Elorra

The Brewers: Here you see the lot of us who will be together for this year's Thanksgiving Day meal. I was just listening to an interview with Tiki Barber who is a famous running back for the NY Giants. He is such an interesting person. I am always amazed at the physical abilities of famous athletes. I was never meant to be a famous or accomplished athlete. I honestly do well for myself if I manage to keep in shape enough to run a mile. And that is not saying much because I don't remember when I actually did run a mile, but I still think I could. LOL. Anyway, Tiki said something that is still ringing in my ear. He is obviously a very driven person, determined and strong. He said that he was not driven by the fear of failure in his life but by the expectation of success. I love that. I spoke with Whitney Bethel today and she also said that as a pediatrician, she sees parents who are fearful about things involving their own child. Whitney said that she tries to direct their thoughts to what we know, not what we fear. This made so much sense to me and I thought of it again when Tiki made his statement. How much does fear drive me to do the things I do, think about the things I think about, or make the decisions that I make???? This is a very good question to consider. I like the idea of starting with what we know and working toward or working through what we don't know. Hmmmm (pressing finger to upper temple like Arsenio Hall.) I truly want to have an expectation of success for me, Travis and for my children. And I want them to have this expectation too. Holly is having a difficult time these days and I am not sure what to do about it. She has regressed in her potty training to the point of needing a diaper. What is that all about? People ask if she has gone through a major change or some stress, etc. My answer is, 'not that I am aware of.' It is frustrating. She seems to use it to exert some kind of control over me so I resist that. Who knows? I don't think she is getting enough rest for one thing. She refuses a nap even though I force her to lie in her bed sometimes. We put her to bed at night by 7pm these days, but she seems to be at that transition point between needing a nap and growing out of needing a nap. But it is later in the afternoon when I have the most trouble with her because she is tired. Arggggg(gritting teeth.) Other than that, she knows her letters, she knows her numbers, she can spell and write her name, she reasons well and is very smart. She does lack motivation sometimes to do simple things like put on her shoes or put away toys. I think it is all about control and she wants it. B-O-S-S-Y, that is Holly. Meanwhile, Kemper has learned to walk backwards. It is so cute. He is starting to imitate a lot of sounds and he says quite a few words as well as using some baby signs. He is still a small boy for his age, but he is very calm and pleasant and well, compliant. Sigh-of relief. So, I made some of Momma's fudge tonight. It turned out pretty good. Too good, in fact. I ate several 'test' pieces before sending some next door for the neighbors who are always sending stuff to me. I love chocolate and sometimes, I cannot get enough of it. Today was one of those days so PTL, the fudge came out good. I am planning to make 2 pies tomorrow and then baked sweet potatoes, green beans and broccoli & cauliflour salad for Thanksgiving dinner with Travis' family on Thursday. I love the holidays and cooking is part of that. In closing, I hope you and your family have a fabulous Thanksgiving and an expectation of success dominates your world. smile:)