Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Shanny I love it!

I would like to Extend a Great Big CONGRATULATIONS to all those that had a Loved One become a Sailor and those that have a Loved One who Graduated A School. This is the beginning of their Journey or Journey's. It is scary the first time around but they will learn so much and when they travel they will see so many Beautiful countries and the pics you will get AWESOME! My Son has seen Bahrain, Singapore, Philippines and got to meet Pacquiao the boxer, Dubai said it is extremely expensive got lost in their Mall said its one of the hugest malls. Vietnam, Guam, Hawaii. He said he really like Singapore the most!

Chipmunk:  I usually have my oil change done at the dealership o used to work at (I was the accounting clerk but made some long lasting friendships with the guys in the service department) but that is an hour drive away. Figured if it was telling me I needed to add oil I should add oil and make my appointment

VintageGal:  mine is CALM DOWN. Tell me to calm down and you get the exact opposite of calm 

Beloved That is where I take my two trucks to Firestone. The guys are awesome there!

My Kids tell me chill out Mom, Dang!

VintageGal- Mine is don't worry about it. That's enough to send me off. Lol

Loved ur comment this morning party of 8. Maybe we will see. And yes I knew what u meant with your wink wink. Lol

I go to Firestone at times as well as one of my Sailor's friends works there and we've been friends forever. Or I take it to the dealership. 

My best Christmas's was when I went to my Grandma's. Because my grand parents were already gone, I had my own family traditions when my kids were growing up. Another favorite all of us and my grand daughters went up to Flagstaff for the week for Christmas. It was beautiful and we all had a great time.

Phoenixmom- tonight sounds like fun. Mine has his moments, but I'm always thankful for when he wants to do something for me. 

Shoosh- I am so glad you got to hear from your daughter.  She sounds very strong and determined. God Bless her. 

PartyofSeven No patron tonight next weekend, I'm hoping I can conquer my House. Just got a call about my New Table and Sever, delivery is set for the 21st. whoooo Hooooo so excited. My neighbors the two I talk to have been so curious! isn't it funny lived in my Home 26 yrs and I only speak to 2 of my neighbors. they watch and have cameras on my house so they are very good to me, they know of ben's passing so they watch my home even more!

Shanny - if it said to change the oil, or to add oil, then yes, I would likely do it myself and not try to drive an hour!!

BBH - You are welcome. We have used Firestone for years. Primarily when my husband was a college student, we didn't have money for up front fixes, but we could use their credit card and pay it off in 6 months. Then we moved to WA and they did not have a Firestone anywhere in our area. That was hard. We still prefer to use them over the dealership and our guys know our cars and even to put the better tires on mine, because I do enough in town driving, I am likely to use the tire warranty sooner rather than later!!

Partyofseven - I hope all works out for your surprise!

You ladies are awesome. You have been so welcoming since day 1 when I came flying in here ready to blow up the world over the gf. So thankful that’s an ex. You have handled my crazy, supported me, given advice, and just ignored my crazy moments and turned them into funny moments. Thank you for caring about my sailor and his crazy journey. Helping and advising all along the way. The next step in the journey is about to begin...  

Shanny - I may not have time to greet you tomorrow but it is time for you to come join us on the ship page!!

Shanny we are right Here Girlfriend, ain't going no where! hope you continue on with us, you have good info for others in case that happens to them. and I am so excited for your Son!

Everyone - Have a great weekend!! I most likely will be busy with family and not on here much - so enjoy your weekend, may calls, facetime, skype calls come in and for those who are waiting on letters may you have one greeting you at the mailbox!! 

Ah Shanny you are very welcome and I hope you continue to stay. That's what we do and are suppose to do is back each other up. 

One thing this journey has taught me never take anything for granted, to keep my faith even when things are rough and enjoy every single day. 

We will be here for you as you begin this next step. A few of the ladies on here have been here for me as I will be starting my new adventure as well.

Hope you stay on as well. Big hugs. 

You ladies are never getting rid of me!  No one else would put up with me!  Just seems at every step of this journey, I want to thank those who have been around for it!  I’m still here. Have joined a couple more boards but this one is “home”

Shanny I totally agree with this being home. I do go on my son's nuclear group but it's not as active, it's not dormant but the Sailors have so much study time that communication is very limited and we barely know what is going on with them. I feel like I am left in limbo so being able to converse with other Moms take the edge off of going insane.

Shanny you can be here for me as My son starts a new adventure in another state. It's gonna be a 4 hour flight for me to go see him next time around. It's like flying to Chicago all over again.....UGH! don't know if my ears can take it!

1. Remember when we were talking about this the other day?  I ordered ...

AWWWWWW! That is Beautiful! I LOve It! you go C'sMom that is the first I have seen with No News is good News! Now he will understand !

My whole message didn't post.  I ordered this ornament the other day and I love it.  I sent a picture to my Sailor.  He asked me if I had those words put on it.  I said yes because I lived by that motto for the first 10 weeks of his bootcamp!

Phoenixmom- Yes you can do it. And we will be together when its time for our adventure. :)

C'sMom- I love it. I wanna make me one. Beautiful!!!!!

PartyofSeven Yes Indeed! We will be here for each other. I am lucky that I can talk to Bud right now as he is quarantining, I sent him pics Of the new Lights and door that were installed he was so excited, he so silly.  You know talking with our Kids they always make it seem like they are ready for anything, and nothing Bothers them, but I actually really wonder!? they have to show us that they aren't scared or something isn't bothering them......

I ordered it for myself to remember this year.  My sailor has two Navy ornaments coming for him.  I ordered this off of Etsy and you can personalize it any way you want.  

C'sMom Great Job! I love Etsy!

Ladies My time to leave, wishing you all a Great weekend. May calls and Letters come your Way! Have a Great evening!

Belovedbyhim ~ Hey it's sounds like you're the super daughter which makes you the favorite! HAHAHA! Those medication ads are wild with the side effects! 

So we used to split it up Christmas morning with my parents and Christmas Eve with his, but he felt like his parents were getting gypped. I had worked out with his mom because she liked to do a whole day of one present, game, present, game...  and then back at there house for dinner. He thought because Christmas morning was so special that they were missing out. (inset HUGE eye roll)

So that's how we came to the open house conclusion. Fortunately we live in 5 minutes of his folks and my parents live in the same neighborhood as us but different houses. They divorced after 30 years of marriage. Nothing serious just two different people, no communication, and annoyed by each other. Anywho LOL Rambling

Chipmunk ~ I hope your son is OK! geez and your poor van! I remember you telling me how long you had it and everywhere it has been. wow. It's true on things revolve around our sailors. We are only at the beginning of it all I can only imagine the journey that our family will be on. I'm thinking of LadyBlueFire and her 4 Sailors too! 

Phoenixmom ~ That is too funny! Your girls crack me up :) What a sweet sweet boy! You're bringing tears to my eyes. I know how much you miss your amazing husband. My heart goes out to you. <3 It has to be so special having your son home and to be surprised by him no less. XOXO My youngest who's 13 does the same sweet things. He's always giving me bear hugs and he is my biggest child. He loves the snuggles! 

Oh my kids will see the "RED CARPET" I plan on grilling steaks, making his favorite Ruth's Chris Steakhouse sweet potato casserole, and asparagus. I also have all of these other things that I'll be making while he's here. IF he can come home. 

Northwoodsmom ~ I totally get it! I work at an elementary school and I love all my babies! My son says mom you could make more money working somewhere else. I know but I love my job!

I'm glad that you have all of those wonderful Holiday memories. :) It makes all of us so happy that you'll be able to be with your dad. He needs you right now.

Vintage thank you so much, my sister is down by him now and she is having a hard time dealing with my mom being gone. Having them in two different homes leaves more memories we will have to deal with. My mom's finger prints are everywhere down there and I know it is going to really tough on me also but your right Daddy needs me so like belovedbyHim always says time to put on my big girl pants on and get it done.

Chipmunk ~ Safe travels! Enjoy your family time and soak up all the baby you can! 

Shanny ~ I kid you not... He just text me a picture of him eating a cookie that made for him that was in the package that I mailed. He said - 

Did you mail my belt? 

Holy Crap I had it all ready to go but then I got a little messed up when dad said not mail it because you're coming home. 

It's all good

No crocs either? :(

Honey you're killing me. I tried to stuff as much as I could in there at $50! (with the freaking XBOX in there that box was expensive!)

Mom I'm pulling your chain relax

:-/ Why I outta!! 

Girl I hope you can enjoy your Christmas and attend one of your brother's parties and maybe sans your parents IDK You're awesome and a loving mama! I'm so glad to have all of your friendships! It's a blessing! I agree that it's home :)

Partyofseven - Oh yeah I've heard don't worry about it - HA love that one. NOT! 

Yeah now you have me on pins and needles! HAHAHA 

I bet that was a beautiful going to Flagstaff for Christmas! I love it there. :)

Phoenixmom ~ I saw that your friend wanted to have a cleaning party with patron and limes. On my way! I have my cleaning supplies and I'm out the door! :) Enjoy your weekend!

C'smom - Hello! I love your ornaments! I... must... have... them... :) I bet your son had a good chuckle seeing that "No News is Good News" ornament. LOL Oh I also bought The Navy's Night Before Christmas book. It's super cute! 

Northwoodsmom - We're all praying for you, your sister, and for him. I can't even imagine what he's going through right now being in the house that she made a home. I wonder what you could do to make a bit easier on him when you have to leave. My heart goes out to you both. 

Hi Mommas! Newbie Here!  Really dumb question.  How do you keep up with all these conversations?  I'm reading backwards and totally lost!  Although, I think I need to check my oil and I have a craving for cheesecake. :)

MommaChelle - HAHAHA! Welcome! Somehow we make it happen! Join us when you can :) At what point are you in in this Navy journey?

MamaChelle:  WELCOME to our world of crazy!!!!  You have found the right place!  We will laugh with you, cry with you, cheer with you, get angry with you, and support you every step of the way!!!  

So I hear some people keep one browser open to read and one to reply or type replies in Word as they read lol I am not that talented and usually read from my phone. So I end up posted 10 times as I find more to say lol 

So, my son/Sailor graduated BC in September and graduated A School today. He is heading off to his duty station soon. That’s where I am. I found this the same day I dropped him off at MEPS to leave!  

MommaChelle!!!  So sorry I butchered your name!!!  

Chipmunk:  have a safe and fun trip!!!  I will make sure you know the status of my lost puppy!!!  

VintageGal:. I would have been crying thinking I let him down and didn’t send what he needed. Probably would have been scheduling an overnight delivery as he typed. I swear our sailors like to torture us some days!

My Son goes to the Hotel on Jan 10th. It has taken so long for him to get accepted because of a med issue. I kept saying I wouldn't believe it until I saw him get on the plane, train, bus, wagon..  Now I realize he's a month a way from leaving and I don't get to watch him leave.  Crap got real!!!  HAHA!

Belovedbyhim- I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!! 

BelovedbyHim:  I'm not crying you are...  I just have Navy allergies again!

MommaChelle:  Please feel free to ask any questions you or your son may have!  quite a few of us have sailors who have left BC and are in A School or in the fleet so we can get answers for questions your son may have from people who have just been through it.  I know someone here will have the links to post for you about what to expect...

If you don't already have it, sign up for informed delivery through the post office.  That way you will receive photos of the mail you are receiving each day.  It is a lovely tool to help stalk the mail delivery people!

My son had to get a medical waiver as well.  But he first signed up at the very end of Junior year so I had a year to get his medical info around.  They kept requesting more and more info so I went to the surgeon's office and said I need every piece of paper, every x-ray, every MRI-reports and images ever generated from the minute he walked in the door until you last saw him as well as a detailed letter stating whether you think he is fit for duty or not....  Took it all to the recruiter's office  went in and told him...  if they need anything else, it does not exist.  This is everything, including transcript from the operating room during surgery.  He just stared at me and said, "Wow.  you leave no questions don't ya?"  It was an hour drive each way every time I had to go back to the surgeon for more information.  I was done playing lol  (he had shoulder surgery following a wrestling injury)

Oh MommaChelle:  before he leaves...  put a note in his wallet (he can have a small black wallet that he will keep him).  Write what motivates him...  tell him you love him and you know he can do it.  tell him you are thinking of him every day.  Something that he can read over and over again that will motivate/comfort him.  My son said late at night, they read and reread their mail every night.  

WelcomeMommaChelle, I know it gets a little mind boggling around here at times but just jump in we are all just trying to survive the life our son or daughter had chosen for us. We do answer important questions as well as sharing comradeship. There are compassionate, knowledgeable mom's are here to encourage you through this journey. We sometime just have to let our hair down and relieve the stress  of the emotional rollercoaster were on, especially while dealing with all the unknown with covid.  Let us know how we can help. God bless you on this incredible journey.

Thank you so much for the info!  I know in my heart this is the best decision he has made for himself..   I just hate he can't have the "normal" experience.  Some of the things I saw posted about ROM just sounded awful.