Ryan to the Rescue!

YEAH RIGHT!

I'd like to think that my family is waiting impatiently for my arrival tomorrow....my kids longing to shower me with adoration and love the second I walk through the door....my wife looking forward to me sweeping in and relieving her from the crappy week she endured.

Actually, I do always receive unbelievable and overwhelming love from my daughters every time I walk in, even if I just went a mile down the road to get milk. And Angie never fails to hug me and tell me how happy she is to have me home again.

But, somehow I think they do it more for my benefit. Not that I don't think they are sincere....I believe they are. But, I also know that Angie is an incredible wife and mom. As I'm sure all of you have read on her blog, she often complains that she thinks she can't handle everything when she is by herself. But she always does.

Even with an extremely active 6 year old and an absolutely nutty and willful three year old pulling her in two different directions, she manages to take care of a 6 month old with pneumonia, manage a new business, and still teach other parents how to take care of their own children. The kids never fail to be entertained, either by one of a thousand craft projects this summer, or by another outing to the waterpark, pool, playgroup, or "Chucky-Jesus". I find it hard to believe that the kids even have time to think about me when I'm gone. I think when I walk up the drive after a trip, they think, "Hey, I kow that guy! Wait, that's.......DAAADDYYYYY!"

And how am I such a relief to her when I get home. Half the time, I am at a loss on how to entertain the kids. I swear, it is absolutely amazing the way she can keep the kids occupied for hours, and get things done around the house at the same time. I just don't see how I can even touch that!

But, I guarantee you...as soon as I walk in, Sophie will practically jump out of the Bumbo with excitement. And Laney and Maddy will fly out of their seats and practically tackle me with hugs as soon as I open the door. (They don't realize it but their heads are at a very unfortunate height at this stage in their growth.) And as soon as those greetings are done, I'll enjoy a loong hug and kiss from my best friend in the whole world. (I'll unsuccessfully try to extend it in my usual frisky manner, but that is not for public reading.)

Anyway, even though I think the praise and thanks I get from the women in my house is sometimes misplaced or embellished, I'll take it. Because until you have been unconditionally loved by four women, you haven't lived. It does wonders for your self esteem, I assure you.

Here's to the end of another pain-in-the-ass, ludicrous, boring, holy-crap-I'm-done-with-this-!&#$ trip!