Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Ladies a little smile for your Sunday. Our school went virtual last week. Alot of our students go to grandparents because their parents are working. Friday I got a call from one of those grandmas. She informed me that during feeding her grandson he made it known to her Miss( my name) would not be very happy with her, that her lunch was not up to my standards of being a nutritious meal. He is a little 3 rd grader. Just touched my heart so. I sure love those kiddos.

Good Sunday afternoon ladies,

chipmunk it sounds like you had a nice Saturday afternoon. My son played the flute in middle school band and he loved it. My daughter played the clarinet and my youngest played the trumpet.

I got a lot of deep cleaning done yesterday, started finishing up my Charlie Brown pumpkin patch window display, and met up with my future daughter-in-law for the bridesmaid dress fittings. All the while thinking is the wedding going to happen as scheduled. But I’ve already told them of the unlikelihood so we’ll see. I’m going with the flow. Has been and I enjoyed a date night DQ run.

Shann - Hello Momma! Adventure seems to follow your son! I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with these headaches and the possibility of an MS flare up. I hope things get better. <3

kristel- The beautiful flag display! Wow! That’s hysterical about your dad. Sounds like something my dad would do LOL

partyofseven - sounds like you and I are very similar regarding our houses and holiday decorating :-) i’d love to see it! 

Katharine- that’s great to hear about your communication with your SR! I’m trying to think of questions :-) oh wow your abundance of apples and treats for wine? hallelujah!

Dsmom- glad to hear of letters! I’m glad that in his heart he knows he did the right thing. Makes a mama proud! Sounds like he’s in a good place.

Welcome Melinda - you’ve come to the right place :-) we are here to support each other unconditionally. Don’t hesitate to  share with us what you’re feeling. We’re here! 

Northwoodsmom - that sounds like my childhood and my brothers. Love my dad but he took a little bit of what he dealt with as a child and raised my brother that way. My brother Is finally happy with the way things are going in his life - not to say it was my dad’s fault but you know what I mean. My sister and I could do no wrong.

Anti M - hello I hope you’re enjoying your day :) I agree, there’s a flag up the street that’s super tattered and needs to be laid to rest respectfully. It’s done it’s duty :) 

blessedbyhim, Kim, C’smom and I hope I didn’t forget anyone - I hope you’re enjoying your Sunday afternoon :) 

I know my girl phoenixmom is enjoying her football!! 

LOL just noticed that husband translated to has been. Yikes!

Kristel:  Love the flag display.  I'd love to get something like that.

DsMom:  I've wondered if they made little Navy flags like that.  I should get one since I just got one of those little flag holders for my birthday.  And you really can't complain about your son losing that job when that is the reason!  And he has such a great attitude about it.

Shanny:  Really hope the headaches are easily fixed by a trip the the ophtholalogist.  I easily get headaches/migraines.  No fun!  

I also had 4 band kids.  We had two alto sax players (our SR was one of the sax players), one trumpet player, and our daughter played clarinet.  Our older sax player went on to CMU (Central Michigan) in the saxophone studio there.  He went on to be a band/music teacher.  He taught for the first time last year and loved it.  He taught at a private Christian school--elementary music, 5th grade band and choir, and M.S. band/choir.  Unfortunately, just be Covid hit, he found out his hours were going to be reduced this year due to less tuition coming into the school.  Then with Covid, and all the madates that came down in Michigan and county CDC mandates, there was no inside singing and no wind instruments.  Michigan has a long, cold winter.  So his hours got reduced even more and he didn't have any idea how to do lesson planning for all those months inside.  He said you can only do so much music theory and music history.  So he ended up resigning.  The sad part is right now he's talking about possibly not getting back into teaching.  But I'm trying to leave it in God's hands and know He has a better plan for my son.  But all that to say--I really miss marching band and the competitions and the concert band.  

Everyone:  have a good Sunday afternoon!

Ladies - thank you all for your encouraging words. 

NWM and Vintage - my dad, military Chief Master Sargent, was very hard on my two oldest siblings. Not so much with #3 and me. The oldest two siblings struggled more in life and had self esteem issues. I know my dad meant well. I have the utmost respect for him. I do think every child responds differently, but too much discipline is not necessary a good thing. I hope your sons/brother find their way in life. 

Good evening everyone! It was good to see you sharing today. I enjoyed reading your posts. 

We finally got a call Saturday morning and we all happened to be home and were able to speak with our SR as a family! He sounded amazing and we had such a sense of relief. Our daughter laid her phone next to the one he called so we were able to voice record almost the entire call so he could say hi to his grandparents and friends. We texted portions of the call to all of them. Was so thankful she thought of recording. We listened to it multiple times to remember everything he said LOL.

Good Morning Ladies and welcome to all of our new moms,

You have come to the right place, there is a ton of support on here and we all volunteer our time here. Keep those phones on you at all times those ringers on loud and answer every call. You just never know.

It was great reading you guys posts yesterday.

Kim- Whoo Hoo for phone calls. I am so glad all your family was there and you were able to record the call. How awesome!! I'm so glad he is doing well and sounding great!! That was a great idea and nothing wrong with listening to the call more than once!!!  Lol

Shanny- I hope your feeling a little better this morning.

VintageGal- That's right, you are in wedding planning mode.  :) I will see what I can do about posting some pics.  :)

Phoenixmom- How about those cards? Awesome game. Some of my teams won while others lost.  :( Hope the pumpkin patch was good and that you had a great weekend.

Anti M- Good Morning.

LBF, DsMom2020, Chipmunk, Good Morning.

Kristel2400- Hope your day was great to yesterday.

C'sMoM2020- My other son was in marching band, with competitions and they made it to State a couple of times and it was awesome. The kids all worked hard and had a ball.

Northwoodsmom- Good Morning, I know you miss your kiddos, I do to. We will start hybrid mode next week if our numbers stay good. 

Please stay safe and healthy out there as your numbers are high in your state. I have been praying for you. 

My goal this weekend was to clean my yard and to get it ready for planting. Check. My other goal was to decorate for Halloween check. We worked hard yesterday on the front and back yards and they look great. It just felt awesome!!! lol

Finally heard from one of my Sailor's he is doing well and getting acclimated to his new base and ship. I was so thankful to hear from him. 

My other Sailor is traveling today. Please pray for safe travels for him as he goes to his new base. Thanks in advance. 

Another day closer to PIR. May letters and calls come in today. 

Happy Monday!!!

Good Morning everyone!! 

D'sMom2020 - I like you Navy flag, I had to scroll back through to find the picture.

VintageGal - All the best with the wedding plans!! Semper Gumby!

Kim - That is so great that you had several there for your SRs phone call. I need to share your daughter's idea of recording the message with my youngest. He is the savvy one when it comes to things like that!

Northwoodsmom - What a sweet comment from one of your kiddos. 

Katharine - Wine and Apple Cider - Yummy!! I wish I could come share some with you.

Thanks for those who shared their band stories. I think I identified who I wanted to reach out to. I will send you a PM.

Partyofseven - Prayers for your sailors. I had to do a double take on the two and then I remembered your scenario. 

Phoenixmom - Looking forward to you being back on here more during the days as I will be scaling back on my time here at least through the holidays.

I won't be logging in as much for awhile, but I do read my email feeds throughout the day and my Inbox is always open and I do my best to respond to PMs or Comments on my page as quickly as I am able to.

I just noticed that Ellen0502 has set up the November PIR group for those of you with a November PIR.

NOV 2020 PIR Group

If you have an October PIR and have not joined that group yet, here it is.

OCT 2020 PIR Group

If your SR was set back and you have a new PIR feel free to join the Nov one if you need to. 

Remember that a site admin has to approve you for this group so it may take a day or so. Be patient but still put in your request to join.  

Kristel2400 - I am sorry you haven't heard much from your SR. Hopefully it means he is working very hard. Mine wrote, but he always said he only had about 10 min to do so!

Someone commented that they were able to write on weekdays as well. If so, that is new, because it had always been only on Sunday. In ROM, they can write more. Interesting!! Something new? Who knows.

VintageGal - That is priceless!!!  I need to get busy and work on gathering some pictures to forward to my sailor!

VintageGal - I thanked her over and over for the idea LOL

Chipmunk - I asked our SR about writing and he said they could write pretty much everyday. I'm guessing it's allowed. Hope he didn't mean that he was sneaking to do it?? I doubt he would since he's always been a rule follower LOL.

Kim - Us rule followers usually don't bend easily so likely they have had permission to write more often or some adjustments have been made since they are not able to call home as much. 

Kim, what a good idea to record the call.  Wish we had thought of that.  It was hard to hear him sometimes, and then I was trying to remember everything he said.  So glad you all were there when he called!  

Partyofseven, band memories are so great for the kids!  Will be praying for your sailors!  Wow!  Two sailors!  

Good morning every one. I'm new here, my name is Renee and my SR just left for boot camp a couple weeks ago. So I'm trying to be calm and patient waiting for the phone call to hear his voice and know he's ok. 

Thank you all for being here and I'm blessed to be here.

I apologize that this is so wonky. My son left for BC last week and...

Jacksmom17 - Thank you for sharing the BC Prayer, there is nothing wonky about it!

Brandonsmom - we are glad you have joined our group. Did you receive the initial scripted - "I'm Here" call? 

Brandonsmom. I got the call Tuesday night.

Jacksmom & brandonsmom - You are in the right place!!! Our SR left on 9/1 and the wonderful ladies in this group helped us out a lot. They are very supportive and know exactly what you are feeling. Stay strong for your SR and I promise you it goes faster than you think it will. Welcome aboard!!!

Jacksmom and Brandonsmom- welcome! We’re glad you’re here. These ladies have been a wonderful support system through this new journey. Feel free to tell us how you feel anytime. 

Jacksmom-Thanks for the BC prayer!

Kim- That is good that he can write a little more. No breaking rules there.  :)

VintageGal- Thank you for the prayers. The one that's traveling has been calling and just wants me on the phone for company so I am very thankful for that. He'll be checking in in a while. 

Yes I was very happy with myself as well. Lol It's a busy week this week testing and getting ready for hybrid next week. 

jacksmom17- Thank you for the prayer and no it's not wonky.

brandonsmom- Welcome to our group. You have come to the right place. No question is ever dumb and it will get answered. Feel free to share we all have been where you are now. 

Welcome again. 

20 years ago today the USS Cole was bombed.  It's because of this that the Navy now does Battlestations 21 training.  Never forget.

#Remember67

I am here, I am alive - just deep cleaning my kitchen and if I read posts I will be distracted!

Hope everyone is doing well! Welcome newcomers - you have come to the right place!

Mid cleaning my #4 SR called me for the I don't know how many time - I LOVE their RDCs. This is highly unusual. Bad news is I found out his individual and division photos are in NWUs - the last 4 weeks of Dress Blues I saw on FB for RTC was just a special occasion. 10 days and he PIRs. This went by fast!

Anyway - back to the grind - I will catch up tomorrow!

Hey all! 
To my surprise my SR called tonight! We got to talk to him for 30 mins again. I told him I’m always so scared to answer bc I’m petrified it’s bad news like being sent back to Q. Thank god that’s NOT what this was. Lol He’s in such a different space. Definitely 110% better! It’s quite funny how I read here what other SRs have said in their letters or phone calls then during our call... he says the same thing. He’s like I think I’m interested in becoming an RDC. INSERT SHOCKED FACE HERE. Then he told us how he got both his dress blues and dress whites. To which I mom-screamed oh my godddddd! LOL He said they’ve been practicing for graduation and asked if we’ve seen him practicing as I guess he’s been seeing them either taking photos or filming. He’s still bummed we can’t be there for graduation as are we but you can’t do much about it. He was wondering if he would be able to vote there...I guess he was waiting for something to come. He said he knows school will be 3 weeks long then he’s off! He said his division is doing great and have a few flags. He also said they were asked to put down where they’d want to go and Hawaii is hard bc I’m sure everyone picks that sooo he picked something totally different (guess I shouldn’t say) but somewhere he’s always wanted to go. I’m so happy for him! My goodness the amount of change 2 week brings!! 

@vintage!!!! I told mine that I know a NM that also has a SR in his division. He was like WHAT?! Really?? Of course he asked me for a name and I said ahhh wellllll we only have screen names so I’m not sure. LOL He said he was gonna ask around too. I just find this so exciting! 

We got another call this afternoon from our SR!  I was totally not expecting it.  kim--my daughter and son were just talking this morning about how to record, but we didn't know how.  We were going to figure it out, but didn't in time.  :-(  I was talking to him, then suddenly I said, "Wait!  Is this a good call or a bad call?"  He laughed and asked why would it be a bad call!  He has no concept of what we go through here at home!  Lol!  He sounded so good!  He has gotten 5.0s on all his individual inspections so far.  He said they got IT as a division the other day.  He said a few just don't get it yet!  He did Marlinspike.  They passed, but it took longer than it should have.  They were told that they did better than expected, but only because those that cared did the work to make up for those that didn't.  This week they are doing firearms, live fire, and fire fighting.  He's excited to do firearms and live fire.  He is going on to MA A school, and based on what the recruiter told us, we thought it would be about 12 weeks or so.  Didn't expect him to be done until the end of January or February.  He said he found out that it is only 7 weeks now.  He thinks it changed because of Covid.  Does anyone know anything about this?  Oh, and he said their division song is "Way Maker."  How cool is that?  He said they got their dress white and blues and they are at the tailors now.  He thinks maybe BS-21 is xxxx but he's not sure.  I told him that if he finds out for sure to send us a quick note.  lt sounds like he is just flourishing there!  So happy for and proud of him!  I think he's going to come home a different boy!  And I guess he's not a boy anymore!  Lol!  Since he's my youngest, it's hard to change my way of thinking.  

Kristel and VintageGal:  Yay for phone calls!  I think I read somewhere that because it's a holiday, they had extra time.  Not sure if that's true!

C'sMom2020 et al.: we got a call too!! Our SR sounded good in spirit and audibly (last time, I could barely understand anything our SR said). Similarly, my heart almost stopped. My first question was "are you ok?" I've bee praying like C-R-A-Z-Y for our SR's, all our families, and their SUPERIORS. I know God is always providing for our highest good... Lighting blue candles all over. Semper Fortis, Semper Gumby, Hooyah!!!!

MaterNauta, I've had trouble understanding everything he said both times!  It's frustrating because I don't want to miss anything!  So glad we all got "good" phone calls!  

@Cs @Mater!!!! Yaaay for calls!!! There’s some happy mamas here that will sleep well tonight. They sound great - I’m so happy for all of us❤️

C’smom- that’s so great to hear! I know that I’ve tried to do the screen record it didn’t work so I just used my iPad and the used video record button. I want to send a message to his fiancé as well because she was at work and didn’t answer the phone. It’s true about “Is it a good call?” I agree! It’s the best feeling seeing Waukegan, IL and then you think it better be good! I can’t wait to them in their dress blues and whites!! 

VintageGal: My SR is in Ship 12 Div 394.

Good Evening,

Whooo Hoooo See I tell ya!!! Keep those phones close and answer every call.

Wow!! This has to be a first so many calls in one day!!! That is awesome!!!

VintageGal, C'sMom2020, Kristel2400, MaterNauta I love it!! I know your hearts are so happy right now and I am excited and happy with you. 

C'sMom2020- It could be because of the COVID. He will find out why for sure when he gets there. Or it could be there's a need for them to get out on the fleet a little quicker. It really depends on what The Navy needs at that time. 

And it could be because of the holiday that they got a little more time to call or they earned some phone time which is always good. 

LBF- that's how I felt about my front and back yards they really look good and my house is all decorated for Halloween. But our work is never done in the house thou that's for sure. Lol

Phoenixmom- Missed you today. Hope your day was ok.  :)

My Sailor made it safe and sound so I was very thankful. It was a relief as this is the first time he's driven on a long road trip like that. 

First day of testing went well and I am done with 4th grade math which is always good.

Have a great rest of the evening ladies and sleep well with your hearts being happy.

For our newer moms you have come to the right place. Please post on here and let us know where you are in your Navy Journey. We all help each other out and this is a great support system for you. :)

God Bless, be safe and stay healthy.

To our New Moms: Welcome!! Please read my blog to give you an idea of what the first few weeks may look like.. First Things First-- The Quarantine Edition Up and to the Left is a link to all the Navy Lingo! It is titled Navy Speak and you can find it here. We are here to get you through the “Great Silence” of the next 4 weeks (ish) and the 8 weeks of BC (ish). You will come to learn that No News Is GOOD News and everything is Needs of the Navy. You life will be Hurry Up and Wait and it’s ok to make plans but they are subject to change until after they have happened so it’s best to embrace the Motto: Semper Gumby!! (Always Flexible!!)

The Expected timeline will look like this
Day 0 -- Travel, Arrival and "I'm Here" scripted phone call
Day 1-14 -- ROM (Restriction of Movement/ Quarantine-- Lots of studying and waiting)
Day 15-21 Arrive Onboard RTC and begin P-days (P-days- Initial Processing Days) including 2 days of P-hold (Weekend)
Day 21-- Complete P days. (Initial PFT & Run)
Day 22-- Begin training and mail form letter out. Look for it to arrive around 1-2 weeks later)
All of this is assuming no exposure to COVID with additional ROM
Training typically occurs Monday - Friday but we have heard rumors that Saturday’s are now training days as well.
Normal PIR will be 8 Fridays after departure from Home but it can be less by 1 but it can be extended by ???? (lots!!) It just depends on how many times they get caught in the “Ring of Fire” but do not get COVID. IF they get COVID, Once they are recovered they will not be removed from training again even if they are in the “Ring of Fire”. (so there is that small silver lining if kids get sick)

As for you, Please feel free to cry out for help, Understanding or just to vent whatever you are feeling!  You are NOT alone in this.  Someone on here has Been there, Done that, Got the Wrinkles/grey hair, bald spot,tear soaked hanky or biggest Goofiest Grin to prove it!  We are here to help you get your sea legs.  If you need a guide to a safe harbor we are here to light the way and try and steer you away from the reefs and shoals.  We haven't lost a mom to BootCamp, We won't start with you!

Wow so many calls today!  And all good! Happy for you ladies.  Especially you Kristel! I’m really glad your SR is happy now. 

maternauta- my son is ship 12, div 391. Do you know where your son will go to A school? 

good night all. 

Good evening everyone!! I  am so glad to see so many phone calls. Kristel2400 - so glad your SR is sounded better. 

Welcome to all of our new members.

BelovedbyHIm, thanks for posting your link to your blog. I am about to fall asleep but I wanted to say good evening. It was a holiday for my hubby and we had several family things going on as well so it has been a busy day.

VintageGal and anyone else that likes old movies, we watched Roman Holiday tonight with Katharine Hepburn!!  It is funny, my husband was not that impressed but he is at least willing to watch older "chic flicks" when I usually have to watch adventure or Sci-fi with him because he does not watch modern chic flicks with me.!

I got a phone call and a letter today. Could not post until now though. My older daughter and her husband stopped by today. They picked the last 60-80 apples off the tree (thank goodness .... hubby and I are sooooooooo sick of apples and we don't want to leave them because when they fall they attract rats).

I spend the day cidering .... I weighed the apples before starting ... 187 pounds!!! That does not include the ones we have given away (over 100 pounds this year), and the ones on my counters still (about 50 pounds still :(). Glad I had a short work day because of Columbus Day.

Funny .... I got a non-profit call from a voting place today .... "We note that you should have received your ballot last week and you haven't returned it yet. Can we count on you to return it? Hahahahahahahahaha. None of us have received our ballots yet.

Do I call the posse or just give poisoned apples to the post office?

My SR says he has the highest test scores in his division and has no hits. He got his E-2 and a ribbon and some other award but the connection was so bad, we had a really hard time understanding him. So cool that his oldest sister was over and she and her husband also got to talk to him. He told me when Battlestations would be so I could light my candle. I can't wait for my Sailor call. 

I can't believe the end is so near. I would not have made it through without y'all. Thanks gals ..... especially in those dark and quiet times. It was a struggle.

Katharine - That is sooo great!! I know how much that call meant after all the weeks of not hearing anything! 

Oh I am sure you are ready to be done with all of those apples. As much as any one of us would take some off or your hands, it isn't like we can say, "Beam them up Scotty!!" 

That is funny about your ballots!!

Welcome to our newest members - Proud of B and zaynesothermom - you are among friends. And the more you post and the more you share you struggles or your joys the more we get to know each other. The recent comments from the members are ones who have been around for several weeks now and have been through those silent weeks (about 4 + till the form letter arrives after they leave for BC - and for some they never got their letter with an address), the ups and downs of a lot and gotten to know each other as you and other new members will also get to know each other. 

Katharine --  You survived!!! Your Post office is a PRIME example of why I am concerned that voting by mail may be the only option made available to many!! It's fine to vote that way but they (The states) Still need to make IN person Options  available!  Early voting or a single poling day or ... But to rely only on the post office..... EEKS!!! CO does mail out ballots to all registered voters and has for YEARS but they also have in person options!!

Chipmunk-- We had my FIL in town.  they are wanting to move out of Las Vegas and come back to CO but they are VErY Picky!!! And I Mean Very!!! They are trying to have a house custom built but refuse to pay the additional 30K to get what they want!  ARGGGGHhhhhhhhhhh.  He leaves tomorrow at 4am and they still don't know if it will work!  Well... Enough about me.  Night all, Early morning tomorrow!!

Chipmunk- yes, Roman Holiday is a sweet movie. I always think of the part where he’s telling her the story and they put their hands in the mythological statues mouth and he scares her. An old chick flick that my husband agreed to watching with me and he actually liked was My Favorite Wife - with Cary Grant. That’s a really cute one. Sounds like you had a great evening.

Katharine- OMG that’s a whole lot of apples! I would love to try your Seiter! Dang post office and I believe this mail in ballot thing is going to be a hot mess. I’m going to be doing in House voting

have a good night ladies! It’s been a good day :-)

Katharine_ 

That is so awesome!! You have just about made it, can you believe it. And you are very welcome. I am so glad  you got another letter and a phone call. 

And you made it thru the silent period. 

Oh my gosh that is a lot of apples. I would love to try your cider to. That is truly a lot of apples. Your harvest did good this year.

I know that's pretty scary about our mail. I was going to mail mine as well but I am going to drop it off at the polls. I think it will be safer. I agree belovedbyHim we need more in person options. 

Kudos to your SR for doing well and for getting an award and a ribbon.  :)

You are almost there.   :)

Vintage - I'd love to vote in person, but we don't do that in WA any more. My  oldest son moved to CA 3 years ago and he was so excited to be able to vote in person, even if it is Pelosi's district and his vote would not matter. I'd love to give anyone apples. I can't believe that was just from two overachieving trees. We planted them about 5 years ago. I am glad we are moving next year. My oldest asked if we could please have apple trees again (she made dozens of jars of apple butter for Christmas presents this year). I told her one .... but we would not plant it right away. If the house already has some, we are taking them down for firewood.