Stronger, Nicer, and Better Biceps

I have realized the men in my life are

SO ASTONISHING

of late.

 

I think it is because I have added a profession

other than Home management/Make out with Marc

management to my otherwise single dimension life.

 

I have developed such a proper and hearty respect for how he manages his time as a provider.

Wow. wozers. Wow.

 

I don't know how he does it.

 

I don't.

 

I stink at it.

 

Smell.

 

 

He commutes 2 hours a day. One there, one back.

He leaves at 5:30 and gets home at 5:30

 

THEN

 

He comes in the house

 

AND IS NICE TO EVERYBODY

 

Say what?

 

Say who?

 

How does he do it?

 

I am seriously impressed. Completely in awe. Totally baffled.

 

I wake up, work out, get babies on their way and work at home in my office often in UGGS and sweats and do something I actually REALLY LOVE until my babies get back.

 

Here is the 'GET'.

 

I'm NOT THAT NICE ABOUT IT.  I'm not. I try to summon 'nice' all up in my face, but sometimes I see people's lips moving but really can't hear a word they say because my brain is
FRIED
 

I just want to grab my book and my heating blanket and lock the door.

(sometimes I do)

 

Most of the time, I help kids with a thousand activities and homework
and make dinner and
 yada yada

 

Cook the FRITATAS

 

But,

 

I'm not that nice. I'm grouchy. I'm spent. I'm ornery. I'm really digging deep to find the kindness and patience I need to fake it until I make it.

 

HE DOES NOT FAKE IT

He just keeps plugging along Energizer Bunny style.....never....quits....or....gives...up...ever......

 

It is remarkable. Really.

 

AND

 

He has always done it this way.

 

While Marc studied at BYU: He would go to classes, his job and then come home and play with Adam until bedtime...

 

AND THEN DO HIS HOMEWORK....from 9-1 and then do it all over again, everyday.

 

I have a lot of menfolk in my life who have set this great example.

 

 

 

My father in law Dave Reeves.

 

A MASTER OF MANAGEMENT

 

He set this example for all of his sons by always being available to equally participate in the home management and the providing . . . What other tycoon do you know that cleans out the refrigerator EVERY single Saturday morning?

 

AND HE WAS NICE ABOUT IT TOO!!!! :)

 

It is rare I have ever had a single conversation with my favorite Hunkle Jeff (Uncle Jeff who is a Hunk:) )  when he was not literally wearing one of his children on his back or kissing his gorgeous wife and doing all of the above while discussing something philosophical, managing his business and doing a church calling. I can honestly say I have never ever heard him speak unkindly to a child or a to a person or about a person. He does the provider gig astounding well AND

 

HE IS STILL NICE WHEN HE GETS HOME TOO!!!!

 

Hilarious and Kind and Successful?

 

Dang it. He can do all of it too....

 

isimplycannotconcieveofititiseitheroneortheother

(I hear he is a killer on the tennis court though :) if that makes you feel any better... )

 

Fact is this:  Men are stronger than we are. They just are. Get over it.

 

They have more endurance, more physical substance and in times of crisis they can offer themselves wholly and fully available when other's fail.  It seems that their wealth of familial courage is a wellspring of fortitude.

 

Here is what I don't know.

 

HOW THEY DO IT?

 

I DON'T WHERE IT ALL COMES FROM.

 

I SIMPLY CANNOT SUMMON BOTH ENDURANCE AND PERFECT KINDNESS.

 

Oh, I'll integrate a job into my day and find balance and still produce a beautiful posterity. Love my children more than anyone on the planet...I feel sure this is just a 'learning curve' and I will regain my footing soon...

 

BUT

 

I'M NOT SURE HOW NICE I WILL BE TO ANYONE WHEN IT IS OVER....

 

 

(not to worry, i actually think working is making me nicer)

 

to

MARC