Fair Winds and Following Seas

In case you didn't know, I really like football. I just got home from the Monday Night Football game where our Seahawks clinched a playoff berth...where the fans broke the record for the loudest sporting event...where the fans caused a small earthquake (again)...where we held the Saints to under 200 yards...it was an amazing event and I am thrilled to be a part of it! But, since I just got home, my children are not with me. BIG thanks go to my mom and dad, who are the best grandparents in the entire world (and also thanks to Marilyn for all that she does to help me out too!!). So, if you are looking for a funny anecdote from Amelia tonight, there won't be one as she is sleeping peacefully at my parents house right now. But, I wanted to come on and blog anyways because I have lots to say! Today was an amazing day! I had a great time with awesome friends. I got to see some great football. It was a wonderful day. But, some people didn't have such a great day today. One of those people happened to be my sister. In case you don't know, my sister lives in California. The main reason she doesn't live here is because her husband is stationed on a ship down in California. My brother-in-law is an amazing man! He is a wonderful husband, a devoted father, a great all-around family man. But, he is also an outstanding sailor. In March, he graduated from Oregon State Univeristy (some of the only times that I EVER rooted for the Beavers) with the highest honors, and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. And that is where California comes in. They have been down there since March and today, he left on deployment. I have the utmost respect for Navy spouses, or any military spouse for that matter. Not only do I get this from knowing what my sister goes through, but I also work at an elementary school that is predominantly military families. It is so hard on the families to have moms or dads go out to sea for such long periods of time, have them come home and try to assimilate into the family again, only to leave again in the near future. All to protect our freedoms and serve our country. So, Ben left today. My heart and prayers have been with the members of his crew, the sailors on his ship, and the families and loved ones they left behind. I know this happens all the time, but it is harder for me this time because I am so far away from my sister, and I wish I could be there for her to love and support her through his deployment. I absolutely admire my sister. She is a strong, independent woman and she always has been. She is beautiful, a loving wife, and doting mother. She is one of those moms that makes you feel like you need to step up your game because she is organized and talented and remembers the little things. She is always taking pictures of her children and sharing them. She is the best aunt in the world to my kids and the best sissy. I miss her so, so much, and I wish I could be there to help her through this. I know that deployments happen all the time, all around the world, but this is their first in a while. I'm proud of her and I know she'll make it through OK! So, please keep your thoughts and prayers guided towards my sister and her family, and toward my brother-in-law Ben as he starts his first deployment as an officer in the Navy! I'm so proud to call them part of my family. My heart, hugs, and prayers are for you all!