a medal!!September 20, 2013 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - I give you medal, lady. Just say no to penis kissing. xoxoSeptember 20, 2013 – 2:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - OK- two things first. Wheee- I’m a judge!) Second- I actually face-palmed myself when you asked if your mom kissed your dad’s penis. Face. Palm.

    I totally follow by email. Duh.

    I would go to the bakery that made my wedding cake and buy a $100-sized wedding cake with the same flavor (Bailey’s filling- a-hell-yes!) and also buy a few pieces of chocolate covered bacon. Then I would go sit in my car and eat them all by myself. True story.

    Vote for me, fellow judges! 😀September 20, 2013 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Well, Happy Birthday Finding Ninee! I’m honored and humbled to be a judge. I think your dad should be a judge, personally.
    I’m torn between wanting to win, because quite frankly, camera lenses don’t pay for themselves, my son needs a new pair of shoes, and I need to feed my daughter’s cookie addiction.
    I do deserve the money for that one.
    However, I’m going to vote with all of my heart for someone else.September 20, 2013 – 3:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer M. - If I got so lucky enough to win, I would buy a professional back massage. I only had one once and really loved it. It was so relaxing. My husband says that he will give me a back massage but after 45 seconds of him not putting enough pressure into it, his penis wants kisses.
    If I do what he wants thinking that my massage will happen after that, either he falls asleep or our baby wakes up and needs me. I would like to have a professional massage from a professional who doesn’t want me to kiss his penis.September 20, 2013 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - Wow, the blow-job story is priceless!! I hope it was dished up again at your wedding, as a little late get-back from your dad 😉September 20, 2013 – 4:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Pam @ Whatevs... - I don’t care about the contest, although it is a super cool idea, I was going to comment anyway, I swear to GOD! Oh my am I protesting too much!? All I wanted to say is that is hilarious and totally reminds me of the time my BFF came over for dinner and we were sitting at the kitchen table, talking about hair pie. All the boys in our 8th grade class had been saying it non stop but we had no idea what it meant. As soon as my dad heard it he went apesh*t and started screaming “NEVER USE THAT WORD IN MY HOUSE!!” We figured out what it meant pretty quick. Meanwhile, my brother, who was in 10th grade was falling off his chair laughing and my mom and sister (who was 6 at the time) were like “Huh? What’s hair pie.” I give your dad a lot of credit for just calmly telling you an 8 year old appropriate version of the definition of blow job.September 20, 2013 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Pam @ Whatevs... - And PS I meant to say happy blogiversary!!!!September 20, 2013 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Son of a sea biscuit, I can’t stop laughing about the blow job story long enough to come up with a funny comment! If my daughter would have asked my husband something like that, he would have made up something lame, like, “It’s the job a person at the party store does to get the balloons ready for people’s parties.”

    Your dad wins all medals ever won by anyone for anything after having to sit through that conversation.

    Congrats on your one year blogiversary!

    I don’t know what the hell I’d do with $100. It most certainly wouldn’t go towards anything having to do with my children.September 21, 2013 – 1:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - This is wonderful Kristi. Happy blog-birthday. Love the giveaway idea. The penis story is hilarious. Do you remember it or is that from your dad’s retelling or will he NEVER repeat the story again. Too cute anyway.

    Side note: I will forever girl when I scroll across a comment from Shay because for two seconds I’m not sure who it is.September 21, 2013 – 2:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - Honestly, I could use the cash so I could rub it in my family’s faces that I did make some bank through this “blog thing” 🙂
    Happy Bloganniversary 🙂September 21, 2013 – 7:46 pmReplyCancel

  • MJM - Happy birthday miss blogger…go on with your badself.

    I can’t believe you made money blogging…how the poop did you do that!? I haven’t made crap! I thought about holding my readers up at gunpoint, but I can’t afford the gun. What’s up wit dat playa?!

    Anyway, as always awesome job. Keep up the great work.September 21, 2013 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Melissa @ Home on Deranged - I never asked my dad about blow jobs. In fact, I’m not sure my dad has ever acknowledged that men have penises and women don’t. Not really his style. I did see the Crying Game with my dad, and the moment they revealed that the girl was a guy, my dad audibly gasped and grabbed my arm. Never actually said anything, mind you, even after the movie. That’s as close to a penis conversation as we’ve ever come. hmm….
    Congrats on your birthday, lady! And if I were to win the $100, I would only blow it on ridiculous items like formula and diapers, so just give it to someone for booze and pills. Like it should be.September 21, 2013 – 11:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Ah peeps. You have 24 more hours to enter….
    Rachel…
    You can win. Read the rules.
    —
    Janine
    HA
    Awesome and yeah, blow jobs are way worse than son of a bitches.
    —
    Jean,
    Please tell your hubs I’m sorry….
    —September 22, 2013 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Courtney,
    I didn’t actually think about it until I saw some bloggers talking about their blog birthdays. Once I saw those, I researched (and by researched, looked at my old emails saying my site was live, etc. but then also looked at old posts…and when I first published…)
    I am embarrassed now about what I thought a blog was, then.September 22, 2013 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

  • Christy - Happy blog birthday! Your dad definitely deserves a medal:)When I was 14-years-old I took care of my twin nephews who were six months old for two weeks while my brother and his wife were sick with the flu. I found out the hard way that I couldn’t carry two babies at once! A somewhat medal worthy experience. On a more serious note I’ve had a pretty medal worthy week and managed to keep my sense of humor. It’s not a funny story, but I’m hoping it will help someone dealing with the same type of situation: http://www.squidoo.com/finding-the-courage-to-leave-my-abusive-husbandSeptember 22, 2013 – 12:30 amReplyCancel

  • Janet Ochs - Hi Kristi!

    Happy Birthday to your blog! It’s been extremely helpful to me. I do follow it regularly!

    I’m not really good at the quick witted stuff. So, here’s Just Me!

    Beginning with a Speech Pathologist telling me that my son’s speech delays weren’t “just” speech delays last November, this past year has been really rough for me. It’s been a year of endless tests, stress to the nth degree, ridiculous comments from “specialists” and other people in my life who just didn’t get what you cleverly refer to as the middle world – no diagnosis, somewhere in between. He doesn’t fit into a mold – he’s just – Chris. He’s smart, funny, sometimes stubborn, but definitely unique. I’ve struggled with finding the “right” school and therapies to best benefit him, how not to affect my 2 older typical daughters too much (sometimes not very well at all), running a house, etc. I have an MBA but gave up my career to be a stay at home Mom. That turned out to be so beneficial for this process. This past year has been spent in survival mode, but I have survived, largely thanks to an extremely supportive and understanding husband.

    The thing is, I almost never do anything for myself these days. I often have guilt for putting myself ahead of anyone or anything, especially if I have to spend money to do it. I would use this money for me – maybe a pedicure, getting my hair done, or something like that.

    I can’t say I deserve this more than anyone else. Everyone has their ups and downs. So to the people who win – you deserve it and I’m happy for you!!!September 22, 2013 – 8:06 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Kristi,
    I don’t want the money, but I just want to say thank you. Thank you for writing so beautifully and honestly, and thank you for Our Land. Thank you for showing me the many facets of empathy and understanding. I feel as though I owe you so much for all that you have done for me, but all I can offer are words. Your posts have changed my life…I don’t know what I would do without the blogging community! xoxoSeptember 22, 2013 – 8:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - If I win the $100 I will invent a machine that weans kids immediately from anything they need to be weaned from. Like, oh, pacifiers. Not that I’m listening to my daughter scream from her bedroom right now or anything. $100 will get me closer to my breakthrough invention for sure.September 22, 2013 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Alana Terry - A hundred dollars? Yup, I deserve that for the time i didn’t deck that well-meaning adult (a member of the family no less) who told our tube-fed son that he should aspire to work as a greeter at Walmart when he grows up. Talk about ambition…

    Oops, I just used the Mart word. Hope I’m not disqualified because I’m getting ready to do a blog tour for one of my books and want to buy some totally awesome prizes that the wonderfully, witty, and highly artistic blogging friends I know can use as giveaways on their awesome, snarky, hilarious blogs. (It just make me moist when I think about them.)

    Oops, there I go using banned words again. Am I still qualified?September 22, 2013 – 10:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Darcy Perdu - If honored by your selection, I would use the $100 to buy more rainbow-colored yarn for the afghan I’m knitting for blind senior citizen orphans.

    But on the WAY to the yarn store, I’d probably blow it all on a menage a trois with Ben & Jerry via their orgasmic New York Super Fudge Chunk.

    (BTW, Happy 1-Year-Old Birthday! You don’t look a day over 10 months!)September 22, 2013 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Whacamole Mom - High-5, freebie whore! Here’s the thing. I don’t want your stinking money. I mean, it’s good money and all – and PROBABLY not gonna burst purple dye in my face (although that might very well be an improvement some days) – but you can’t buy my love. Nope. Not for sale (well, who knows but the $100 ain’t gonna cut it. Standards, ya know.).

    I am just thankful that I found ninee…and kind of peeved because your one year’s worth of blog posts probably outnumber what I’ll get up on mine in a decade. But…bygones. Love you. Mean it!September 22, 2013 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Betty Taylor - I just had to stop by and tell you this is my favorite post of the week. I think your dad deserves a medal!

    Of course, you do too!September 23, 2013 – 1:17 amReplyCancel

  • don - I was not going to comment, but I find myself $100 in the hole due to an incident on Saturday and this must be the Christmas miracle that I need!

    My 2 year old somehow got his hands on my wallet as we were driving down the highway Saturday and, without warning, he threw it the fuck out the window!

    HE THREW MY WALLET THE FUCK OUT THE WINDOW OF MY MOVING VEHICLE!!!!

    Fortunately, my wife was in her raggedy ass (i.e. poor) minivan so she saw the whole thing or I’d still be looking for my wallet like a dumbshit wondering where I put it.

    Please judges, if you don’t award me this money, my kids will get no Christmas this year. Shame on all of you, if that happens!

    Oh and happy birthday to your blog or whatever. Voting for this would be much easier if it were like Twitter where I could see the person’s AVI or whatever the picture is called. Not gonna lie, I’d just pick the hottest woman I’m sure. Lol.September 23, 2013 – 12:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I know I didn’t comment in time, so I just wanted to say Happy Blog Anniversary! And OMG… your dad does deserve a medal! 🙂September 23, 2013 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - As a judge my only comment is, for the most part, these comments are freaking hilarious!!!
    and eww. sorry penis kissing, I don’t even want to think about it.September 24, 2013 – 9:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Van - I just wanted to say: Smoke weed.September 25, 2013 – 4:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa - Oh Kristi! I’m not sure if this qualifies me for any money, but I have to ask how you KNOW the 8 year old blow job story. Did you remember it your self or did your poor dad have to relive the whole thing just to remind you of what he went through in order to raise such an amazing woman? If it was the latter, you should just send the $150 plus the medal to your father. In fact, I will throw in a $20 if he has any other stories like that to tell!September 25, 2013 – 8:54 pmReplyCancel

  • www.howtogetajobbook.com - I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site.

    I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you later on as
    well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal site now 😉August 31, 2015 – 5:46 pmReplyCancel

Hello friends! Two Our Lands in one week! I know – awesome, right? Also a first. I felt like it was important to share Rachel’s (Tao of Poop) post this week due to its timeliness, as it was written as a response to this post. If you missed it, please take a minute to read […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Emily - I just copied and pasted that paragraph about Faith above…I needed that one today. And the rest of this post is reassuring in the sense that I am thankful we have wonderful teachers and advocates and protectors for our children out there…if only everyone were as vigilant and action-oriented as Lisa. I am hopeful that she made a difference in Squirt’s life.September 18, 2013 – 5:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Lisa, this is absolutely stunning, both in the sense that it could happen and you came face to face with it, and in the tender way you wrote about it, and how close you still carry ‘Squirt’ in your heart. I pray she’s alright. I think you did exactly the right thing.

    Thank you so much for sharing this story through Our Land. The world needs more people like you. You’re awesome.September 18, 2013 – 6:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Lisa, you and so many other teachers are that group of citizens, and you changed Squirt’s world. I so hope that the effect was long lasting and that she is in a safe and good place today.September 18, 2013 – 8:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Wow, Lisa. I hope you won’t think it’s terrible presumptuous to speak on Squirt’s behalf, but I know you did the right thing. There was no other way. She was lucky to have you as her guardian angel at that time in her life. You wrote beautifully about this. “She didn’t know she was special needs” is such a perfect way of summarizing a child’s innocence and HOW devastating that this was taken away from her.I don’t want to live in a land where children aren’t safe either. Perfectly put. Amen to every word and bless you.September 18, 2013 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Oh, Lisa, I am bawling. I don’t think I knew you were a former special ed teacher. I am a music therapist, and have worked with many kids who have special needs. This broke my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us- your perseverance and dedication is inspiring.September 18, 2013 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - So chilling – I admit I nearly couldn’t finish this. I did, though. I hope she found someone to love her and tuck her in. I hope she can somehow read this – and has adequate access to everything she needs. I don’t want to live in that land either. My daughter doesn’t know it exists and I don’t know how to tell her.September 18, 2013 – 10:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - My heart goes out to her. I too hope she found someone to love her.September 19, 2013 – 1:27 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Thank you all so much for your kind and thoughtful comments. There is so much more to this story than I can write in one blog post. Just this morning, I read a FB status from a friend who had witnessed a father abusing his child in a fast food restaurant the previous evening. She said “I had never seen such terror on the face of a child.” It broke my heart and I just wanted to shout “THEN DO SOMETHING!!” Children are helpless, and innocent, and precious. I think about Squirt all the time (12 years later now) and I just want to get the message out that, too many times, we are the only one who can help them. It is hard and scary and heart wrenching, but it won’t stop unless someone make s it.

    Again, thanks so much for your kind and sincere comments. They truly mean the world to me! 🙂September 19, 2013 – 7:45 amReplyCancel

  • Tracie - So many tears.

    You absolutely did the right thing in reporting, and she was so blessed to have a teacher that not only noticed, but was consistently persistent about reporting until the needed action was taken.

    Prayers for Squirt today.September 19, 2013 – 8:23 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I am crying. That poor child. She was lucky to have you in her life! I will never understand how a parent could fail their child so badly.September 19, 2013 – 9:50 amReplyCancel

  • Alana Terry - aw, how sad. Adding my prayers that Squirt is doing well and healthy.September 19, 2013 – 9:54 amReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - Dang Kristi, I’m gonna stop reading these! I was balling by the end. I just cannot handle/fathom the idea of someone hurting a child. Not Ever and just like Lisa that’s why I don’t watch the news anymore. When my husband started talking about Syria I put my fingers in my ears.
    I thank God for people like Lisa. Thank you!September 19, 2013 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Such an incredibly heartbreaking story that hopefully has a happy ending thanks to you. She is lucky to have found you! There are so many children who I pray for, like you, Lisa. It’s hard that it sometimes doesn’t seem like enough to be their teacher. I can’t tell you how many I wanted to take home with me!September 20, 2013 – 10:23 amReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - With all that prayer going out for her and your action, I’m confident that she is okay today! I can’t understand hurting or spanking children. Unfortunately many people disagree with me. Believe it or not I have gotten more negative, even hateful comments on my “I don’t believe in spanking” posts than on any other! I could understand the nasty comments if I was condoning spanking. The experience was a sad eye opener to me. I pray that no child ever experience child abuse again.September 20, 2013 – 7:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - This broke my heart right from when you said her heart looked deflated. I just new.
    I worked in a Children’s ER and I saw so many vicious things. They were all caught because of observation. It took a lot of fighting for these little souls to get them help. Unfortunately, one of those souls were sent home only to come back to the ER dead.
    I am so proud that you stood up for her. That you were her advocate. You’re a wonderful person and I hope that other adults read how important it is to be observant and to take action for these wee ones who can’t do it themselves.
    Thank youSeptember 21, 2013 – 8:00 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - We have to believe the Squirt had the best life and found love in the right people after she was removed from the home. Thank you Lisa for being so proactive in making it happen. It so easy to give up on something when it seems like no one is taking the matter seriously. This was a beautiful post.September 21, 2013 – 2:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Dayngr - What a touching story. I had tears in my eyes. I do hope it all worked out for squirt and I’m sure she never forgot the people no loved and helped her.September 22, 2013 – 10:39 amReplyCancel

This is going to be a post about laser light shows and skanks. If either of those things bother you, please come back tomorrow. In other news, my friend Rachel wrote me a love letter today. Check it out. She’s one kickass writer. Still here? Cool. Have you ever been to a laser light show? They […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Kenya G. Johnson - I am CRACKING up. Because I know @sayitrahshay, the whole mix up is HILARIOUS.

    As for the laser light show I went to one with my grandparents. I was in the first grade and so that was 1976 – in my memory it didn’t look like either of those. Maybe the 1976 one was low tech.September 17, 2013 – 9:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I would have thought it was Shay too!! I am laughing so hard- I’m glad I’m alone tonight or Joe would think I was even crazier than he already does.September 17, 2013 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Seriously no words. Have such a head cold right now, but thank you for a real, good old laugh from this tonight. And the memories of have of laser shows from my past, too. Definitely some fun times and things I hope my kids never find out I did during this time in my life!September 17, 2013 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachee - Golf clap.September 17, 2013 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - dudette… I am always in awe when I come here and read this stuff.

    I am currently in a phase of not believing I have the skills to properly compliment people (long story…remind me to tell you at another time). But you do in your blog *most* of the time, what I on very rare occasion succeed in doing in mine… which is ‘push’. push myself, my boundaries…whatever the term is.
    I take heart, cause what you do here reminds me that it is the ‘oh man! no way am I going to hit ‘Publish” feeling that is behind most of the really good stuff I put out.

    (old person story: “well, Missy. We I went to concerts, they just invented ‘light shows’ which pretty much consisted of classroom-type overhead projectors with blobs of colored liquid on the platen and the lighting guy would move the lens in and out. You might surmise from this that those of us who made up the audience must have been pretty fucked up!”)September 17, 2013 – 9:51 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Hahaha, you’re a doofus! I love sluts though, they’re great!

    Oh wait, you said skankster? Lol, yeah skanksters are cool too!!

    Great job fucking up and making it funny as usual, Ninee!!September 17, 2013 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I was ROLLING the whole way through this post. Kristi, if it makes you feel any better, I would have thought I’d outed my blogger self, too, and I KNOW that I’m not on Twitter, so what kind of a dipshit does that make me? And OMG–I need to get a Twitter (Make a Twitter? Start tweeting? Get on Twitter? What’s the lingo?) I love all of the bloggers you were tweeting with. (ARGH–I can’t end a sentence in a preposition, no matter how dorky the real way makes me sound. So let me rephrase: I love all of the blogger with whom you were tweeting!) And I love you, too, you big skankster. I SO NEED A TWITTER ACCOUNT!!

    Oh, and skankster’s even better when you say it “skanksta.”

    One more thing: I am white, but if it makes you feel any better,I’ve always wanted to be black, so there’s that. Love this post, and thanks for the hilarious shout-out!September 17, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I laughed so hard the first time around. I did NOT think it was possible that you could make this funnier, but you did. Thanks for the shout out about my love letter post to you! Mwah!September 17, 2013 – 10:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - I love you sooooo much! This is exactly what I needed today! You are freaking highsterical and I did say anything and “Hey, you wanna rebel yell with me?” priceless.September 17, 2013 – 10:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - LMAO! Thanks for the much-needed laugh! I almost did a Metallica song this week, too, but the video I found disturbed me too much. Maybe next time. 😉September 17, 2013 – 11:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - LOLing!

    I know Rachée (well in the way you know people in Twitterville, where she’s @SayItRachee) and when you mentioned Shay Trahsay, *I* thought they were one in the same. I felt a little smug because at least I could spell it right and you can’t. Hehe.

    But I get it’s my turn in the Dunce Chair now.September 17, 2013 – 11:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - Bahaha … this is hysterical. I have attended a laser light show once. I think I did more of the lasering though {that’s a blog post for another year!} Yikes!
    And I’m so glad you gave the skank dirty feet because that is just realistic. LOL

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.comSeptember 17, 2013 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Slu - Wow… All I will say is: “You never fail.” Ha!!!

    Enjoyed, SluSeptember 18, 2013 – 6:09 amReplyCancel

  • Lance - You had me at metallica light show

    hilarious postSeptember 18, 2013 – 8:43 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Oh my god, this is brilliant. How did Norine get in this conversation? Why wasn’t I invited? Next time.
    I saw a laser light show on the walls of a gorge in upstate NY. It had no music – but it was kinda a story about the history of humanity. Lasered onto the great walls of a gorge. I recommend it if you’re in the upstate NY market for something weird to do.September 18, 2013 – 9:20 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - Things that make you go bang! You’re rockin’ girl!September 18, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Natalie - The Cat Lady Sings - Hahaha, oh bloggers. So entertaining.
    And a Pink Floyd laser show sounds AMAZING.September 18, 2013 – 11:34 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - No wonder you didn’t open my email yet; you’re too busy shoving your (hopefully clean) foot in your mouth! You crack me up, Kristi! Fortunately all those women (and why am I not one of them?) have a good sense of humor!September 18, 2013 – 11:38 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Holy crap I am so glad I became a twit so now can actually follow along with this post. Of course it really is a PSA.September 18, 2013 – 12:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Melissa @ Home on Deranged - And because no one can trash it up or skank it up or crack pipe it up like a bunch of Moms Who Write and Blog…we proudly present, embarrassing moments in reading too quickly. Holy crap, I’m still laughing.
    And I still want to know what’s wrong with being a skank. Sheesh. Elitists.September 18, 2013 – 2:23 pmReplyCancel

  • MJM - Pure awesomeness…funny as a mofo.September 19, 2013 – 1:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - OH. My…skank.
    I like TraShay.
    I also love that you thought that she was a different race and talked about crack pipes. The best ones are made out of…kidding…I wouldn’t know…actually I do but it’s only because I watch Intervention more than I shouldSeptember 19, 2013 – 6:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Very funny dialogue between you girls! And I thought Lisa was just wearing socks. 1984. Rush concert. Best laser light show ever. Thank you for the memory, Kristi! Btw…your pic. I totally have a thing for half tops on women. So sexy hot 🙂February 7, 2014 – 8:10 pmReplyCancel

Today’s bonus Our Land story is written by previous contributor Rachel of Tao of Poop in response to a post that I wrote last week. Although I do not usually run Our Land submissions more than once each week, I’m making an exception due to the timeliness of the recent Kelli and Issy Stapleton tragedy. Rachel holds […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Rachel - Thank you for this series, for the opportunity to share my heart and for your inspiration. When I read your post on Our Land last week, I was filled with so many emotions. I felt compelled to respond. You are a gift, Kristi.September 16, 2013 – 9:39 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - On Rachel’s side totally and having taught in a special needs setting in a middle school myself was reading along cheering for these three boys and Rachel, too to fight against the school administration. Sometimes there really are such shades of grey and seriously have seen my own to know this as an educator. I really loved hearing Rachel’s story and the ending, too. Great addition to this series and could totally see why you would make the exception here.September 16, 2013 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Rachel,
    You are the gift! I’m so glad that you shared this. And I’m so glad that those students had you to give them hope and guidance.
    —
    Janine,
    It’s sad that you guys had to fight against the administration. It really is. Thank goodness these kids had you and Rachel on their sides.
    —September 16, 2013 – 9:45 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Rachel, this is absolutely stunning. I love the way you’ve brought fresh perspective to a seemingly tired (though contraversial) topic. The students you knew seem to have bloomed under your care and support, and I’m so happy to know that they had you in their lives, and the HUGE amount of difference you made to them.

    This is a truly beautiful post, and I’m thrilled it’s part of Our Land.September 16, 2013 – 10:53 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Considerer,
    I love how Rachel did it as well. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy post to write and she handled it brilliantly. Is there anything better than making a difference?
    I would like to know what you mean by it being a “tired topic” though. I’m not sure I follow. Are you saying that violence in general is a tired topic? Or that I’ve made this Kelli and Issy thing tired? Or that teaching children that others want to sweep under the carpet is tired? Please clarify. I don’t think it’s tired. I think we all need to shout out from the rooftops until there is true change and more teachers like Rachel.
    —September 16, 2013 – 11:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Wow. Rachel I commend you for your honesty, your heart and your willingness to go there. There to the world so many of us don’t want to see, yet you found the strength to see beauty. You provided those children with a hero that day. When you taught them to work together to build their own community rather than to mosey along like others wanted them to.September 16, 2013 – 11:24 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kerri,
    Me too, friend. Me too. I love that Rachel was so dedicated and that her dedication made a true and meaningful difference.September 16, 2013 – 12:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Rachel, you are such a profound thinker but have the ability to express complicated multi-layered thoughts with such ease. This was one of my favourite Our Land pieces. What I love about this series is that every single post always feels like it was written straight from the heart. By the heart, even. This was no exception. I’m submitting this entry once again to Schmutzie, I think both of you ladies deserve all the attention and love in the world for this.September 16, 2013 – 2:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Thank you all for your kinds words. Kerri, Katia, Lizzie, Janine and Kristi. I’m glad to call you friends. I’m kind of at a loss for what to say.September 16, 2013 – 3:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - AMAZING story – it shows another way of doing things. It’s not as neat – it’s messy, complicated and unraveled, but it can have a wonderful outcome. I feel that I personally would have chosen the latter, but I say that without any kind of experience of formal training. It’s just what I feel.September 16, 2013 – 7:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - Another valuable post, Krisit. Love to read all these perspectives. I was captivated by Rachel’s writing. I wish, wish, wish, I had that much patience. I admire anyone who is a special education teacher.September 16, 2013 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - When I saw all of the comments of our “friends” I didn’t want to read this. I HATE to cry. Sorry, but I’m screwed up that way. But Rachel and Kristi are my friends and this was supposed to be a great post. Halfway through I thought, this is fine.. this isn’t so bad. And then it happened. That second half… tears… I am so thankful for the ability to homeschool my son I cannot say. Even in the face of financial difficulties I still believe it is the best thing for us. I don’t want my son to have to fight the system, I could only pray he had teachers like you Rachel… but there is never any guarantee.
    You write like an angel. Thank you!September 16, 2013 – 9:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Alexa - So glad you did not give up on those kids. Because of you, their lives were changed for the better instead of them being lost in the mixes of the kids at District 75 (which sounds like something out of the Hunger Games!) Good for you. I wish there were more teachers willing and able to go that extra mile.September 17, 2013 – 5:36 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - WE should always look at the child as a whole. I think that kids are deemed violent, rude etc by one or two or more acts that they cannot control. It’s called trying to understand them, which I think you all did perfectly.
    And it is so amazing that children see beyond that. My son has an autistic child in his class that swears and has even hit students. The teacher explains to them about what is going on while at the same time explaining that it is wrong.
    Kids see beyond it. My son still talks about laughing over legos with him. It’s beautifulSeptember 17, 2013 – 6:24 amReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Such an amazing testament to what a great teacher can do. If only all kids had someone who believed in them like Rachel did.September 17, 2013 – 9:18 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Kristi, I’ll clarify here, too – by ‘tired’, I meant the ‘teacher with difficult kids to manage’ topic. I’ve read it in many books, articles, on documentaries etc, and it always seems overwhelmingly hard and ongoingly relentless; as though progress made in one area is undermined by regression in another.

    Rachel’s post brought hope to it. Understanding, at a very deep, child-level. And for that it’s brilliant (well, not just for that, but on this in particular) and why I was so pleased to read it.

    Violence in general has the propensity to become ‘tired’, when coverage is geared to the acts and consequences rather than the individuals.

    The Kelli and Issy topic is poignant and heartrending. Not tired.

    Teaching children who others reject CAN be a tired topic, but when done this way, is inspiring.

    I quite agree – this perspective should be put up on billboards and shouted out and talked about until all teachers begin to understand the wonder of what Rachel’s pointed out – that these kids are individuals, and that, on an individual level, with patience, support and resources, their lives can be transformed.September 17, 2013 – 10:33 amReplyCancel

  • Menopausal Mother - Rachel, you never cease to amaze me in your writing but this time you have truly blown me away. Deep and moving post. I loved you before but now I admire the hell of out of you and love you even more. I feel blessed for having you in my life. <3September 17, 2013 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wow!!! OMG this was a turn a frown upside down post. I am at a loss for words really. This was excellent. Speechless. Goosebumps at your last line – best day of your life. Wow.September 17, 2013 – 1:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa@ The Golden Spoons - Such an inspiring story! I taught preschoolers with special needs- several of them had unspecified behavior/aggression difficulties. I have often wondered what became of them as they progressed through school and life. This story gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, they encountered compassion and empathy like this!September 17, 2013 – 1:35 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Wow. Chills and totally lost for words, but thank you for such a heartfelt, beautifully honest post.September 17, 2013 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Rosey - OH my gosh, I loved Rachel’s posts before, now even more so. I saw her re-direct from her blog here today, and I knew I wanted to visit. I wasn’t sure i wanted to read YOUR story, because I don’t want to cry and I know I will, but I’m already bawled up so I’m headed over afterall. I see the special in special needs children too, in all children, and I loved the post.September 17, 2013 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Absolutely beautiful, Rachel. I am so glad you shared this with us all. We definitely need more people like you, and your class, in this world.September 17, 2013 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Darcy Perdu - beautiful, beautiful, beautiful — thank you for writing such a thought-provoking, respectful post about your students – an eye-opening experience for everyone involvedSeptember 19, 2013 – 3:05 amReplyCancel

  • catherine gacad - this post made me stop and think of my initial reaction, my behavior, my actions or non-actions towards others. i appreciate that you delved into the complexity and helped us understand what we typically try to dismiss.September 19, 2013 – 12:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Wow, Rachel. This was a truly incredible story. And you are an incredible teacher. And mom. And woman.September 20, 2013 – 2:11 pmReplyCancel

This week, my Ten Things of Thankful is Becky from Raising Loveliness.  Becky invited me to participate in a truly inspired and important project to let moms know that they are amazing, and not alone. I’m honored to join 27 others on a mission to uplift and encourage mothers around the world as a contributor […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Chris Carter - I love to see that you are one of the contributors to Becky’s inspiring book series!!! I will be in the next one! 🙂

    I love how you embrace the good things as well as embrace the painful things with authenticity and graciousness… it’s beautiful. XOSeptember 15, 2013 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I am so going to have to check out the book you are a contributor in and truly sounds like a wonderful series. Also, will say again that I think you did the right thing in sharing your feelings earlier in the week and thank you for always putting your feelings and self out there. Do hope the weekend has been going good so far and have a great rest of this Sunday now!!September 15, 2013 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Jak - Morning (in Jak-Time) Kristi *hug*
    –
    Sorry to hear about your friend and their traumatic ordeal. I have yet to read the entry, but I hope it’s still up so I can do so when having time. When I know there are posts about such tragic circumstances I tend to avoid them for a while…
    –
    Sounds like you had great friends to help pull you out of the murkiness and validate your feelings and assure you that you aren’t an asshole (if I’m gathering from context correctly).
    –
    I’m a bit skeptical about an interview with a dishwasher, but I will trust it went well!
    –
    Congrats on contributing to the book. Do you have to be a mother to check it out? O_o
    –
    Jak at The Cryton Chronicles & Dreams in the Shade of InkSeptember 15, 2013 – 2:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Wow! Congratulations on your contribution to the book. That’s very awesome 🙂

    This is a great entry for the week, and Elizabeth’s post was beautiful. She’s a wonderful, lovely person 🙂 It warmed my heart to see her response to your post. I’m so glad it helped 🙂September 15, 2013 – 4:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Lovely, Kristi! I downloaded the book last week but haven’t read it yet. I am contributing to the next book in the series, and I am so excited!September 15, 2013 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - What an emotional week! I don’t even know what to say, except to let you know that I do not assume that the behavior of one person is a predictor of behavior in another. Also, even when a person’s diagnosis includes violent tendencies as a symptom, it does not mean that the violence defines the person. I guess I’m just trying to say that there is no confusion in my mind that your son is not your friend’s daughter, and you are not your friend.September 15, 2013 – 8:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - I am thankful that I read your post and Elizabeth’s response. It was very brave of you to have the guts to post something that others were probably thinking as well. Never take it down.September 15, 2013 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - We will keep Kelli and you in our thoughts and prayers, Kristi…..and because you have a heart for others, just because….all will be well.September 15, 2013 – 9:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - I really enjoyed the picture at the top of your post. I think some of our greatest disappointments come from expecting our children and other people to behave how we would like them to behave, not how they are. Acceptance is a gift that helps ourselves, our loved ones and especially our children.

    BTW, I don’t think you’re an asshole, just honest. That being said, sometimes you need to be an asshole to be honest and that’s okay. It’s more than okay – it’s admirable.

    Good luck and may you have many more things to be thankful for in the coming week.September 15, 2013 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - yow… is this blogosphere something, or what? I suspect I am showing my ‘virtual rube’…but the people and the relationships and mostly the interactions…direct, vicarious…assumed and inferred that is here in this place of the mind… I just really like it.

    …to be somewhat selfish and self-centered, I read and watch and in-a-limited-and-not-the-least-creepy-way participate in a portion of your virtual life and think, ‘damn! If she can do *that*…why am I sitting around thinking I need to be careful and cautious and all the other self-limiting things that we do to ourselves?’

    thanks for your blog and suchSeptember 15, 2013 – 11:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Clark,
    The thing is this. You’re not “sitting around thinking you need to be cautious…and all the other stuff” (sic). You’re doing what you do. And it’s amazing in itself. And yes, the blogospherere is amazing and perfect and flawed and thankful.
    Thank you for you.
    —
    Maggie,
    Me, too. Becky made that from one of the quotes I gave her from the book. You should check it out. It’s lovely.
    —
    Michelle,
    Thank you.
    —
    Dyanne,
    I will never (maybe probably) take it down. And thank you.
    —
    Kristi AKA K2,
    Yes, the behavior doesn’t define the person. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to see beyond it.
    —
    Sarah,
    WOW awesome that you’re contributing next version (I didn’t realize she’d gotten that far yet but YAY Becky!!!
    —September 15, 2013 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Lizzi/Considerer,
    Thank you. I love that she’s doing this book and I’m honored that she invited me to be a part of it. Truly and wholly.
    Thanks, you.
    —
    Jak,
    Owe you a *hug* back. And congrats to you on your awesome new girlfriend> so cool!! And thanks so much for the support. Some stuff sucked. But mostly, aren’t we all so dang lucky????
    —
    Janine,
    Not sure if I should be putting my feelings out there so much, but why do we write if not for that…right? Write? Right write? Um. Yeah. THat.
    —
    Chris,
    YAY you for being in the next one!!! How amazingly cool and perfect 🙂
    Congratulations. Becky is awesome. So are you.
    —September 15, 2013 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Congrats for being a contributor to the e-book. I’ve just downloaded it, waiting on my confirmation e-mail. Love the post by Elizabeth. That was wonderful of her.September 16, 2013 – 7:41 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I’m thankful for you too. I don’t even know how we “met” in this crazy blogging world. I wish I could remember how I “met” each of my favorites, but I realize it’s all of the favorites that I mostly can’t remember meeting! When it’s good, it’s good. So good, it takes your brain away. Kinda like parenting.September 16, 2013 – 9:03 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - Congratulations on being in that e-book. It sounds great.
    This is a wonderful list, it’s so nice to appreciate others. And I love your wise words in the photo at the beginning.September 16, 2013 – 12:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - Last week was full for you wasn’t it?? It’s amazing how much love and support we find in the blogging community.
    I am thankful every day {especially in the wake of today’s DC tragedy} that I am alive and can hold my little girl for as long as she’ll let me.

    Hugs mama,

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.comSeptember 16, 2013 – 6:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I am thankful for so many things: The obvious ones, of course, and then, the things that I think about when I think I’m having a bad day. A bad day, really? But you can walk. You can talk. You can call a friend. You can write. You have a job. I know it sounds cliche, but I’m the most thankful for what people take for granted on a daily basis. And yes, I’m thankful for YOU and my other blogging friends, too, and the way we can put out our work on such a public forum! Thank God!!September 16, 2013 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

I’ve written about some favorite summertime memories over the past few months. At times, I documented them as they were happening. Others were shared after the fact, once I’d realized that they had happened and were unexpectedly wonderful. I wrote about Life’s Turning Points and celebrated when Tucker said “Happy to YOU!” on his fourth […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Janine Huldie - I was just asked today again by Emma if she will be able to take the school bus next year in Kindergarten. She seems to be honestly excited and thrilled to be able to get to do this and not have to have me drive her anymore. I, on the other hand, am an emotional mess just thinking about this, let alone the fact that she will have a full day, too. I seriously am so glad I have one more year before this. But so glad this did work out so well for you and might need your ear next year when it is my turn for letting her go on the school bus.September 12, 2013 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Janine,
    Feel free to borrow my ear anytime. Tucker LOVES the bus!September 12, 2013 – 10:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Awwww this is wonderful Kristi! I smiled the whole way through. I am so glad Tucker’s experience with riding the bus has been wonderful and you have peace of mind. Go Tucker!

    Christopher has been riding the bus since he was 6. I felt guilty because the school is so close. Like 2 miles if that. His bus comes at 6:30 and school doesn’t start until 7:15. But it is actually safer. There’s no light leaving our neighborhood and I’d have to make a left turn. Foggy, or rainy mornings just make the conditions even worse to get across 4 lanes. Something happened last year that I wanted to get on the bus and give a little boy a piece of my mind. Of course I never would do that, but I was just about to take it to a “reporting” level when Christopher told me the boy had been “expended” and wouldn’t be riding the bus anymore.

    Love Tucker’s goodnight tonight. I am going to go check out your interview and then I am going night night myself.September 12, 2013 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - OK, I’m mad at you. I know when you wrote this post, and how you were even more “last minute” than I was, and yet it is somehow heartfelt, meaningful, and touching. If I didn’t love you so much…. I’d be totally jealous of your gift. 🙂 That was a great best memory of summer. I love hearing about the victories and special moments in your life.September 12, 2013 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I like that story. It was hard at times, but it works. Ya know? Like so many great things. It’s so hard for me to think about what sticks out in my mind this summer the most. I think about Scarlet’s fourth birthday party with the Alice in Wonderland theme and all six grandparents attending. I think about Des’ first birthday. I think about meeting three of my blogging friends in person. That was super sweet. There were photos. Just in case I can entice you up here ever.September 12, 2013 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Mytwicebakedpotato - I absolutely loved this essay!!!
    Tears streamed down my face and I could relate to the desire to protect and have him close!
    Blessings to you and yours!September 13, 2013 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - The short bus is the best! Seriously, I had the same reaction as you when we moved to this area that provides free bus transportation for special needs preschoolers with car seat, aide, etc. I knew there was no way my extremely anxious daughter would be interested in riding the bus. Plus, I wanted to be the one you dropped her off and picked her up everyday.
    Then, she pitched a fit every single day because she didn’t get to ride the bus with the other kids. I couldn’t believe it, but I relented, and we’ve all been happier since. She gets her bus fix, separation is so much easier when it doesn’t occur at school, and I get all this extra time that I don’t have to spend driving-waiting-driving.September 13, 2013 – 8:33 amReplyCancel

  • Keren - I went though the same thing with my daughter. Last year I drove her to and back to school (30 min each way) because I couldn’t imagine not bringing her to class, chatting with the teachers, seeing her lass mates. After they learned about different transportation modes in school and she became obsessed with buses and wanted to go on one, her teacher convinced me to put her on a bus for the summer session. I agreed to put her one-way coming back home, this way I can still bring her in. First day, when the bus was late 10 minutes because of trafuc, i almost lost it, hating my self for doing it. But she LOVED it so much that this year she is going both ways. Letting go a little, small steps.September 13, 2013 – 9:01 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Thank goodness for the short bus! Sounds like it’s been a summer of personal growth for all of you 🙂

    LOVED the dishwasher interview 🙂September 13, 2013 – 9:18 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Before I had kids, I was a teacher in one of those non-categorical preschool classrooms. I had kids with all kind of special needs – kids with hearing impairment, Down syndrome, undiagnosed autism, and non-specific behavioral challenges. I even had one with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I loved them all and did my best, but with such varied needs it was difficult to make sure everyone got the attention they deserved. When they left me, they were heading into kindergarten and I was the one who had to make the recommendations about what type of classroom would work best. At that time, I wasn’t a mom, so I didn’t see it from that side. Now I do and I know it’s tough. I think you made the right decisions for Tucker and you and I’m glad it turned out to be a positive part of your summer!September 13, 2013 – 9:46 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - And bonus, you don’t have to deal with idiots in the school parking lot that don’t follow the rules! So proud of you for letting go, a bit. Oh and that thing with the tape recorder? Freaking awesome.September 13, 2013 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - What a beautiful memory and so glad that it worked out for you and Tucker. I am going to be an emotional wreck when the time comes for Reagan to go off on her own and experience this.
    It makes me sad now thinking about the fact that she just turned three and is becoming more and more independent by the minute {I type this as she sneaks upstairs into my room to get “lips! Oh vey!}
    Still … we wish they could stay young and innocent forever.

    Have a fabulous weekend mommy!!

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.comSeptember 13, 2013 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

  • Louise - This is truly a beautiful post and a wonderful memory. I got a bit teary with you while reading through your struggle to figure out what was best for Tucker and the rest of you.

    And so glad to hear that he loves the bus. My eldest (not quite 4 yet) started kindergarten this year and is bussing. We’ve had some tears – but I think that’s more about change than the bus – which she seems to like. Going to watch and see if things sort out in the next week or so. Hard to watch them grow and figure out the right balance between protecting them and giving them the gentle and appropriately timed pushes to help them grow.

    Again – loved this post.September 13, 2013 – 12:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - This is so wonderful. I am glad you have all of this help available to you and Tucker. He is so adorable! And I am so glad he loves the bus. 🙂September 13, 2013 – 1:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Track Pants and a Tot - How sweet! I love that the bus saved both yours & your son’s summer. 🙂September 13, 2013 – 2:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - I love this, Kristi. It is amazing all the resources available to help kids and parents, and I can understand your hesitation about using them. I felt the same way about my daughter going on the bus for the first time. But as you wrote, you are teaching your son such powerful lessons in being independent. I am so glad that the preschool is working well for you all. Such a heartwarming post!September 13, 2013 – 5:42 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - once again you hit the nail on the head… it’s the heart that shows the important thing, not (necessarily) the volume of the good times or the number of participants joining and sharing, but what connects you to what makes makes you you…

    I like reading your PostsSeptember 13, 2013 – 7:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - How much do I love that you said this? “(tucking tuckered-out Tucker)

    What big emotions that day, putting him on the bus for the first time. And what big emotions that it has been such a plus for you both.

    And for your blog readers!September 13, 2013 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Oh Kristi, I loved this lastminute post. You’re my hero, even more than before, I can’t do lastminute posts like this. I’ve identified with every word, of course, because once again I feel that we’ve written about very similar things. Your short bus is my goodbye at the school gate except it’s a bus. You’re a hero. I am so glad you did this for Tucker, the blog, you. <3September 13, 2013 – 9:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - Your blog did Big Goodthings for you and Tucker, and it’s done Big Goodthings for all of us too. If you ever for a second think you are not good at this mothering gig, let me know and I will shake some sense into you. You’re pretty good at the blogging gig too. Your job, I don’t know – but I bet you rock there too.September 13, 2013 – 9:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Kathy Radigan - I love this post! Two of my kids have gone to a special preschool program and I remember when my first child went I had all of the same feelings and then, just like you found myself thrilled with the program. Since my youngest was only a few months old when our daughter started going he just felt like the school was a second home so when it came time to find a program for him it was a no brainer. I always drove Lizzy, and Peter. But when Peter was in his last year of preschool his schedule was such that my now two grade schoolers were coming home the same time, so I needed to have the bus bring him home each day. To say that Peter loved the bus would be an understatement. He had a ball!! And I grew to love the non-crazy juggling! Now all three of my babies are in school full time and for the first time in my life all three take a bus to school both ways. Not bad at all!! Lol! So glad your sweetie had a great summer! And, thank you so much for sharing your talents with my readers! Even my possessed dishwasher is thrilled! xoSeptember 14, 2013 – 4:37 amReplyCancel

  • karen - OH MY GOD…you always make me cry woman. It’s so hard to accept they are growing up and letting them leave…let alone try something that might fail. But you did it and Tucker loved it. way to go for all of you. I think you rock woman.September 14, 2013 – 5:32 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - Sometimes we just have to let go to make it easier for us! I’m glad that you have the services available and are able to make them work for you to make your life easier! 🙂September 14, 2013 – 11:27 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I just love posts about letting go, because I find it SO HARD myself! I’m SO glad that it WORKED! Yay! And every. single. picture of Tucker is so adorable. I almost can’t stand it.September 14, 2013 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

  • The Monko - i haven’t discovered your blog before so I am so glad you linked to the Sunday Parenting Party. I loved reading your post. letting go is so hard at the best of times, I don’t know that I’d be ready to let my son travel alone on a school bus yet – its kinda scary. I’m glad you have that available to you though and its allowed you some freedom and Tucker some freedom too. Great post, I’m sharing it on the Sunday Parenting Party Pinterest boardSeptember 15, 2013 – 8:31 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - You must live in an awesome area because you have so many resources! How blessed is that.
    It’s great that he liked the bus because that would have been seriously traumatic for him and you. Dropping my kid off at school is traumatic!
    Favourite thing this summer? Going to Niagra Falls via free sponsored trip. BoomSeptember 15, 2013 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • SocialButterflyMom - Taking the bus is a big deal! Not sure if I’m more proud of mama or son 😉September 16, 2013 – 8:18 amReplyCancel

  • Robbie - Very glad to hear that the short bus was a wonderful experience for you both. It’s never easy to give our kids a little space but it sounds like he is thriving on and off the bus.September 17, 2013 – 10:21 amReplyCancel

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