When Charlie was commenting to me last week that he intends to get in to really good shape now that he's 47, I gently reminded him he's actually 48. I'd thought he was kidding, until I saw the look of genuine surprise, and then shock on his face as he said, "Well. I might need to see a doctor about this..."
Today I woke up to happy children who were piling on top of me in bed. They excitedly handed me wonderful presents that they had carefully selected from items they found around the house and lovingly wrapped. Within my bounty of gifts was a lovely frame that I bought in 1998, and a pair of my exercise socks that look almost new. It was a great start to what would be a perfect day (until just before bedtime when I realized that I lost my iPhone, who knows where?).
After a few hours in the office, I left work early and met Charlie and the children at the movie theatre for a 3:30 showing of Cinderella. We went in to a completely empty cinema and watched during the previews, Elsa throw Anna a surprise birthday party (Henry incredulously asked, "Did you know Anna has the same birthday as you?!") before we all enjoyed what would be one of the best movies we've seen in a long time. What made this movie so fantastic, aside from the acting and set design, costumes, and fact it was a Monday and we were in a theatre) was the underlining message of "Be Kind and Have Courage." Those are the same principles we're trying so hard (read: so, so, so, so times infinity plus one) to impress upon our children. Be Kind! Have Courage!
Seems easy, right? Until you try to teach your three 10-year olds to be kind to each other and their 7.5-year old brother, and you wind up taking very long walks because how can you model kind behavior when they make you lose your marbles and you threaten to send your little angels straight back to heaven?
OK, so I know people don't "make you" anything; but children really have a way of trying your patience in ways that cannot be succinctly described.
IF ONE MORE PERSON WHINES OR TATTLES SO HELP ME.
What I want to remember the most about TODAY, is my beloved husband and children (yes children, your mother really does adore you) - sitting with each other in a big empty theatre, watching a wonderful movie together, and thinking, "Kindness, Courage, and Magic. This life really IS pure magic."
And I'm enormously grateful.
