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

When I was younger, I engaged my coworkers.  I cared about what they said, I went to happy hour with them, and genuinely gave a shit and wanted to be friends both inside and outside of the workplace. Not so much anymore. Which meant that I missed a chance to bring Our Land closer to […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • The Sadder But Wiser Girl - I’m terrible at making small talk with people, so I feel your pain. What comes out of my mouth is often ridiculous and my thoughts really closely resemble what you drew over your head.

    I’ve had the outright questions from many people: Is your son autistic? Is he on the spectrum? All I can do is respond with a qualified “Um, maybe, we always have thought that. He IS ADD though.” Which people never get, because no one seems to understand that ADD is NOT the same as ADHD. “Oh he seems so calm…” Yes he’s not climbing the ceiling because he DOESN’T HAVE ADHD.

    Thank you for sharing this story my dear. Love the pictures, as always…May 17, 2013 – 12:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Sadder Sarah,
      I’m so glad that I’m not alone! That sucks that people don’t listen when you say he has ADD and that they then wonder why he’s not climbing the walls. People can be dumb. And I think you’re pretty darn great at making small talk over here! 😀May 17, 2013 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I so used to care what people thought at work too before having kids and could so relate to that, too Kristi. And I think this conversation would have so made me feel uncomfortable with this person you described (and drew so perfectly, too). So, don’t be too hard on yourself for that and do think you are doing the best job as Tucker’s mom and protecting from the likes of some of your co-workers who wouldn’t understand and possibly even be a bit critical of him. Not saying everyone would, but possible some might now be as understanding and might even make you feel more uncomfortable then it is worth (just human nature I suppose). Didn’t say it was right by any means, but unfortunately not all are as educated. Thank you seriously so very much for linking this up with us.May 17, 2013 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Janine,
      Thanks so much for your uber-kind comment. You’re right that people may even be critical of Tucker which would suck and make me have to beat them up and stuff. Thanks for hosting!May 17, 2013 – 12:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Oh dumb ass….you are not a dumb ass at all. I think it is hard because work is the one place you are not Tucker’s therapist, doctor, mom. At work you are just Kristi. I don’t have this issue at work, they probably feel I am TOO out there with Boo and my sharing. But I worked here before Boo.

    You know, I hope, that we do not always have to be the advocate.May 17, 2013 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kerri,
      Hey I never thought about it like that – that work is the one place I get to just be Smart Me and not Tucker’s Mommy Me who has to tell people about maybe-proably autism. Great point, thank you!!
      And me, too, friend, about not always having to be the advocates. Me, too…May 17, 2013 – 12:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - First of all, it’s you that is awesome and I want to write something for your series.

    I am SO glad you decided to go this direction with your post and for the most selfish reasons too. It made me feel so much better about reacting EXACTLY the same way had this happened to me. Sorry, I know that this is not very Our Land either. I completely identify with the whole thought process at first of how to present this to douchy coworker then your answers which seemed so inadequate to you, but actually show that you put other people’s feelings and comfort first, this was all painfully recognizable. This is such a great post, it is difficult to talk about autism and with your brilliant cartoons you make it a much lighter conversation and manage to educate your readers about life with Tucker.May 17, 2013 – 1:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Katia,
      Really? OOH I’m so excited that you want to write something for my series!! YAY!! Thank you for your awesomely epic comment – and yeah, not really Our Land today but sometimes? I think that’s okay. And love how you saw that he’s douchy without me having to say the word douchy in the post. 😀May 17, 2013 – 1:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Can I laugh that this was your FTSF post?May 17, 2013 – 1:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kenya,
      You can totally laugh that this was my FTSF post.May 17, 2013 – 1:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Dang I wasn’t finished typingMay 17, 2013 – 1:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Ugh stupid commenting from phone – I’ll be backMay 17, 2013 – 1:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    Pretty sure it’s my turn to laugh at you trying to comment from your phone now.May 17, 2013 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Dani Ryan - OMG, I’m DYING over here. That is exactly how I am in social settings. And I always have the pit stains as well. So, so awful. But so, so funny after the fact when you retell it on your blog. 🙂

    I used to care what people thought about me, too, and I made an effort to know stuff about people. I even remembered birthdays. Now? Not so much. 🙂May 17, 2013 – 1:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Dani,
    Glad to hear I’m not the only one. Hubs is gonna kill me when he reads how I threw him under a bus with remedial reading to try and get out of an awkward conversation. Nah, he never reads this blog anymore so I’m likely safe. Yeah, I don’t remember birthdays so much anymore either. And I’m okay with that.May 17, 2013 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I think this post turned out beautifully! You shed some light on the types of things NOT to say–and you did it in a funny but serious way (I LOVE “pit stains”!!). That shows what an awesome writer you are–and how much you know about your subject. You rocked it, girlfriend!May 17, 2013 – 1:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Shay,
      Aw thanks sweets. You are awesome. Seriously truly.May 17, 2013 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - This is how I talk all the time. Totally socially awkward. But you really don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. You’re doing a lot for your son, and that’s what’s important!May 17, 2013 – 1:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Jessica,
      Thank you for the reminder that I’m not alone!May 17, 2013 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - lol (total FTSF Post envy!)

    …as to the actual situation (as opposed to the graphically- told story*), I can identify with the feeling of the situation, at least the sense of ‘what? why are you asking me questions? what part of never sharing personal information before are you missing?”
    Reading your story, the thing that strikes home the most is the feeling of amazement that people feel the license to ask ‘follow-up/give-me-more-detail kind of questions.

    *which I also envy the drawing-speakMay 17, 2013 – 1:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Clark,
      Love how you said “what part of never sharing personal information before are you missing?” I wish I had the guts to say that out loud! And yeah, people are weird. Me included, perhaps.May 17, 2013 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Alexa (katbiggie) - I love how you are able to take such a sensitive subject and make it humorous. I know something about awkward conversations as well, and I think you did well! Pit sweat and all!! 🙂May 17, 2013 – 2:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Thanks, Alexa! Awkward conversations suck and seem to be pretty frequent for me recently.May 17, 2013 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris at Hye Thyme Cafe - The irony would be if his expression was because your comments made him think of the spectrum but he wasn’t sure if he should mention it because you said “delay” and he didn’t want to freak you out if you hadn’t thought of it as a possibility?? You just never know. I actually let out a snort laughing when you got to the point of dragging your poor innocent hubs into the conversation. That’s the thing – you think it might be awkward to bring it up around others, but you don’t know their situation either, so who care. You could end up helping them out. [#FTSF]May 17, 2013 – 3:13 pmReplyCancel

  • MJM - Keeping spreading the good word girl…let the world know it’s okay. I’m sure it’s tough but you’re no weakling…you’re a fiighter and totally kick donkey. Unfortunately most people fear it only because they don’t understand it.May 17, 2013 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • LM@motherchuckler - It’s your business and yes it could’ve been a teachable moment but being part time there I understand why you didn’t feel the need to educate.May 17, 2013 – 4:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Menopausalmother - Kristi, this post is amazing. You’ve allowed us into a private part of your world and educated us on what to say (or not to say) in this situation. I’ll bet there are a lot of insensitive people in this world who wouldn’t get it, either. But to be fair, a lot of people really have no clue what autism is, and have no idea how to respond to parents with autistic kids. I think you handled this situation the best way possible–and I know this must have been a difficult conversation to have. On a lighter note, the drawings you included were SO FUNNY—brought a smile to my face. You are such a good writer, my friend. I’m so happy we’ve connected in the blogosphere! XOMay 17, 2013 – 4:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Well, I laughed out loud at that one! And even if the post did go in a different direction than you intended, I personally think you did a superb job (oy, that sounds weird) of explaining what soooo many of us feel when our kids have special needs and we’re talking to someone who doesn’t know, and we don’t necessarily want them to know, because yes, we know we’re going to get that pity look. Ugh, I hated that. The good news is that I have found that I’ve become more skilled at either trying to avoid those conversations altogether, or I have more prepared answers that don’t leave me feeling awkward and annoyed. Some people just don’t “get it” and they never will. Others do, whether or not they themselves have a child with special needs, and those people will be the ones you can talk to freely.May 17, 2013 – 4:24 pmReplyCancel

  • K - OMG you handled this situation so much more eloquently than I would have! I would have been at a complete loss for words. Something kind of similar happened to me a few years ago…I was at a Thanksgiving gathering, and a woman that I didn’t know asked me if I did any sports. I said, “No, they aren’t exactly my thing, if you know what I mean,” and tried to laugh it off, hoping that she would take the hint and drop the subject. I was praying that would be the end of it but THEN. THEN she was all pity-faced (your pity-face illustration was PERFECTION in a drawing, by the way…that’s exactly what this woman looked like too!) and she said, “Ohhhh yeah, I saw you walking….it’s a shame that a beautiful girl like you has to walk like that!” Cue the awkward silence….I tried to come up with some sort of coherent response, but all that came to mind was, “WTF?” I wanted to dive under the table!

    Anyway, I think you handled yourself amazingly well considering how awkward of a situation that was! xoMay 17, 2013 – 4:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - {{{{{{Kristi}}}}}}}}. Smetimes good intentions count. Like when you suddenly have to merge parts of your work- and home- lives.

    I think you did fine in the moment. It was a tough moment! I, too, have been on the receiving end of The Pity Face and sometimes would say anything to avoid that.

    You’re a good mama.

    And a good co-worker (I should know 🙂 )May 17, 2013 – 4:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m back…. Anyway, I hate small talk. I don’t know what’s worse – filling it in with more small talk our having that awkward one mississippi two mississippi three mississippi gap of silence while you try to think of something to say. Like when someone tries to small talk me about religion or politics – I’m like hey I go to church and I voted – I don’t know EVERYTHING. And I really hate running into my old coworkers and them asking what are you up to now. Do I really want to hand them a business card that says I blog? I do, but I don’t. I totally feel you on the sweaty pits moments.

    On the serious side – you continue to teach me lessons through this journey of yours. Keep sharing!

    And just one more laugh for the road that this was your FTSF post.May 17, 2013 – 4:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Outsmarted Mommy - I love this post! I love your honesty that these conversations can in fact be awkward and that the pity look is the WORST! Your pictures and commentary though had me laughing so hard. As always well done. 🙂May 17, 2013 – 4:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - I think you handled the situation just fine. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Talking to people is so very hard. We feel like we’re being judged or pitied or whatever. I try not to let it get to me because I’ve been on the other side where I’m thinking, “Wow. That sucks. I don’t know what to say.”

    On the upside, you have so many online friends who are totally with you that you can afford to blow off your co-workers. *raspberry*May 17, 2013 – 5:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - I*hate* that shit. (Those conversations, not the post…) I used to tap-dance around questions about my “husband” before I got remarried. I was so painfully aware that I was *different* than the other families.

    I realize that has nothing to do with having a child on the spectrum, or with speech delays, but I can definitely relate to the feeling of trying to keep some things to yourself, especially in the workplace. Avoiding that bullshit pity look is huge.

    I’m sure you did your best, and I have no idea how I could have done anything better or different than you did to make the conversation less painful.

    People aren’t trying to be dumb assholes. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still being dumb assholes. And that really sucks.May 17, 2013 – 6:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Stephanie,
    I don’t think people need a child on the spectrum to have experienced awkward conversations at work. You are awesome for your support – thank you. And you’re right. People aren’t trying to be dumb assholes, they just are dumb assholes. Ha. Thanks, friend.May 17, 2013 – 7:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Chris,
    What an insightful comment. I’d feel really guilty right now if I didn’t know for a fact that it’s not crossed his mind but I should definitely keep that in mind for the future. Because good point – I know some moms who are still in denial and I wouldn’t be the one to say “um, it’s probably autism” to them, either!May 17, 2013 – 7:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    I think you tell your old coworkers that you’re a writer because you are! Maybe they’ll go buy your book already! 😀May 17, 2013 – 7:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Well done you. I loved your drawings (as ever) and can completely get the pity all over the face thing (we’re going through trying to figure out how to tell people we can’t have kids). It’s horrible, and yes, you do get twitchy and wonder whether it’s worth having the conversation in the first place.May 17, 2013 – 7:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Meno mama and Emily,
    Thank you! Emily, glad to know someday I just may get it. MM – you are indeed right that so many people don’t know what autism is (including me sometimes). thanks, friends!May 17, 2013 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - K-
    OMG I cannot believe that somebody said it’s a shame you have to walk like that! OMG – people are so so stupid. Gah. I hope you spilled some juice in her purse or something before leaving.May 17, 2013 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Lori,
    Thank you. That pity face sucks. Sorry to hear that you’ve had to see it too. And you’re a pretty awesome coworker yourself!

    PS I HATE not having nested comments.May 17, 2013 – 7:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Considerer,
    So sorry to hear that and AGH to the whole pity face look. Bleh.May 17, 2013 – 7:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I sympathize about the awkwardness, but I have to be honest – I cracked up when you threw your husband under the bus! That coworker is probably smacking his forehead for being a dumbass, and you got a fabulous blog post out of it!May 17, 2013 – 8:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Besides this being a simultaneously hilarious and poignant post, I just want to say that it is not necessarily YOUR JOB to teach people manners and maturity. Or about autism. You know?May 17, 2013 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Deb,
    Yes, I DO know…but still, in some ways it is my job. Because who else will tell the Public that the Media is stupid, if not me? You know? And you know I heart you huge.May 17, 2013 – 9:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Dana,
    Thank you for noticing. Also? I was totally bummed nobody noticed the TPS report or the devil angel wanting a new human…May 17, 2013 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - I think there is a connection to be made with how women are trained to accommodate from birth. A lot of us have a knee-jerk reaction to act as you did that feels almost impossible to control sometimes.
    But, bottom line is that you are interacting with a whole new group of people and you’ve been back to work only a short time at this point. I’m sure that your smart, bad-ass self will find your way into dealing with how to explain/tell whatever about your son without pit stains. I mean, look what you do with your blog!May 17, 2013 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Jamie@SouthMainMuse - This post was wonderful. Though I’m sure it was not wonderful to live through. Everyone can identify with not want to become engaged in talking about a deep personal subject with someone. Your pictures captured all that uncomfortableness. Loved it.May 17, 2013 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Jamie,
      Thank you! I know there are many conversations that don’t include autism or developmental delays, and that they are just as awkward. I appreciate the reminder.May 17, 2013 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - That’s so funny, I was like when she was younger she what??? when I got to the end, so I had to go back. Can I just give you a cyber hug? When Isaiah was first diagnosed I would not call him “special needs” I refused. I didn’t want people to look at me funny or pity me, as you said. Then my sister, who is a Speech Therapist at the children’s hospital in Utah told me how much my story was helping the families of her patients. She convinced me to stop hiding and to start evangelizing. She showed me that its all in your perspective. Own who Tucker is! You never know, the next person you talk to might be two years before you, with a speech delayed child, and so completely lost that connecting with you could be what keeps them a float. Tucker is unique and funny and wonderful, just bring it! You could be a force out there in the real world too, not just in the blogosphere (cause you really are here :-))May 17, 2013 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jen,
    Yeah it was a bit of a stretch for FTSF but luckily the hosts seem to think it’s okay. That makes a lot of sense that you’re helping other parents! And you know, I probably would have said something to coworker if it was one I felt closer to…
    And THANK YOU for seeing that Tucker is unique and wonderful and funny and AWESOME. Thanks, friend. I really appreciate your support. 😀May 18, 2013 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jean,
    The rest of your comment was awesome but I’m hung up on you calling me a bad-ass. Made my day. 😀May 18, 2013 – 9:30 amReplyCancel

  • Mama Meerkat - You don’t have to educate everyone all the time, and it is okay to just give a boring “oh he has special needs” response without elaborating. I’m generally pretty open about what is going on with Mini when people ask, but I’ve had 10 years of practice explaining why I can’t eat what everyone else is eating! (Yay for celiac and multiple food allergies, which come up without fail every time I am in a group of people for longer than 10 minutes because everyone always wants to eat!) It does get easier with time and practice.May 18, 2013 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Thanks, Mama Meerkat! And yes, so true that if you get more than a few people together for more than a few minutes, people want to eat. In fact, just talking about it made me hungry right now.May 18, 2013 – 1:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Wow your words and drawings are always so good and I really enjoy coming to read your blogs. Keep up the good work and I think you did handle the conversation really well.May 18, 2013 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate Hall - Kristi, I have similar conversations in regards to my kids having been adopted. I avoid eye contact, which usually works in public with strangers, but not so much at church or other social settings. I want to throat-punch well-meaning people when they say, “You’re such a good person to adopt these kids.” PUKE!!!! Like my kids are pathetic degenerates. It’s that pity thing. I hate it. They’re just my kids now, not orphans anymore. I just say, “Well, my husband and I are the ones who have been blessed,” and change the subject. It feels so weak. Gah!May 18, 2013 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kate,
    UGH to people saying that you’re such a good person for adopting your kids. I mean, you ARE a good person but like you said – they’re your kids. You brought them home. People are dumb. I think saying that you and your husband are the ones who have been blessed is perfect. I was adopted, by the way! happy Saturday!May 18, 2013 – 4:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - I’ve done this myself. At least you didn’t start sobbing. Once–in a room full of other writers–I tried to explain what was wrong with Lindsey and broke out in tears. And the pity on their faces was pretty darn obvious. I just wanted to explain without drama. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. Sometimes the pain of her “diagnosis/title” paralyzes my voice and the words get stuck in my throat. I wish they didn’t.

    I love this story and your drawings. (As usual.) Thanks for sharing Kristi.May 18, 2013 – 9:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Aw, Linda!
    Although I didn’t start sobbing in this situation, I promise that there have been moments where I’ve started crying for no reason at all. And I can’t explain it to anybody who wouldn’t “get it.” Once, I was in the grocery store, and some really sweet grandma-type older woman came up and told Tucker how beautiful he was and asked him his name. He did the “talk to the hand” move and she looked so sad that I started bawling trying to explain that it wasn’t her…gah. I’m right with you – I wish they didn’t too.
    BUT. Look at Lindsay now. I mean, wow. Married to a man who is her “hunka hunka burnin’ love” who loves her back. You did good, mama. Perfect.
    XOXOMay 18, 2013 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Dawn Beronilla - You are amazing and awesome and I love you so hard.
    Also, we may or may not be twins who were separated at birth. FYI.May 18, 2013 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Dawn,
    My twin. I think it’s totally possible that we are in fact twins separated at birth. Except for the fact that you are younger, better looking and way cooler than I am. But still. Totally possible. I was adopted after all. So maybe they lied about my age. And my looks. And….May 18, 2013 – 11:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Terrye - I don’t remember ever getting the pity look. My usual answer to kid related stuff was, “He’s special needs, but we manage.” That usually leads to, “what’s wrong with him?” And that just opens up a whole new can of worms. Why does autism or being on the spectrum have to be considered “wrong?” Maybe they’re ‘right’ and we’re all wrong. And who want’s a normal kid like everyone else? They are unique and special in all the good ways.May 19, 2013 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

  • Bee - My kid had ADHD and it was really hard when he was growing up – even though he was very intelligent (invisible Pig friend followed him everywhere, kept changing the name he wanted to be known by and we had to guess what it was before he spoke to us etc. etc.) he just wouldn’t engage in the learning process and developed early on a frightening self belief – he was also a committed cynic from about 4 yrs old…. he was almost excluded from school at one point – we called him Sparklemouse – he was ever so small and feisty – I look at him now at 25 – 6 feet 4 inches tall, holding down a day job, playing team sport, great girlfriend and doing education part time – at his own pace – and I think. OMG – if I could only have seen this back then – I wouldn’t have beaten myself up so much and worried about what other people were saying about him all those years ago… so, just keep loving and caring and it will all come right in the end!!May 19, 2013 – 4:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Bee,
    Although the invisible Pig friend sounds adorable I’m sure it was frustrating having to guess his name each time it changed before you son would talk to you! And wow, how wonderful that he’s doing so well now – a tribute to having an awesome mom, I’ll bet! Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the encouragement. I appreciate it.May 19, 2013 – 5:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Terrye,
    How right you are that maybe they are the right. Because they truly are unique and special in all the good ways. Thanks, friend!May 19, 2013 – 5:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - I can totally understand that. And I think it is okay to not always educate others. Sometimes it is just too hard to do it. And apart from that I am always very caution on who knows what about our family. I do not let everyone in on our most personal things. Don’t blame yourself or feel bad about it! xoxoMay 24, 2013 – 3:10 amReplyCancel

  • Melissa - It’s amazing how people who are normally so very conversant can be knocked for a loop by some random ass person who stops and asks a question. I find this happens to me a lot, although my reaction usually consists of either “mmm-hmm” or “yeah,” followed by a fake laugh. Wonder why that is?May 27, 2013 – 1:38 amReplyCancel

It’s celebration time!  I have no idea whether Tucker deciding that he hates me shampooing and rinsing his hair in the tub is a side effect of autism or developmental delays or is it simply a Tucker-quirk.  But it’s been sort of sucky lately and makes me feel like an asshole because I end up […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Lori Lavender Luz - You. Are. Brilliant.

    Good job, Mama!May 16, 2013 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Awww that’s wonderful! This gave me a big grin.May 16, 2013 – 11:43 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kenya,
      Thank you <3 and glad you got a grin.May 16, 2013 – 11:46 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Love this idea and seriously Tucker is just too cute!! You really did your work on this one and just love how it can be something so simple that makes it all better for them at this age!!! Thanks for sharing Kristi 🙂May 16, 2013 – 11:44 amReplyCancel

  • Diana @ Nanny to Mommy - My daughter went through this phase. :/ Stinks. I wish I had your stroke of brilliance. I just had to let the stage ride itself out. 🙁May 16, 2013 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Diana,
      Sorry to hear that you had to ride it out!May 16, 2013 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

  • K - GENIUS!! And Tucker is too cute! I love his dinosaur hair. (:May 16, 2013 – 12:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kerry,
      Thanks, you. I love his dinosaur hair too 😀May 16, 2013 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - That is genius! My oldest HATED me rinsing shampoo out of her hair until she was SIX. That is a lot of years of screaming and crying, and I did not have any brilliant ideas to make it easier. In case her little sister follows in her footsteps, now I have a new trick! You should pat yourself on the back for this one. Those pictures are so awesome, and proof that your trick works!May 16, 2013 – 12:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Stephanie,
      UGH to her hating rinsing shampoo until she was SIX. I hope the mirror trick works for Tucker for a few more years. And you’ll have to let me know if the trick works with your youngest, should she also hate the rinse. MWAH.May 16, 2013 – 4:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - Good work! 🙂 My son hates this, too. He can’t stand water on his face (but he loves to swim, go figure). What I do is give him a wrung out or dry face cloth and let him dry his face when he needs to. I also got a plastic bendy pitcher type thing (at Target) to dump the water, so I can control it a bit better and keep it from his face. He still complains, but at least it’s not total torture. 🙂 PS: Tucker is so adorable!May 16, 2013 – 1:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Jessica,
      Thanks! Yeah, we started giving Tucker a small towel when we do it, too. It seems to help. I love the bendy pitcher thing – may have to go to Target this weekend!May 16, 2013 – 4:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Dani Ryan - What a brilliant idea!!! I’m totally trying this!

    My daughter doesn’t mind me shampooing her hair, but rinsing it is never fun. She doesn’t cry like she used to, but she doesn’t enjoy it. It will be easier when she understands the concept of putting her head back so the water doesn’t get in her face! Like you, I just end up dumping water over her head. But now I’ll try this! Thanks!May 16, 2013 – 2:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Dani,
      YAY – let me know how it goes when you try it. Rinsing SUCKED for us until we did the mirror thing. And good luck!May 16, 2013 – 4:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica Smock - Great idea! Genius! And just adorable…May 16, 2013 – 2:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - You would think we wouldn’t have shampooing issues with an 11 year old, but he never gets it clean. He slaps on the shampoo, rubs it in for 5 seconds, and stands under the shower for 10 seconds to rinse it out. I’ve resorted to coming in and taking the nozzle and rinsing it myself while he covers his jewels (he is 11, after all). Makes me miss the bathtub days!May 16, 2013 – 3:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Dana,
      HA to him covering his jewels while you rinse his hair. What is it with these kids and them hating the rinse? Gah! Maybe you could threaten him with the bath??May 16, 2013 – 4:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Don’t you love when you do something awesome that you think should be recorded in the Guinness Book of Parenting book? Yeah, my excellent moves are few and far between too, but I think I totally deserve a medal or something when I think of something clever…as for that spiky dinosaur hair — incredibly cute and you are one smart mama!! Congrats to you on this one — you deserve it!!May 16, 2013 – 3:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - Those pictures are so cute! What a brilliant idea! Have I told you lately that you are awesome?? xoxoMay 16, 2013 – 4:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Joy!
    Hmmm…I’m not quite sure that you have told me that I’m awesome recently, I’m thinking….actually, YES! I do believe that you said something along those lines. But I could be remembering me telling YOU that YOU are awesome, ’cause you are so awesome. Thanks, sweets! XOXOMay 16, 2013 – 4:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Emily,
    I’ll bet your excellent parenting moves occur more often than you realize because you rock raising your three boys, who also rock because you’re their mom! And we do deserve to be recorded in the Guiness Parenting Book! Somebody should get on that.May 16, 2013 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - Great minds think a like!!! When Isaiah was younger, because of the Sensory Processing Disorder, baths were a nightmare! I bought him this play shaving kit, hoping that would help, it came with a mini mirror. Well that was all he needed too! When I realized how awesome it was I let him hold my makeup mirror (not that I wear any:-)) and we would do crazy stuff with his hair. The other thing that helped was they sell this foaming shave cream in colors in the kids bath section of Wal-Mart he LOVED being able to draw all over the tub with foam!May 16, 2013 – 6:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - You should patent this. 🙂May 16, 2013 – 7:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jen,
    Great minds DO think alike! How awesome!
    We don’t have the shaving cream but we have colored crayon soaps that he sometimes loves. Thanks for the suggestion!

    And DEB, do you think I could??? 😉May 16, 2013 – 8:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim Pugliano - Noah used to put his ear in the water of the tub and celebrate that he went underwater. He hated to get his face wet. It terrified him. Water in general terrified him. Three summers of swimming lessons was a waste. He either cried or looked at me so sadly. Then one day when he was about 7 we were at my sister’s and everyone was jumping in the pool at the deep end but Noah. If he was in the shallow end and started to venture into the abyss accidentally he became hysterical and frantic. Joe placed himself smack down in the middle of either side and told Noah to jump in and he could reach him no matter what. Noah jumped as far as humanly possible until one time he didn’t. He swam all the way across. A friend had left and when he came back he was astounded. Noah was proficient from there. Best. Day. Ever.May 17, 2013 – 3:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - Great job! We never know how creative we are until we become moms, right?May 18, 2013 – 9:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kim,
    We’ve flunked swimming lessons for the past 2 summers. Sigh. Wow to Noah just picking swimming up like that – awesomely cool! So SO cool. Best day ever indeed!May 19, 2013 – 5:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Shay,
    So true that our creativity is showcased as mamas!May 19, 2013 – 5:07 pmReplyCancel

Scents and music have a way of taking us back like nothing else.  Passing a stranger who leaves behind a trail of RL Polo takes me back to the 80’s and the boy I thought I could love.  The one I thought I did love who never even saw me. Phil Collin’s In the Air […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Jen - You know that maybe/probably autism doesn’t matter. Tucker matters. i have to tell you that the first song Isaiah and I connected with was Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes. It was awesome!
    AND you want to hear an awesomely horrible cover of Tambourine Man? William Shatner. I kid you not. Horrid. Shoot me know.
    You are the awesomest co-host ever!May 14, 2013 – 12:45 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jen! Holy cow wow wow. William Shatner did a cover of Tambourine Man?! NO WAY! Hahahh! That’s freaking scary and awesome and disturbing. I know that Tucker matters. I know that maybe/probably autism doesn’t. But thank you for the reminder. Hugely thank you.May 14, 2013 – 12:52 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - So true about music taking you on a trip back to the past, because I can hear a song nowadays and being instantly transported back to a time or even a moment that I heard it it in my past. And my girls love music too and Emma even had colic. The only song that would calm her and almost put her in a trance was Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”!! I kid you not and can still see her with her little hands folded almost meditating listening to it as an infant in her Boppy Pillow.May 14, 2013 – 8:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Janine,
      That’s so adorable that she liked Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! Awww!May 14, 2013 – 8:08 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Your links didn’t link anywhere, were they supposed to? I wanna check out the mellow Billie Jean. Just so happens I just listened to MJ’s Billie Jean on Pandora a few minutes ago. I’ll check youtube for Chris Cornell. Love the Tucker pic. He looks like he’s trying to snap his fingers.May 14, 2013 – 8:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kenya,
      Yes, my links were supposed to go somewhere. UGH to the fact that I stayed up until 1:30 trying to fix them and I thought they worked! The names kept getting weird…guess I need to go back to the drawing board! UGH to IRL job!!! GRRR.May 14, 2013 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • The Sadder But Wiser Girl - Now that’s funny, this post makes me think of a song-“I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney. 🙂 Don’t feel bad about the IPod music snafu-I’ve bought a few bad ones in my day too!May 14, 2013 – 8:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Sadder Sarah,
      Kenny Chesney, huh? That’s funny and by the way, Tucker LOVES him. Go figure.May 14, 2013 – 7:12 pmReplyCancel

  • nothingbythebook - I drive faster when I hear Metallica too! 🙂May 14, 2013 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Nothing by the book,
      YAY for Metallica fans!May 14, 2013 – 7:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - This is so true! It’s crazy how music takes you back and suddenly you’re filled with nostalgia for how good things used to be and an appreciation for how awesome things have turned out. Thanks for this post, Miss Kristi–it was beautiful!May 14, 2013 – 9:32 amReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - Music is a universal language. Some scientists theorize that almost any species in the universe would be able to understand. I’m not sure I agree with that, but all humans certainly seem to react. I had a deaf friend in high school who could boogy down like nobody’s business because he felt the vibrations and he understood. I’m glad you have this means of connecting with your song.May 14, 2013 – 10:04 amReplyCancel

  • Hope - Your son is so adorable :). it’s amazing the way music and smells can be so nostalgic. My kids are only 6 and 3 but already, certain smells stop be dead in my track as I remember holding my newborn in my arms and wondering where the time went. Great post.May 14, 2013 – 10:13 amReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - There is something transcending and transformative about music. In looking for a linky to add to this bloghop, I notice how many of my Music posts are also Perfect Moment posts. The right song can make any moment soar.

    Bohemian Rhapsody is one of those songs, for sure!May 14, 2013 – 11:04 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Lori,
      You’re so right that the the right songs can make any moment soar. I love how you phrased that and hope you find something to link up!May 14, 2013 – 7:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - Sunny and I love music, too. Our music therapist just left some minutes ago and we had so much fun again. As I wrote in my wrap-up post for last week he is now totally into Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”. As soon as he hears it he is able to calm down and relax, regardless of how agitated he was just minutes before. Lovely post!

    PS: Yeah, Metallica!? I was such a huge fan of them, too! You know that I’ve written an entire blog post about “One”? Yeah, you do because you commented on it! Kindred spirits! xoxoMay 14, 2013 – 11:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Joy,
      I love how Sunny relaxes and calms down listening to Mozart. Tucker’s nighttime music includes that as well. And OMG I had forgotten about you being a Metallica fan! ONE is their Best. Song. Ever. Kindred spirits, indeed! XOXOMay 14, 2013 – 7:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I’ve never been a big music person but songs still remind me of people and times of my life.May 14, 2013 – 11:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kate,
      It’s funny how songs remind us of times and people…even when we’re not huge music people, it’s like there’s a soundtrack anyway. Thanks for commenting!May 14, 2013 – 7:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - Kristi, this was beautiful. I’ve always thought of my cooking being the thread that kept me connected to my kids when they move out of the house- music would do that too.May 14, 2013 – 12:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Jean,
      I love that your cooking is the thread that maintains your connection! 😀May 14, 2013 – 7:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Dani Ryan - I loved this!

    Music has this effect on me, too. It brings me back to another place and time.

    For Christmas one year, I bought my Mum 3 albums we used to listen to in the car when I was a kid, and I wrote her the memories each of them invoked in me. She loved it.

    And I love that your son likes Queen. Love. Love. Love!!!May 14, 2013 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Dani,
      Thank you so much! What an awesome idea to write your mom the memories of each album – I’ll bet she treasured that for a long time. And yeah, I love that Tucker likes Queen too!May 14, 2013 – 7:20 pmReplyCancel

  • LM@motherchuckler - I feel the same about Metallica-driving faster! LolMay 14, 2013 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - LM,
      YAY to Metallica! I have to watch my speeding actually!May 14, 2013 – 7:21 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - “Smells and music have a way of taking us back like nothing else.”

    That whole smell (scent sounds better) thing is as impressive as the music cues, that take us to another time, and it is that power to invoke the emotion of the time that is at once wonderful and scary.

    (I actually have ‘been careful’ with some of my favoriate music at times of predictable duress. I remember when Ola was sick, that I thought, ‘better not listen too much to the came songs, it could get attached’.)

    Great PostMay 14, 2013 – 3:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Clark,
      You are right – scents does sound better and I’m going to go edit now. Thanks for the suggestion. Wow, I never thought about NOT listening to certain things when somebody is sick – it would forever bring back those memories. You’re awesome. And thanks for linking up with us today!May 14, 2013 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Very cool list. I remember head banging in the 80’s. Once so hard I hit my head on the steering wheel.May 14, 2013 – 3:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kerri!
      Hahah that you hit your head on the steering wheel rocking out in the 80’s! That. Is. Awesome.May 14, 2013 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - My parents tell me that I used to bop to “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash when I was a year old. My kids know that song as it was covered by the three blind mice in Shrek. I can really relate to your thoughts on the power of music, Kristi – it takes me back too!May 14, 2013 – 3:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Oh! I love that song! I’m embarrassed to say it but I clearly remember being about oh-maybe eight or nine? And loving Debbie Gibson. Gah.May 14, 2013 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Well, of course I am in love with that photo of Tucker above…and yes, I love everything you said about music — it does connect us, it does bring us back for sure, and it does bring us to now too. (and by the way, I don’t know if you’ve looked into music therapy at all, but if he is musical, you might look into it if you haven’t already). I talk about music in my memoir…the band Journey was a big force for me in college, which is something I refer to in my memoir (which has flashbacks to college). Great post and really thought provoking too.May 14, 2013 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Emily,
      I only recently looked into music therapy – after Stephanie’s post about it. I got the name of somebody from a mom at Tucker’s school and just need to call. I want to read your memoir! Journey was awesome and I can picture myself driving in the car singing “Don’t Stop Belieeeeeeeving” at the top of my lungs. Thanks for that smile, I’d forgotten all about it.May 14, 2013 – 8:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Melissa@Home on Deranged - Such a cutie! (had to get that out of the way) Glad you’re back for the Twisted Mix this week. I never knew anyone had covered Billie Jean. But then, I never knew someone covered Bohemian Rhapsody, besides Wayne & Garth, natch.May 14, 2013 – 5:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Melissa,
      I’m glad I’m back for it too! Thanks. And actually the Billie Jean cover is really great! Time to go fix those links, I guess…sigh…May 14, 2013 – 8:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Music is my world baby. I completely understand what you mean about rekindling memories. Good. Bad. And all in between. When I was in the throes of postpartum depression, I remember the happiest moments were the ones where my son and I danced wildly in the kitchen to Raffi.
    I’m sorry the phone pooped out but keep an ear out on the radio and a notepad handy so you can remind yourself to download them.
    Do you use the iCloud?May 14, 2013 – 10:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Kimberly,
      So glad you visited and even more glad that you understand. I do use the iCloud – just happened to be in a spot where I hadn’t synched devices…sigh, I need to be more organized. And thanks for coming and commenting.May 14, 2013 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Menopausalmother - I love this post–you really took me down memory lane with this one! It’s true what you said–how a perfume can you take you back in time and so does music. I can listen to an old song and be instantly transported back to a first kiss, a date, or a day of heartache. And the coolest thing is to be able to share these good ol’ tunes with our kids. Sharing their appreciation of the music– priceless!May 15, 2013 – 3:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Menopausal Mama,
      Thank you for your awesome comment. Me, too, about being instantly transported back. Music is amazing and often brings forth memories that would otherwise be lost forever.May 15, 2013 – 7:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Anita @ Losing Austin - Music has the power to connect us across generations, abilities, nationalities… it has such healing power. I am definitely not a musician, but it speaks to me and helps me, and without it I’d be lost.May 15, 2013 – 7:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Anita,
      You’re so right – it really does have amazing healing power. I’m not a musician either, but there have been moments in my life that I’ve clung to music like a lifeline. Thanks so much for the comment!May 15, 2013 – 7:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Hey, didn’t get a chance to comment when this came out, but as far as covers go, I wanted a shout out to Eva Cassidy’s Fields of Gold, which better than Sting’s version and is up there as one of the best covers ever (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGwDYBWEDSc).

    Also, I was always keen on Melanie’s version of Tambourine Man (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LwyOSyWpNg).

    Rock on, sistah.May 18, 2013 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Hey Sara,
    Love Eva Cassidy but wasn’t familiar with Melanie’s version of Tambourine Man – and wow, what a cool version. So different and haunting even. Thanks for sharing it with me!May 19, 2013 – 4:55 pmReplyCancel

As you may know, tomorrow is Mother’s Day here in the US.  A day to celebrate mom.  Which means in our house, a day to celebrate ME.  While I would not dare speak for all mothers out there, I will say to my dear husband: Forget the flowers.  I just want some time alone. Of […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - So it might be terrible of me to say also that the best Mother’s day I ever had was the time my son and husband went to go visit my mother-in-law and they were gone a week. It was the best Mother’s Day ever. I went to brunch with a friend and then went to Kirkland’s and bought myself a picture of flowers to hang on the wall. We just need a break sometimes. Last year I remember being so pissed cleaning up the kitchen on Mother’s Day evening when my husband had gone to bed exhausted like he had just had the hardest day cooking breakfast and dinner. Good grief. Awww man I sound ungrateful huh? This year, I’m not asking to be off the clock because it’s messy and i have to starve to death before food appears. I showed Christopher a necklace with a “K” charm on it, and I hope he came through showing his daddy exactly where to find it. Cross your fingers for me. Happy Mother’s Day!May 11, 2013 – 7:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    A WEEK?! I am so jealous. And that’s so funny that your husband had to go to bed exhausted because he fixed breakfast and dinner…so, yeah the whole cleaning up thing because the hubs actually managed to eek a meal out sucks. Which is why we’ll be going to a restaurant.
    OOH I hope you get your K necklace! And happy mother’s day to YOU, friend!!May 11, 2013 – 7:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Ha! Yes, I have asked for that too: alone time for Mother’s Day. I don’t think I have ever actually gotten it, because after a couple of hours, I miss them all! Oh the joys of being a mom. Happy Mother’s Day, Kristi!May 11, 2013 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • K - Hahahaha! I hope you get some alone time; you deserve it! You’re not alone…my mom used to ask for that too! 😉 Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!May 11, 2013 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - After the long day I had today, alone time sounds perfect right now!! And that picture is so my life. Seriously, I am not sure the last time the bathroom for me didn’t include one or both of my girls hovering over me while on sit on the toilet!! I truly hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day and do get so much needed alone time!! 🙂May 11, 2013 – 9:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Yep a whole week. I think that was the first time the left me. I missed them terribly when they missed their connecting flight coming home and had to stay in Atlanta overnight and I swore that Christopher had grown while he was gone. Lol! As for the K necklace I think I’m sol. I haven’t had any secret knowing looks from Christopher to give it away 😉May 11, 2013 – 9:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - So this is what I did to make sure I got what I wanted for Mother’s Day…we went to the mall and my husband took the boys to buy my gift and I went off on my own and bought myself exactly what I wanted: a new tennis outfit and an overpriced pair of jeans. I didn’t want to take the risk of not getting what I wanted…happy Mother’s Day to us!! Hope you get that alone time tomorrow!!May 11, 2013 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - Oh, yes, the guilt that causes us to think about Horrible Things happening because we want just a chunk of time alone.

    Funny funny picture!May 11, 2013 – 11:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Charlie will often take the kids to his mom’s house so Julie gets some alone time to garden. ….As for me, the dogs follow me everywhere in the house so it’s been a long time since I’ve pooped alone, too. Hope your wishes come true!May 11, 2013 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Sara,
    It’s been a while since Chief followed me to the potty (stairs and my unwillingness to carry him up them for a poop) but cheers and happy fuzzybuddymothersday!May 11, 2013 – 11:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Lori,
    ACH to the horrible things we think huh? Happy Mother’s Day!

    Emily,
    My brilliant friend, glad you got a new tennis outfit and an overpriced pair of jeans (I LOVE OVERPRICED jeans! So much…but I need to lose 5 lbs to like the ones I have before buying new). Happy Mother’s Day to you. I hope it’ll be okay…May 12, 2013 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    I’ll bet you’re right and that he DID grow while they were gone. Like weeds, sometimes. Crazy. Sucks about being SOL about the gift (and OMG did you just almost swear?!?!?!?) 😉May 12, 2013 – 12:01 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Courtney,
    Happy Mother’s Day to you, too. I’m sure I’ll miss them if they stay away long enough for me to do so (Robert, if you’re reading this, 45 minutes at the playground is NOT enough, just FYI)…May 12, 2013 – 12:02 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - K – (Kerry) Thanks for the reminder that I’m not alone! Happy Mother’s Day to your mom who did an amazing job raising my young friend who will be famous one day.May 12, 2013 – 12:02 amReplyCancel

  • Shay - KRISTI. Your pictures seriously crack me up so hard. Is that a blurry spot in your cartoon crotch? Holy shit. Too funny. BY THE WAY…WHERE is your blog button?? I want it for my blog! Am I just blinded by this wine? Why can I not find it?May 12, 2013 – 1:15 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Shay!
    I used to have a bunch of blog buttons and guess I need to figure out how to reaadd them after my blog makeover (ahem Julie I just spent the last 90 minutes looking). Yup, a blurry spot (I think the technical term is pixilated) on my crotch. Cause hello privacy.May 12, 2013 – 1:59 amReplyCancel

  • Susan Zutautas - What a great idea to pick up the chicken nuggets and bring them to a another restaurant. Why didn’t I ever think of that. Hope all your wishes come true for today Happy Mother’s Day!May 12, 2013 – 6:26 amReplyCancel

  • Joy - I am so with you. This morning Sunny sat on my lap while I peed. ’nuff said.

    Happy Mother’s Day to you, too, my dear (and, BTW, we celebrate it here today, too)! xoxoMay 12, 2013 – 6:54 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Lol I only swear in acronyms. Lol!!! Happy Mother’s Day. I’ll tweet you later. Everybody is still sleep. No church today, I’m getting ready to slide out of bed, and tip toe to the kitchen for a me time cup if coffee. I don’t know what I’m tiptoeing for, they will sleep until they are sure we aren’t going.May 12, 2013 – 7:10 amReplyCancel

  • Anita@Losing Austin - Wishing you AT LEAST five solid hours alone! You truly deserve it.May 12, 2013 – 7:49 amReplyCancel

  • Kate - Happy Mother’s Day! Hope you get some YOU time!May 12, 2013 – 11:03 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Susan,
    Picking up nuggets has been a lifesaver!May 12, 2013 – 11:56 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Joy,
    HAHAH – and been there, friend. Happy Mother’s Day! Is it Sweden that has a different day?? Can’t remember…May 12, 2013 – 11:57 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    Your comment had me laughing out loud. Only swearing in acronyms is probably a good idea and I am still cracking up that the guys will sleep until they’re sure you aren’t going to church! Hehe! I hope you have an amazing day with zero dishes to clean up.May 12, 2013 – 11:58 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Anita,
    Well, they just left (11:45am). My guess is that they’ll slink back here with a new toy around 1:30. Hopefully I’m wrong 😉May 12, 2013 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kate,
    Thank you and ditto!May 12, 2013 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean - STOP.IT. You had me laughing again and then you had, just had to throw in that picture at the end. You had to! Solitary confinement is what I asked for today and I got it (sorta). Like you I felt guilty about it and had a few horror panic attacks about what trouble they could get into but it was awesome. Alone is awesome sometimes. I also find it awesome how you share the little thoughts that run through your head that I never think to share with anyone. Happy Mother’s Day, Kristi!May 12, 2013 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - Oh I love when you do the funny stuff! I was serious laughing because I totally do that! I can’t wait for “guys night” and then when they go out I am so sure they are going to die in some horrible car accident I can barely enjoy myself! I take my cell phone all over the house so I can dial 911, and I panic when they are running late. You rock lady! Happy Mother’s Day!May 12, 2013 – 5:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - If you get 4 minutes let alone 45 to poop in piece I will be jealous for life.May 12, 2013 – 9:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kerri,
    Well, they left the house for 1 hour and 45 minutes. But Robert did a good job when they got home and gave me much of the afternoon to catch up on blog stuff and do some IRL work. So there’s that. Sadly, I didn’t have to poop while they were gone….May 12, 2013 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jen,
    I’m SO relieved that I’m not alone in my imagined disaster scenarios! 😀May 12, 2013 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Terri S. Vanech - You started my day with a smile!May 13, 2013 – 5:48 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Yay for days that start with a smile. Thanks for visiting, Terri.May 13, 2013 – 7:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kim Pugliano - Thank you for covering up your privates.May 13, 2013 – 2:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kim,
    Thank you for noticing. And you’re quite welcome.May 13, 2013 – 3:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Anyonita - Aww I hope you got your alone time! 🙂 As one of the co-hosts from the My Favorite Posts Weekend SHOW OFF Party! I wanted to personally thank you for linking up with us & to invite you to add me to your G+ circles or follow me on Twitter or Facebook as I’ve done the same with you. Also, I run a link party on my food blog, Anyonita Nibbles where you can link up recipes or food related posts. This week’s party is here: http://www.anyonitanibbles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/tasty-tuesdays-10.htmlMay 16, 2013 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

While nothing is written on the calendar, I have some plans for this summer.  Here they are, in no particular order. Survive the cicada apocalypse.  For a girl who is irrationally terrified of all bugs, including the harmless ones that don’t want to eat me, the fact that any day now we’ll be overrun by gigantic, loud, noisy, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Alana Terry - Yuck, I would probably freak out a small amount with the bugs too. Keep your mouth closed! How long until they all die out or move away?May 10, 2013 – 1:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Alana,
    I think they’re here for like 2 weeks or something? Gross. Thanks for the advice on keeping my mouth closed!May 10, 2013 – 1:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Kevin and I were actually just talking about the cicadas being bad from what he was reading this morning. So, as I was reading this it was truly so timely from our most recent conversation before he went to work. And Tucker and Emma are going to both be four years old this July. We are so going to be celebrating here, too. And from all she keeps telling me that she wants, I may very well be in the poor house just yet, lol!! Thanks so much Kristi for linking up with us once again and I truly always look forward to seeing your take on the sentence each and every week. You never disappoint!! 🙂May 10, 2013 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m gonna be honest with you and tell you that I skimmed that first paragraph. And by skim I didn’t read it. ‘Cause that how scared I am, and I’m hoping that I’m just a pinch south enough that I won’t see those things. UGH. I don’t remember this happening before – seeing them live – but I do remember a summer at my grandparents house in Pennsylvania that their carcasses – shells whatever were all over the trees trunks. Back then I was a tom boy and I thought it was neat. I’d pick them off the tree and put them on my shirt. They stuck to cotton. I’m such a girl now. I don’t know who that child was!!

    Anyhoo – love the picture of Tucker. He has the most delightful smile. All you words I as far as where has the time gone – I say that every birthday, and each school year. Waaaaaah!May 10, 2013 – 1:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Janine,
    So sweet that both our kids will be four this summer. Where does the time go? And yeah, the cicadas are pretty creepy – I am NOT looking forward to their appearance. At all.May 10, 2013 – 1:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    HAHA that you didn’t read the first paragraph! I just talked about them coming out for an orgy after being in the ground for 17 years. And I hear you – I am SUCH a girl now too. Well, when it comes to bugs, anyway. Not when it comes to doing my nails or makeup and stuff.
    And yes WAAAAH!May 10, 2013 – 1:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Wow! I don’t envy you the cicadas.

    And I totally don’t know you or your situation, but something in me really baulks at the idea of your baby on a bus on his own. He’s only been alive 4 years. It’ll be effort, but find a way round that one if you can.

    Loved the pic.May 10, 2013 – 1:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Considerer,
    Yeah, I think he’s too young for the bus, too, although some of the kids in his class ride it successfully. Still, so scary.May 10, 2013 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I hear you on the bus issue, Boo is not getting anywhere near a bus until she can go on Allies! As far as cicadas, how strange and gross is this? They were up here 2 summers ago and some kid got the idea to make earrings out of them. She sold them to the summer tourists!! I think she made enough for her college tuition.May 10, 2013 – 2:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kerri,
    Seriously, people bought cicada earrings? What is wrong with them?? Ew. And yeah, the bus scares the crap out of me. I do need to figure something out though…sigh…May 10, 2013 – 2:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - Hey! You should have asked me, we have TONS of cicada photos! Our infestation was 3 years ago. We also have yearly ones as well, I always said if we moved I would miss the sound. Don’t forget the sound, it will be DEAFENING! Since my sister is a science teacher she is always happy to pick them up and let them crawl on her. GEEERRROOOOSSSS! Not me!
    And a very pre pre pre happy birthday to the luckiest boy in the world, cause he has a mom who REALLY cares!May 10, 2013 – 2:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I hope you get some “you time” too this summer!May 10, 2013 – 2:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jen!
    UGH I’m dreading the cicadas! Sorry to hear they invaded there, too. And ewwwww that your sister lets them crawl all over her. Ew. Ew. Ew. *SHUDDER*
    And awwww to your sweet pre-pre-pre birthday wishes for Tucker. Love that.May 10, 2013 – 2:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Love love this post. Partly b/c I know you and know how much you hate the bugs (and especially the fact that they “invade”), but also b/c I know how you struggle w/ putting your baby boy on a big scary bus. ….and b/c I too will be celebrating Tucker turning 4 this summer. Oh, and did I mention how much I love the drawing?? …it’s just a really good post.

    And y’know what else? In anticipation of the bug invasion in your area, I put together a bug-themed Friday-comics email (I did it weeks ago) and was planning to dedicate it to you (figuring that maybe if you can laugh at the bugs they won’t seem quite so…..creepy). I almost sent it today, but decided to save it for next week. It would have been so apropos!

    Hugs to you Tuck!May 10, 2013 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Sara! Thank you and I can’t wait for the dedicated-to-ME (mememememe) bug comic post. So glad you love the drawing! My favorite part is the “want to make babies with me?” “no, you’re ugly.”
    And yeah, totally struggling with putting Tucker on a big-boy bus. I have nightmares about it. Maybe he’s I mean I am not ready…hopefully we’ll be in Colorado at some point so we can celebrate Tucker (and by Tucker I mean ourselves) together. With wine and laughs and hugs and happy.May 10, 2013 – 2:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Anita @ Losing Austin - So I Married An Ax Murder is amazing!! Truly a fav here. I rarely run across people who even remember it, you made my day.

    Instead of bugs, I’m simply trying to survive s**kes… see, I can’t even write the word for fear. But they are out and about and hubs has already had to kill two in our yard. They’re black and not poisonous, but as I’ve pointed out many times, I will die of a stroke or heart attack if one gets near me. So yes, they can be deadly.

    I have no advice on the trusting people thing- only hugs. And a distant celebration with you over 4.May 10, 2013 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Anita,
    YAY to us having even more in common – I love that movie! And s**kes!?!?!?! YIKES. I would die of a heart attack too. So yes, I’d definitely say that they are deadly. Glad you have a hubs who doesn’t mind killing them. Yikes.May 10, 2013 – 2:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - My friend Melissa at Stirrup-Queens was telling me about the impending cicada invasion. Sounds so Exorcist-y to me. *shivvvver*

    Um, I’m sure that thought will help you cope 😉

    Happy early birthday to your sweet Tucker (what a cutie). Motherhood is so weird. The minutes, hours and days go so slowly, but the months and years give us whiplash.May 10, 2013 – 3:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Lori,
    It does sound Exorcist-y! Blech. And yeah, you totally helped. Thanks, a lot.
    I never thought about it like that but you said this so perfectly: “The minutes, hours and days go so slowly, but the months and years give us whiplash.” Awesome.May 10, 2013 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - My kids have summer birthdays too, and while we celebrate, I also mourn the time passing too quickly. And thanks for reminding me about the cicadas – yuck!May 10, 2013 – 3:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - I’m trying something new- call it a brain exercise. I’m going to comment on things from the bottom up, you know, the reverse order in which I read them. That photo of Tucker is beautiful and breathtaking. 4 is such a big deal- I feel a little sad with each passing birthday of my kids. And me too, I guess- this July I turn 35! That’s Advanced Maternal Age if I was KU! (knocked up.) That “I am beyond fucking ugly” is the first time I have honestly laughed out loud (not fake LOL- an audible sound) reading something in a long time. And lastly, I hate bugs. Hate. Them. Especially those noisy MFers, cicadas. Gah.May 10, 2013 – 4:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Dana,
    It’s hard to not mourn the time passing. Sigh.May 10, 2013 – 4:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Stephanie, I like your brain exercise! 4 is a huge deal. It’s amazing and wonderful and sad…
    Happy big birthday to YOU! 35! Wow. And SO glad I made you laugh audibly and not with a fake LOL. Cicadas suck.May 10, 2013 – 4:53 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - “I am beyond fucking ugly”

    I am officially in a state of blog Post envy! At the risk of sounding like there is a teenage boy laughing inside me, I will simply say, I have laughed out loud at my computer reading your Post.

    Hats off…

    (and what the hell is the deal with time *speeding up*??! it’s not just that times passes. we all get that! But 4 into 5 faster than 3 turned into 4! damn)May 10, 2013 – 6:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Betty Taylor - I love the cute smile. He is adorable! Why do babies have to grow up? Putting him on a bus will be so hard! My baby is now 18 and he is such a great kid. I have so much fun with him. I will be sending him off to college in the fall.

    Cicadas are super ugly! It seems like they come back more often than 17 years. Either that or I am getting old!May 10, 2013 – 7:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean Heff - WAAAAAAAAA! My baby/not-baby is going to be 4 this year too. Suddenly they are so tall looking and those legs look like boy legs.
    I am certain that there is somewhere you can take Tucker in the area you live in. I have no help but I am confident you will find a place, even if it’s hiring someone to come to your home and watch him. Good luck, Kristi.May 10, 2013 – 7:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Clark!
    Thanks pal! So glad I made you laugh today! Did Roger and Scott approve as well? And yeah, speeding up faster and faster…too fast.May 10, 2013 – 8:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Betty,
    Wow, 18! I bet the time flew…how wonderful to hear that you have so much fun with your son! And I think the cicadas actually DO come back more often – somebody here told me that there are annual ones and periodic ones. Which means that some are here every year, and others wait for a long, long time…May 10, 2013 – 8:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jean,
    WWWWAAAAAAAA! indeed! You’re so right about their little legs all of a sudden looking like little boy legs. So fast. And thanks for the good luck, I’m thinking of having somebody come to the house a couple days a week. It’s just how I get Tucker here after school….ugh…May 10, 2013 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Mombo - I’ve only experienced that bug thing once (which was enough..) they are so loud! guess they never come to Alaska? I wonder about Oregon. hmmmm
    and even though the years pass more and more quickly, it gets better and better. Truly.
    Much loveMay 10, 2013 – 8:41 pmReplyCancel

  • K - OMG Tucker is so cute!!! & I’m so afraid of bugs that I couldn’t even *look* at the picture of the cicada that you posted…Should be a fun summer. 😉May 10, 2013 – 9:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Oh how I hate those cicadas – they are hideous! I once had a water bug appear in my NYC apartment many years ago…my roommate was out and I was alone with this giant bug. So I threw my shoe at it and then went running back into my bedroom. I stayed in there all night and in the morning I was still afraid to go in our kitchen. I made my roommate check if the coast was clear when she got home later that day. Anyway, aside from those cicadas I’d say the rest of your summer will be great!May 10, 2013 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Emily,
    Gah to the cicadas! Nasty little things…haha to you hiding in your room until your roommate got there…but when the coast was clear, didn’t you wonder where the bug went? Or was coast clear = dead bug?May 10, 2013 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - K- thanks, love. Huge. And yeah, I’m totally afraid of them, too…May 10, 2013 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Mombo! I hope they’re not in Oregon! I think they’re an east coast thing mostly, though. Nasty.May 10, 2013 – 11:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate Hall - I’m actually rather fond of cicadas. I know. That’s weird. Our 17-year friends were in Chicago in 2007, I think. We went to the woods to see them and touch them. It was kind of weird because there weren’t any near my house. We had to drive about three miles east to get to them. There was some kind of wall they didn’t cross.

    I don’t know about the bus thing. That stuff freaks me out, so I’m kind of overly protective when it comes to my kids being with other people, so I have no advice for you. I remember they offered my son full-day school when he was three and the bus would come to pick him up and drop him off and all I thought was, are you crazy? No way. And I could only think like what you thought – what if something happened? He wouldn’t be able to tell me. I just wasn’t comfortable with that.May 11, 2013 – 12:52 amReplyCancel

  • Melissa@Home on Deranged - Brief, drunken bug orgy. ’nuff said.
    btw…I now have Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” playing on the soundtrack in my head. Might have something to do with just watching him on The Voice. But whatevs.
    Good luck on your summer plans. 🙂May 11, 2013 – 1:30 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kate,
    Really? Sorry but that is so weird. Want to switch lives with me when they get here for a couple of weeks because I am totally wigged out and am already considering buying a bee suit so none of them get on me, my hair, in my mouth…
    And yeah, the bus thing is really scary. I’m honestly not sure what to do. Sigh.
    Melissa,
    Ha to Rod Stewart’s voice – personally, I hear Fun, but we all know how much I love that song 😉May 11, 2013 – 5:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Sylvia - Gosh that little guy is cute! My oldest is going to be 37!!! I do so hope that the cicadas are all done having sex before his birthday party!! As far as advice about the bus and babysitters…that is my dilemma too. I don’t trust anyone either. Sorry I’m no help there for ya! I’m so glad you joined us at Friendship Friday. Please keep coming. I could use the comic relief! And I do appreciate your support and friendship!May 11, 2013 – 6:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - That first cartoon of the cicadas is just awesome! And I completely share your fear of bugs, big, small, flying and non. I screamed “WHAT IS THAT??” today when I was cooking lunch and a flower Ben gave me and I tucked behind my ear fell and brushed against my face. I scared my four-year-old, but there’s nothing I can do about this, I just lose control.

    I don’t know what I would do about the bus situation. I completely identify with your concern at the same time you obviously need some time for yourself. Try not to feel guilty for taking it. I have a baby sitter that I trust completely. She worked for another family across the street and she would spend a couple of hours with Ben twice a week when he was 6 months old to 1 year old and now she helps me in the evenings when my husband works late. I don’t have any ground breaking suggestions, just to go with your gut and ask your neighbours for recommendations.May 11, 2013 – 8:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Katia,
    I can SO relate to screaming “WHAT IS THAT” when thinking it’s a bug. One day, me earring fell out onto my leg and I swatted it off and stood up thinking it was a bug. It took me 2 days to find it.
    Thanks for the input regarding babysitters and busses. I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but until we do, I’ll stress about it. I’m so glad you found a sitter that you trust completely. That makes such a huge difference!May 12, 2013 – 12:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Sylvia,
    Thanks for hosting the Friendship Friday hop! And I hope the cicadas are done having sex before his birthday, too! Happy Mother’s Day!May 12, 2013 – 12:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - (1) Those bugs freak me out. I hope they really do stop in CT (I’m only 15 mins away, so I hope they don’t spill over into my woods :)). (2) I wish I had some advice for you on childcare. I’m so lucky to have not had to worry about that so far. (3) My birthday is in July, too! I know he won’t be a baby anymore, but four is pretty fun. 🙂 Hope this ends up being your best summer yet!May 12, 2013 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - So many things: I like the sound of cicadas. I think I’m alone in that and weird. I am so with you on the trusting someone else with your baby. On the fear list, that’s numero uno for me. F bugs! And finally, sweet Tucker! 🙂May 12, 2013 – 9:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Rachel,
    I don’t mind the noise of cicadas if they never touch me. Yeah, trusting others with this amazing cargo is unimaginable.May 12, 2013 – 10:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Jessica,
    I hope for you that they stop in CT, too! Yay for July Birthdays 🙂 And yeah, I’m looking forward to four.May 12, 2013 – 10:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - I did not even know the cicada apocalypse was coming upon us! Thanks for the warning!

    And I totally get the thing about trusting someone else with our kids. I had such a hard time to put him on the bus when he started with kindergarten. It is really hard.

    As for his birthday: can’t wait to hear how you will celebrate your beautiful little man! xoxoMay 13, 2013 – 8:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Joy,
      It may just be an east coast thing, but there are billions of them expected. Billions. Shudder. I’m seriously freaking out!
      So did Sunny do okay on the bus??? I’m freaking out about that, too…sigh.May 13, 2013 – 3:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - He was perfectly fine on the bus right from the beginning. I was freaking out and asked kindergarten to call me as soon as he arrived which they did and they told me that he was totally content and happy. I worried for no reason at all.May 13, 2013 – 4:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Joy,
      That’s a huge relief. Thank you! Maybe I will get the nerve to try it. It would really make this summer easier because at least a babysitter could be at my house waiting for him and buy me some time at work. Ah, sometimes juggling everything is so hard! Thanks for the reassurance.May 13, 2013 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Joy - You’re welcome! xoxo Maybe you can just give it a try and see how it works for you both. If it doesn’t work you can still go back and drive him by yourself.

    I’ve learned that most of the time we moms have more problems with situations like these than the kids do! 😉May 14, 2013 – 2:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Joy,
      You’re probably right! It’s just scary….but I’ll bet Tucker would actually enjoy the bus. Thanks for the encouragement and reassurance! I appreciate it. 🙂May 14, 2013 – 7:59 amReplyCancel

  • Mama Meerkat - Mini has a dead cicada that she keeps in a box as a pet. It is named Soo-cah-dah.May 15, 2013 – 3:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - Mama Meerkat,
      Doesn’t it STINK??? Ew. Sorry 🙁May 15, 2013 – 7:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Oh those bugs. Oh. No. I hate them. What is their purpose? Really. I’d like to speak to the maker.
    4 was a rough birthday. It meant so many new changes. I totally get that trust issue. I don’t know what to tell you about that. Just do. My son’s teacher is a 25 year veteran so I was able to let go a bit easier. Would it help to find out how long they’ve been schooling?May 24, 2013 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kimberly,
    Ha to speaking with the maker! I completely trust Tucker’s teachers. It’s the unknown bus aides that I’m having a problem with. I’m going to ask if I can meet him/her beforehand. Thanks for the advice, because it never occurred to me to ask to meet the bus aid first! (dumb) 😀May 26, 2013 – 10:43 amReplyCancel

Friends, Today, I’m doing a happy dance. A happy happy WHEE! I think I’m really cool and awesome “let’s get jiggy” shake your booty happy dance.  Yeah, I know.  I’m not much of a dancer.  I look really stupid unless you’ve had more alcohol than is recommended, in which case I look pretty hot.  And […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kate - Just left there- nice feature 🙂May 9, 2013 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

  • Melissa@Home on Deranged - Look at you shaking your cute little tushy! Heading over to Julie’s now 🙂May 9, 2013 – 11:24 amReplyCancel

  • jddeneen413@gmail.com - I’m going to come here and comment since I feel bad that all your commenters are on my site today!! But it shows what a great writer you are, how loyal your followers are, and what an awesome blog you have. Kudos to you Kristi!!May 9, 2013 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Aw!! Ok could you get any more awesome, Julie?? The fact that you came HERE to comment because all of my commenters came there? Class act. Class act all the way. Thank you. Thank you huge.

    Oh. And thank you for allowing my words to sully your pages!May 9, 2013 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kate, Thank you! And thanks for commenting there !! 🙂May 9, 2013 – 11:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Melissa,
    Well. You already know you’re awesome.May 9, 2013 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - Congrats! That’s awesome!!May 9, 2013 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Bisett - This new look is incredible! I usually log in on my phone so I don’t think I even knew it was all snazzed up! I got the full effect just now. Great Job Julie – and way to go YOU fancy pants!May 10, 2013 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I thought I’d leave my big comment over here. I’m honored to have met you in your first year. You are doing excellent! About those key words, I wish I had known to do that in the beginning. The most popular search on my blog has to do with how to do reverse psychology on a man. I wrote about that ONCE, and I was just kidding – sort of.May 10, 2013 – 7:42 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara Woods - Yay for happy dances! I’m going to head over and check it out right now.May 10, 2013 – 3:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Kenya,
    I truly feel honored to have met you during my first year, too. And thanks for the encouragement – there are days when it’s so hard to find the time (as you know). Also? That’s nuts that your search about reverse psychology on a man – hilarious that people are Googling it though! And you know that you can still go back and add tags to old posts, right? (says she who would never spend time doing that even though she should). Thanks for the awesome comment, friend!May 10, 2013 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Josie and Shay – Thanks you guys! I really like the new look too. 😀May 10, 2013 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

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