Filling the Time...

Since Seth has been gone, we have been going nonstop. I. am. tired.  As with other deployments, for the first few weeks/months, sleep just doesn't come easy. It is almost 1 am and I am still awake. My body is telling me to sleep but, for some reason I can't put my finger on, I just don't want to lay down. This is what happens every night. Eventually sleep wins. I wake up in the morning and hit the ground running.

I have been quite surprised at how much easier this has been than I expected. I know that there will be low points but I haven't hit one yet. Praise God! Everyone offers to take the girls (friends and family) but I feel so guilty. I know there are going to be rough weeks ahead and I am storing up my favors for those times. I am so blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends (who I am finding are more and more amazing the longer I know them) and Seth's family. Sherlyn is a true Godsend. I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law. Who am I kidding? I couldn't have married into a better family. I have said this to Seth many times: I am so glad that Seth's family treats me as one of their own. Being around them is so natural.

Wow. This post is all over the place. I am sure it has to do with the late hour at which I am writing. :) Why don't I slow down? I keep asking myself this. Why don't I just stay home with the girls one day and relax? I don't really know the answer. Maybe there is a part of me that is waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the emotions to overtake me. Why haven't they? The only One I can attribute my calmness and emotionallessness (I am positive that is not a word) to is God. He keeps me sane. He knows what I need. He knows what my girls need. He provides. It is really truly that simple.

Before we found out that Seth was getting deployed, I joined a Bible study on prayer. One day we broke up into small groups and talked about being anxious. I realized at that point that I am one of the least anxious people that I know. I am, by no means, perfect (and I definitely have my "moments") but I know that no matter what happens in this life, He is there to hold us. At moments like these, that is such a comforting thought. I am so grateful that He has given me such peace.

While Seth is away on his vacation (haha) working, I have made a commitment to myself to get back in shape. This is one of my "keeping busy" mechanisms. Three days/week, I go to Jazzercise in the morning (I love, love, love it) and the other two days/week, I have started to go to the YMCA with a friend of mine. *On a side note: Did you know that if your spouse is deployed, your YMCA membership is FREE (including child care!!).* Woo Hoo! I love saving money! :) I have noticed a huge difference in my muscular tone and a slight difference in my endurance. It is a lot of fun to see these changes taking place after only a month of working out regularly. Seth has been working out quite a bit more also. I guess all we needed was a deployment to get us in shape. Sheesh.

Ok. I have rambled enough. I am tired and must try to get to sleep. I actually get to sleep in tomorrow (yes, my girls sleep til 8-9 am!) since I am taking an afternoon class at the Y (instead of in the morning). I know that there aren't many of you that read this, but for those of you who do, I appreciate all of the many prayers during this time of separation.

I will leave you with this:

The girls got new "big girl" beds and were
really excited about it.