ALUMNI OF PIR 12/29/2011 TG 06 — 10 Divisions (021–028, 904 & 906)

my son called his girlfriend...told her that he has been sick the whole time (congestion, etc...) has blisters and is very sore--AND...he hates that his unibrow has grown back in! ha! Also, he told her to tell me not to send any newspaper clippings or magazine clippings. I sent him something funny from Reader's Digest and I guess that wasn't a good thing.

Good Morning everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful day. i am subbing in HS Algebra today, wish me luck :-)

Good luck, Lala.  Good morning, all. 

The poor SRs get sick--most of them...my guess is from all of the vaccinations they get all at once, temporarily lowering their immune system, and also from all of the germs circulating around them with so many in there!  It is amazing how they can endure this all though.  Some even have been hospitalized for pneumonia, yet make it to PIR!  So they are strong men/women!

good morning ladies!  yesterday made my heart smile.  we got a letter and a phone call.  he is doing so good and really likes bc.  passing tests and thrilled about the uniforms.  and looking forward to 12/29.

Lala - more power to you my friend for your job today! i took algebra twice in hs and 3x in college.  as for my recruit - 99% in algebra1 in the 8th grade.  all other math class from then on up to calculius(?) were A's as well.  CLEARLY HE DIDN'T GET HIS MATH SKILLS FROM HIS MOMMA! lol

ALL - HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND EVEN BETTER WEEKEND.  AND welcome NEW MEMBERS!  Time really does heal the heart!  Hugs to you all.

No call for me.  I think every kid in 09/022 called except mine.  I hope she isn't in trouble.  She sounded great in her letters and was looking forward to calling home.  Of course I will frett now until I hear from her.     

I think I posted this before, but here is how the ships are laid out at Great Lakes....

Map_of_Ship_at_Great_Lakes

Does anyone know when SHip02 Div 906 SRs get to make a phone call?

ok - SORRY  Y'ALL! I had a little minor surgery yesterday and did not get up and around too early today.  Got our call last night... he sounds great! Loves his Div and the fact that they "flagged"! He is so proud.  Getting stronger and love'in it!

Here is today's

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.  ~Theodore Roosevelt

Scotturk:  Just remember...even if they are told they get to call on a certain date, they could "lose" those calls as a division, or individuals can, or as AZ said, they could have had watch.  Or they could be rewarded with an unexpected call for doing well!  My son never told me when he thought he could call, except for the first time.  He was lucky...he arrived up there 3 days before Thanksgiving 2 yrs ago.  His division was allowed to call on Thanksgiving for just 5 minutes...but still was great.  He told me then that he would be allowed to call in a couple of weeks.  He changed PIR groups when he was in training week 3 (asmoed for a week) and the next division didn't allow as many calls for them as his previous division did.  I think he may have called me about 3 times before he changed out of his PIR group, but then only twice (I think!) once he was put into a new PIR group (training week 3).  It is all up to the RDCs as far as if and when they call.

Love your quote, momshousedivided, and hope you are ok now!

My son is 03 div 26 and we just spoke to him!!!  Thank the Lord, his voice sounds raspy, said he is getting over a nasty cough, and its cold up there, but otherwise he sounds great.  He said they work them HARD, but its to be expected.  He finally received some of our letters, and that eases my heart......the call is a welcome blessing, but, now I miss him more.  I was able to conference in my daughter, my son and my sister so he was able to speak to a few of us with one call.  Thank goodness for call conferencing!!  I pray that those of you waiting for calls get them soon.

The calls can come in as "pay phone" sometimes, 847 area code usually.  But beware....some of the calls have come from other Chicago-area area codes, so it is best to answer ALL CALLS while you have an SR at bootcamp...just in case!

Presleysmom-

I am in the same boat you are.  So many families my daughters division received calls and I haven’t heard a word.  Her letters are upbeat and positive.  I guess we just have to wait it out and be patient. 

For those that need info on hotels in Great Lakes....

(Just click on it to enlarge it)

I want to plug Residence Inn Waukegan because we really enjoyed our stay, It is PET FRIENDLY, has the PIR shuttle, and a free hot breakfast buffet.  About 4.5 miles from the base.

Dianne - glad to hear a good recommendation for Marriott's Residence Inn. That is where we are staying.  Wanted to be sure we had ample room to sit and relax with our son. 

we are staying at the Residence Inn had friends say it was really nice, plus we can get our money back with less then 24 hrs notice if plans change.

You ladies will like it.  It is located in a quiet office park location, but near the WalMart  complex (where Sarge's MeetNGreet will be in a restaurant there), restaurants, etc.  Springhill Suites and Courtyard are located next to Walmart.  So any of you staying in either of those 3 hotels will be close!  Residence has the larger suites...2 bdrm 2 bath if needed, or studios.  The 2 bdrms fill up quickly so for any wanting those, better book now.  Full kitchens too.  And fireplace!  And sleeper sofa.  All 3 hotels have the PIR shuttle service.

Yep, diannep recommended the Residence Inn to me and I liked it a lot.  Good choice!  Their shuttle leaves earlier than some of the others, so you can get to PIR first, like we did.  :)  We were standing in the hallway when they opened the doors.  

I actually like the Navy Lodge...  It is a great place to stay....

https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_page.html?p_lodge_number=5

However, my sailor wanted to stay at this place.   Boy, is I had the extra $$$ at the time, I would have liked to stay their myself...  This has got to be the best hotel ever for Great Lakes....

http://keylimecove-px.trvlclick.com/

24 days in, no call yet, miss my kid like crazy.  When does this get easier?

...when you give him that hug at PIR!

For all of the sailor moms.....God bless our sons/daughters

Ruth:  THIS is when it gets easier:

http://vimeo.com/27873349

They are holding their folded up rain/trenchcoats in the video.  Your sailors will be in their dress blues (winter uniform).

Thanks diannep- Crying like a baby, but all good tears.  I can suck it up for 39 more days. 

The video's of PIR always make me tear up, even 17 months after PIR lol. I watch my daughter PIR video every couple of months and the tears flow every time. It is definitely an experience I will never forget.

Please keep our Rescue Squad and some missing Boy Scouts in your prayers. The boys have been missing in the mountains near the Parkway between Brevard and Asheville NC. One of the rescue workers has fallen and believed to have broken his back. My son is on the rescue squad and has been gone on this rescue mission since yesterday evening. He did send me a message to let me know he is okay because he knew I would hear on the news that someone was hurt. I am glad he did let me know because I would be freaking out. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Oh Lala-  Pryaing now for them and you.  I am sure he will be safe and sound. Keep strong.   Sending hugs your way.

I still tear up too, Lala....I started to watch this one last night after I posted it and stopped halfway through! 

Good morning, all!

Good morning.  I could hear my phone jirping like crazy - got up to see what all the comotion was on the site.  8-)

Lala, praying without ceasing for the missing Boy Scout troop and for your son and the Rescue Squad. 

@ Presley's - hang in there!  Letters on Wednesday/Thursday.  And possibly a call beforehand.  Keep writing your recruit as that is the BEST part of their day.  Not to mention therapurtic for us!

@ ALL - TODAY is the perfect day...jump up...stretch and get yourself together, come into the house of the Lord and bring your best to the only one deserving of your affection and attention! Even if it is a broken Hallelujah....He knows where you are, sometimes it takes a sacrifice of praise, but really, there isn't anyone else you can truly depend on!!!  Find a church this morning and enjoy what the Lord has in store for you!

AMEN, ArNavyMom:  Working at home today, but just finished watching Joel Osteen and have Troy Gramley on now...loving the message!  Accept ourselves exactly as the Lord made us...because we are His masterpieces!  And we are marvelous because of that....So....guess I can't complain about my curly hair anymore....  :-)  God is so GOOD!

Gramling, not Gramley.  OOOPS!

PERSONALIZED DIVISION ORNAMENTS! $10 including shipping!

 I’ve been searching for a Navy ornament that I could get personalized with my SRs division number on it. Turns out they are non-existent! I really wanted an ornament since my SR would be away at Christmas! :/ I thought ornaments would be a good idea because our SRs will be in bootcamp over the holiday, or just have gotten out!

I decided to take matters into my own hands and create two ornaments. I hand painted both ornaments. One has a navy anchor with USN, and the other has the navy emblem. Both have the division number, a cute wooden anchor charm, and the year.

They’re only $10.00 including shipping anywhere in the U.S.!
I can write whatever you would like on the ornament, including the SRs name.

I will handle payment through PayPal primarily but will also accept checks :)

**If your SRs division changes for some reason, I will mail the edited ornament to you for free once I receive it back**

  If you would like one, please message me by clicking my name above and sending a message!!!

 My dad lives in HayesvilleNC not far from you, he just sent me the article that the boys were found safe. From what I read they paid attention to their troop leader they knew how to make it through the night by themselves. My dad does this rescue to and I worry about him he isn't as young as your son. Glad all the prayers were answered.

Waited too long for reservations and the Residence Inn is sold out. Any more recommendations for hotels.

@Scotturk

you could try the NAvy Lodge! only $52 a night!

or I've heard good things about a Sprill hill suites

Scotturk there is the Ramada in Waukegan, comfort Inn , libertyville days inn. did you get a brochure with your graduation packet? there is a list in there. Good luck

Thanks but just got in at the Ramada. Sounds like a good choice. According to the MWR brochure they have PIR shuttle to and fro.

you should check Sarge's meet and greet and i know that ramada has one.

Here is how my week is going.  Everyone gets a call but me on Thursday, so I am thinking the worst for days.  (She is in trouble, she failed a test, she is sick.....)  Then today rolls around.  My phone never rings, which isnt normal, but I think "what a peaceful day"  NO!  Our house phone has been out all day.  Stupid tree over the lines.  I get horrible cell service here, but just got a call form the boyfriend.  Long story short my SR couldn't get through so she called him.  He said the connection was horrible, but he did make out that she had duty and missed the last calls, Loves it there, is doing really well, and will get another call in the near future.  So happy that someone heard form her though.  the call only lasted 4 minutes, soit might have been a good thing she didn't get me.