Reality at it's best. ;-)

Ok. Before you go and blast me for not completing my BLOG through deployment. About mid November, early December - things became....shall we say colorful? Deployment encouraged and required a lot of change. So I decided to continue to write my blog but in private, for Trent. Hence, why there is no post's from then until now. Originally, I wanted to share this experience with you all and I'm sorry that I didn't finish.


HOWEVER - I'm in the process of writing a catch up post to bring you all up to speed - Until then - It's time to start re-blogging....

I will preface this with the following facts.

1.) Yes, Trent returned home from deployment safe and sound, as did his crew and the USS Albany.

2.) Stand down was very much needed and well taken advantage of....

3.) Yes, Trent is already back out at sea.... It was definitely not expected this soon, but the boat still has responsibilities this side of the pond as well, I guess.


Stand down was GREAT! We spent a lot of time doing nothing. Enjoying the simple things life has to offer. Simple afternoons on the porch, grocery shopping trips, movie watching, trips to Charleston, etc.... I can't even explain to you the feeling I get waking up to my husband every morning. Sounds simple, seems like a minute detail of life... but the sound of his snore, the smell of his freshly clean skin, his boots by the front door, his clothes on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink... falling asleep within minutes of watching tv, leaving the toilet seat up, just knowing that I can send a text or make a simple phone call is priceless these days, etc... Some of my happy moments around here lately. Now, I can't say that these will continue to make me happy in the long run, but... right now, I'll take it.



Him being gone again, doesn't make since to most people, for some it's hard to understand why they would take these men and send them out again after such a short time home with their families. I'm not so sure I understand but I do support my husband, his command, and the US Navy and their efforts to keep our country safe and sound.

Okay. Now that it's all off my chest! I miss my husband today! Now, granted I need the extra time to catch up on the laundry and get life around here back on schedule... (Stand down and a routine do NOT go in the same sentence) But all I truly need is a few days. It's always hard to say goodbye/see you later. And it never gets easier... never. no matter how long the separation. Like I always tell him, "It's never easy, but it's always worth it." And it is...


More updates later....

Mrs. Parrish

Wow... It's been a while!

Okay. SO I'm sure you're thinking, "Why in the world have you not posted in ....uh... FOREVER?" I got busy. Shortly, and I mean shortly after the last post, I was given information that I'd be able to PORT CALL and meet Trent overseas.... BUT I had to leave in a week. SURPRISE! Needless to say - as hectic as it was - I'd do it all over again.

To bring you up to date without writing a novel - I'll list the events as they have happened eh... the beginning of October.

You might want to sit down for this!

1.) Port Call Option with 7 days to drive the kids to Charleston, SHOP, PACK, oh - and maybe buy a ticket and reserve a hotel!
2.) Sewer back-up that leads to all of the water pipes throughout the house and into the front yard....BURST.
3.) Fly to Scotland and have the time of the life with the man of my life!
4.) Strip searched in the Glasgow Airport... Okay - maybe exaggerating a little bit, but I was wearing leggings, a fitted tank, with a Cashmere flowy sweater over it - THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN OFF.... If I was hiding something I'm not really sure where they thought it was!
5.) Return to my house STILL not repaired and home full of VISIBLE MOLD.
6.) Stuck in the N'easter Storm that hit Jersey and couldn't go get my kids - and oh how I missed them!
7.) Still homeless and on the house hunt!

So this is where I've been the past few weeks!

I love you Trent, but seriously deployment SUCKS!


Your wife,

Mrs. Parrish

Ugh....

So the WORST part about deployment? Not being able to talk about ANYTHING that matters. I mean, I journal, every now and then when the emotional side of me can't handle the reality side of things. And as it lessens the blow, it NEVER makes you feel completely better. I wish I had somewhere I could just blast to the world everything that I know, don't know, want to know, etc.... with no reprecutions.... We both now that will never be possible. I need an outlet. Thank God for Navy Wives. I don't know where I'd be without some of these women.

 

The next 2.5 weeks of my life are going to be a whirlwind for so many different reasons. I need a stress relief, and a magic wand. Yea, a magic wand would be FANTASTIC. (Deep Sigh)

 

Weezer woke up tonight crying out for her daddy. Talk about a an awful feeling? It took a while to calm her down - she obviously had had a bad dream. And I definately was NOT what she wanted. Poor kid. I don't even know how to explain to them how much longer it truly will be before he gets back home. The thought of this is making me cry as I type. They still have such a long time to go and it's getting tougher on them as the weeks go by.... A skype date would be nice. There is NO telling when that will be. Oh, the joys of silent service. Weez asked for her "Daddy's" book (the book that Trent recorded for the twins) - once we listened to that twice. She wanted to see his picture. Or in her words, "Mom-Mom, Can we see Daddy's face in da pit-ture?" We went through an album of pictures on facebook (Yes, it was THAT readily available), and within ten minutes she was passed back out. I've been trying to record the kids alot lately for you, sweet husband. Check this video out.

 

She loves and misses you daddy. Can't wait to watch her light up at the sound of your voice. Looking forward to that day - whenever it shall be.

 

Love you,

Momma

Eloise

Mills

 

 



CPO

Whew. Let's see if I can actually get everything out tonight, Trent. The email you sent for today was so special. Sometimes, I'm convinced you are just a dream. But everytime I open my eyes, you are still my reality. ( I know, BARF, ya'll. It's true, though!)

 

Just one of the few pictures from "pinning" day.

 

One year ago today, the day you put on your anchors. Oh dear, I'm already crying. This day changed your life, changed your career, it changed everything. We've been through alot of changes since you put on your anchors, but one thing it has NOT changed is the man who earned them. I treasure that about you. I remember that day like it was yesterday - you had been up all night, doing god knows what, "earning" those anchors, just as you had been the 6 weeks prior. You were exhausted and bruised. I was so nervous walking into that auditorium. Was I dressed appropriately? Would I be able to get the anchor's straight on your collar? AGH - just thinking about it makes me remember those nerves! And Kasie Roach - gosh, she was a rockstar. SO helpful.  And man, did I cry like a little girl (as always) as you walked away a Chief. So proud of you. So so proud to be your wife. It was a fantastic day. We went to lunch and you slept the rest of the day away until your "I did it!" party at Poe's Tavern - our spot.

Poe's Tavern - look how tired you still looked. I love this picture of us.

 

We had always talked about getting married. I knew from the moment we met - I was going to marry you. I remember our first "official" date and how you told me you WERE going to marry me. It wasn't but a few weeks later you were notified that you were a CPO selectee, and the 6 weeks of "fun" started. You were so focused and dedicated to being successful. I learned alot from you during this time and alot about myself. We went through some tough times and came out stronger... together. You worked so hard to achieve goals that to most seemed impossible. It was such a special time in your life. It will always be one of my "top of the list's" memories. It was this night at Poe's - after this milestone - that I realized the adventure I was about to embark on...

 

The email you wrote for tonight blew me away.

Just an excerpt...

 

"You should get this email around the 16th of September. You know the resemblence of this day. It was the epitome of my naval career, but at the same time it was the beginning of the "hell of the boat". The reason I bring this up is, you pushed me through transition season.  You were my motivation and my drive... just like you are now.  This is the hardest time of my life being away from you.  It is the hardest thing I have ever done.  I know you. You hate this life right know and despite how it sounds, tbe fact that you are pushing through says you love me more than anything in this world. That is the best feeling known to man.  Our love is like none other than I have ever seen.  It is that love that couples aspire to have. We have it... "

 

You are wrong. I love this life. I can't imagine living any other life than this. I wouldn't want it any other way. Of course Sea Duty is hard, but if it was easy - everyone would be doing it. This is making us stronger, more experienced, and dare I say, fall that much more in love with each other. You are protecting our family and protecting this country. Your service is honorable and as hard/difficult as it can be at times, I will always be here supporting you.  This time in our lives is hard. I hate being away from you more than you will ever know. I miss our conversations. I miss your smile. I miss your prescence. (honestly right now - i just miss your up-to-date emails - come on already!) I love you more than anything, Trent. This is God's plan. And we both know His plan is much better than our own. You are literally 'pulling' me through this deployment. You are bringing me through with your love. Eh, well the cards are nice too, and the book... Okay and the emails.... Let's just say - your love surrounds me on a daily basis. I can't wait to be at the end of this - so we can look back and say "We spanked the dirty d-words BUTT!" Dare I say, we might even be thankful when all is said and done. Okay - I can't go that far. Not yet!

 

So now that I've documented this day - I can write you the email I've been wanting to write since I started this blog post. I can't let these 'crazies' in on all our conversations.  Get ready, babe. I'm a hotmess. It's sure to be filled with more than enough emotion. ;-)

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW CHIEFS!

HONOR, COURAGE, & COMMITMENT

 

 



Sweet Weez

Trent.

I've been having a "trying" couple of days lately.  I've just felt so overwhelmed and not quite sure why. I haven't been able to pinpoint it yet. So I was having what I thought was a private "mini" meltdown tonight - yes, the ugly cry, because when I'm done, I feel SO much better - until Eloise appeared at the bottom of the stairs. I waited until after I'd put them to bed and thought they were asleep. Much to my surprise, Weez was still up. The conversation went a little like this:

Weez: Mommy, why you crying so bad?
Me: Well, Mommy misses Daddy is all. It's been a long day for Mommy - it's okay, Weezy.
Weez: Its going to be ok - daddy's boat is coming back. He always comes back. No cry so hard, mommy.
Me: I know, Weez. My heart already feels better.
Weez: Daddy loves you, Mommy. Don't cry. He's coming back.
Me: I love you baby, thank you for making mommy feel better....
Weez: It's okay. I still love you too.

Baby. She blew me out of the water tonight. I didn't want to forget that conversation which is why I'm "blogging" it for you. I am so lucky to have her as a daughter. She is always so positive about everything. I hope she never loses her positive heart - it is beyond beautiful, even when she's in trouble. Which lately? She has been. We are so blessed to have such incredible children. We love you tonight, and miss you bunches. But like Weezy said, You're coming back and it's just a matter of time....



Love you forever, and then some....
Me.

BBSMF

Okay, yea. I'm sure your wondering what the title of this blog actually means. Trent, I'm sure you are wondering too, however at this point in our relationship you should already have become knowledgeable of this term.

BBSMF is truly a term of endearment. It cannot be used in any ordinary situation. 

B - Bestie

B - Boo

S - Sister

M - Momma

F - Friend

There are PLENTY more picture of us - but you get the "gist" =)

Okay, I know we aren't in high school anymore. But if you knew the story of how this lady and I became BBSMF's you'd understand. I know you know, where I'm going with this Trent. Just be patient. ;-) 

I have the greatest friend a girl could ask for. She's been there through EVERYTHING, and the situations, haven't always been "inviting". We are joined by extremely "hard to understand" (or so we are told) life events. We have children that are siblings.  We didn't know each other prior to all of our children being born, but you'd think we had been friends since the schoolyards. She is my bestie. She is my Boo. She is my sister. In most situations, she is my momma. But she is and will always be my best friend. She is the one I cry too when all S&*^ hits the fan, she is the one I call to laugh with, and no matter how much time goes by between hearing her voice/seeing her - I think about her everyday. When we are blessed to have the time to chit-chat (aka: listen to me cry) or see each other, it's as if time has never passed. She's strong, smart, beyond kind, funny, and absolutely adorable with her "tervis" (Dt. Cherry Pepsi) in hand... (at all times). I couldn't have asked for a better soulmate. 

 

When Trent and I started dating, he knew that Kacey would be the one to "win over" or it was a no-go. Of course, the mom, the brother, the family - - but everyone knows, if the BF doesn't like him? He ain't staying. He has ALWAYS respected the relationship that I have with her and he even thinks she's kinda cool... (He had better!) Anyhow, it only makes since why he chose her to bless me during this "silent" time apart from each other. When Trent is gone, I thrive on his e-mails. I wait for them on the daily - they are my life source when he is gone. During this deployment, the majority of our communication has been cut off... completely, and for VERY long periods of time. My first initial thought was, "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?" (Selfish, I know) SO,  He decided then that he wasn't going to disappear completely.... 

Today I recieved an email, from Trent - from Kacey (my BBSMF). Trent pre-wrote more than a few emails for her to send to me at specific times during this silent period. Even though I know they are not "current" and "up to date" - they are from him. I cannot control when they come, I can't open them all at once. They all have a purpose. He chose my BF to be the deliver-er of these messages and that makes me fall in love even more than before (If that was even possible)

Here is an excerpt from my first "silent" email:

 This is email one.  I miss you like crazy.  I know this time is going to suck, but I know we can push through it and I am looking forward to seeing you before you know it.  I hate this as much as you do, I promise. ............... want to cuddle with you. Well I will get you another email, before you know it! 

I love you
Trent

Of course there is plenty I'm NOT going to share - - besides.... who needs a sobfest?!  


KACEY. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship today, and everyday. I'm so grateful to have a friend, that not only supports me, but loves me like family. I, too, hope to be the friend to you that you have always been for me. Besides, you're stuck with me.... Got it?!

Trent - You are incredible. Thank you for going the extra mile and preparing the way for me to "get through" this crappy part of this "adventure". And you better thank your lucky stars that my BBSMF came up with this idea to share with you. (wink wink) I love you baby. Can't wait to read the next one! Because it means I'm one more day closer to being with you!



"Life ain't always beautiful, but's it a beautiful ride."

A. Parrish

"Do it like a Submarine"

This is too precious not to share!

And baby, I can't wait for you to be able to see this!

We've spent ALOT of time at the pool lately, visiting home in Charleston. For those of you that don't know, Mills is OBSESSED with his daddy's submarine. It's the coolest thing EVER. He has a submarine toy, a submarine on his croc's, everytime we talk about daddy, there is a submarine in the conversation. He is so proud of his daddy.... and his submarine. LOL. It warms my heart and I know, Trent is makes your heart burn with pride. He loves you so much. You are the most incredible father. We are so blessed to be loved so greatly by you. ANYHOW - this was our most recent "submarine" moment!

Listen to him say, "Submarine" - - So sweet. 

Eloise is hysterical - she was wearing double floaties because she was trying to swim like a mermaid - all up in the video's business! Goodness....