Star-Spangled Banner

Just before the start of every sporting event in the United States of America the Star-Spangled Banner is played, sung, or by some, squealed.  Either way, it's a quiet, powerful moment where all attendees show patriotism and respect for our country.  I've always found this moment to be of utmost emotion, at times even getting me choked up.  In some cases, like the Big House with 110, 000 people, complete silence and stillness occurs and there isn't any rooting for or against a team, player, coach or referee.  It's a moment of unity and respect. 

It's also a moment that builds up the intensity of the upcoming start of the game.  The cheers at the end of the Star-Spangled Banner quickly turn into hoots and hollers for the team you are cheering on.  Let the game begin!

Thank you to all of the veterans, current soldiers, and military personnel who serve our country.  We wouldn't be the best country without the groundwork you laid for us.  Many times our freedom can be taken for granted.  During the Star-Spangled Banner I often think to myself about how lucky we are as Americans.  I take a moment to say short prayer of thanks.  Then I pray for the safety of all players.

My grandfather, George R. Eggert, Sr. fought in World War II.  He's the closest person to me that I've known to fight in a war.  He didn't talk much about it unless he was asked.  He's important to me in many ways, however two things stand out about him that I wanted to share because they are relevant to this post: 1. He was described as patriotic, and 2. He was a Notre Dame football fan. 

My Pick 6 best things about living in the USA:
1. Freedom
2. Opportunity
3. Equality
4. Peace
5. Unity
6. Football

After all, at ND the phrase commonly used is, "God. Country. Notre Dame."

Go IRISH!
~Gretchen

Blogger Introductions

In an effort to help our readers get to know us, we thought sharing a bit of information about ourselves might be helpful.
 
Gretchen is a wife, mother of two, part-time speech-language pathologist, and has an all out, undying, never ending love for Notre Dame football.  Go IRISH!

Bekki is a wife, mother of two, full time special education teacher, and has a love for University of Michigan football that's as big as the Big House.  Go BLUE!

As women, we realize our love for college football is atypical. Our side conversations at work, home, play dates with our children, Christmas parties, professional development lunches always include some football talk.  Always.  Just like our beloved teams always warm up.  Always.

During the season we look forward to Saturday Game Day like the camel looks forward to Hump Day. We have a friendly rivalry with our respective teams and each other.  After a win we talk about what went well and what we saw as problem areas.  After a loss, well, to be honest, it can get pretty ugly sometimes. Like we said in the first post, it usually takes us until Tuesday to get over a loss and start focusing on the next opponent, though we never really forget about a loss.  We are careful not to celebrate too much and  are consoling when her team may not be performing to her expectations. We are intense fans and our support never waivers. Don't get us started on the level of difficulty night games present - waiting all day is truly a test of patience.   However, there is much more to each of us than just football fanatics so:

Our Pick 6 Things You Should Know About Us While Following Our Blog:
1. We met in 2008 when we began working in the same elementary building.
2. We instantly became friends and shortly after best friends.  Needless to say, college football has fostered this friendship.
3. Saturday game day is a big deal to us. Huge!  A TV better be available if we are not at the game.
4. We love Vera Bradley (yes, we are still women at heart!!!).
5. We pour our hearts into our students at school.
6. We care tremendously about each other and each other's families and football.