I've always said that if you find yourself at home and available to watch Oprah, it is a good day. And let me tell you... every time I see a commercial for her farewell season, I get the chills. I mean I don't totally worship the woman, but I think she's extremely generous. I love the clip where she jumps up and down and says "everybody gets a car!" I'm embarrassed about how many times I've seen it and so many others. The TaxMasters commercial is undoubtedly one of the worst. "Patrick Cox for TaxMasters" ...ugh. I always think of my brother and how much we would make fun of him. His beard is so out of control, and I want to punch him in the face every time it comes on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4jAq1tsXoA
Scarlet started swimming lessons last night and I went along and got wheeled through the family locker room... ahhh the delight. She did such a good job! We were really proud of her. Every time she did something, she'd turn around with a huge smile, look at us, and say "mommy." I was so glad I was there! Scarlet is getting so big - it's so fascinating but a little scary to watch her grow up. We praised her to no end after swimming, so she was really proud of herself too. But then there are times, like when she is coloring... she is trying to master the circle and does it over and over and over again until she gets a perfect one, and when I say "that one's good sweetie," she says "no it's not," and tries again and again. Her perseverance is admirable, but when do we learn to be so critical of ourselves? I never thought I'd see it at such an early age. And it breaks my heart when she says she's not good at something... we always tell her she can do anything, and I hope she always feels our unconditional love and encouragement. Even when she lies about chewing a barbie shoe to smithereens.
Today when Scarlet was leaving for school, she turned back and gave the baby ("her baby") a kiss before she left. So sweet. In those moments, nothing else matters, and it shouldn't. Every night when I go to bed, I go into Scarlet's room to tuck her in, and I place my face on hers... and I feel the rise and fall of her body and breathe in her sweet little smells... and I think - there is nothing more precious than this little being we have created. All I want to do in this life, above anything else, is raise my kids to love their lives as much as Robbie and I love ours, and to appreciate every moment as best they can, and to laugh laugh laugh and cherish not just the big moments, but the little ones you're not expecting. The in-betweens. The looks, smiles, smells, sounds, feelings, giggles, togetherness, warmth... the kisses. The LOVE.
"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories."George Eliot
