Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Well, I am struggling this week with health insurance...Open enrollment at work ends 12/9.  I asked HR what they needed to remove him.  HR told me it was cleaner to drop him now.  The Momma Bear cannot do that.  I talked to recruiter.  He said they are covered as soon as they get to MEPS.  He also said "the contract" is what I give to my HR.  

Well, "the contract" is not the final contract.  He had signed up for one job, while waiting for "the job". The old contract has a later date on it.  I asked when he would sign the new contract.  That would be on his ship date.  Asked if I could get a copy......SILENCE....

How did y'all handle this?  

MommaChelle, I was told to keep my son on our insurance until he graduated RTC, they are covered down there but just in case they would find a medical issue or some other reason they couldn't finish he wouldn't have insurance.

My son did have issues with his contract but it was because of personal reasons but when all was said and done he got exactly what he wanted as long as he keeps himself focused and he can handle the school he should be good.

MommaChelle - First of all, I generally read through the BC Mom comments on my computer. I post in the morning generally and then I just scroll back through the pages to that post and start reading forward. Other times I read the email feeds and delete those and then scroll through the pages. 

We try to write in names and highlight them so you can easily watch for a reply to a message that you wrote, other times we just chat. Since COVID and no live PIR we have been a lot more active on this group as far as moms and loved ones sticking around and just visiting daily versus when we were just answer a lot of questions for people, and then they moved on to other groups. 

As far as the insurance, I would do like Northwoodsmom and leave them on your insurance until they have graduated BC. Once they are "fully vested" so to speak all you need to do is contact your HR person and ask them to remove your son from your family policy. If something should happen in BC and they are sent home, such as for shin splints and are not active duty, then trying to add them back on to your policy can be a lot harder than taking them off later. 

C'sMom - I loved your ornament

VintageGal - Yes, he was okay but now we don't have an extra vehicle for him to drive. 

The baby cake was a smash hit!! She loved her frosting - it was just whipped cream with smashed blueberries and raspberries mixed in. No sugar at all, but she loved it!!

So you can tell when technology is getting the better of your children when they want to follow the GPS instead of their own instincts and a route they have traveled for years - Why, because the phone was set to no toll roads!!! OOPS!! Thankfully they thought to call and tell Dad they were lost!! (They were going to be late for the b'day party anyway.) 

Well I think I am going to go enjoy the jacuzzi after I clean up the dishes!!

BelovedbyHim - Thank you for the tissue warning!! I will have to go back and read some of the other ones later. 

Phoenixmom- That is awesome about your table and server coming. It sounds like you might be ready for Xmas after all. You just never know.

Sometimes I have to talk thru with mine and then he let his feelings out. 

VintageGal- I have that book to. I bought it the first year my son was in. It is a good story.   :)'

Yes I love it up north.  :)

Welcome MommaChelle- It is good to have you here and welcome to our group. You have come to the right place. Read all the information that you can.

That's what I did with mine. I printed out the sheet and we went over everything before he left.

Since COVID meps is different now. We wrote each other a little note and gave it to each other before he left. I also sent him with a book of stamps in his wallet, a calling card, and his note.   :)

He said that when he was struggling he read my note every night to help him get thru it. They love to receive our mail so write to him daily. That's what I did.

When you receive that form letter than you can send them out right away.

I would still keep him on your insurance until he is ready to go. That's just me and it makes it easier just in case.

Welcome again and please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Someone will answer.  :)

My son made it. Watched the PIR  this afternoon like a hundred times. I finally found him and watched it a hundred more.  I miss him and love him and am so proud of him.  Congratulations to all the new sailors!!!!!

jacksmom17- Whoo Hoo We have a Sailor in the house!!! That is so awesome!!! Congratulations to you and your brand new Sailor!! May God watch and protect him as he goes on his new journey!!!

How are you? I've been thinking of you and I've posted messages in the chat for you. I'm so glad he made it and that you could see him in the video.

Where does he go for A school? He should get his phone back soon and then you can communicate with each other.  :)

Leslie- Welcome to our group. We are glad you are here.

I am sorry that someone else tested positive in his group. And two more weeks of ROM for him. I know it's hard keep writing him so when you do get the form letter you can send them off. Hopefully you'll be able to send them when you can. I would number them so he knows what order you wrote them in.

Any other questions please don't hesitate to ask someone will answer. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster ride as he begins his journey. We all have been there and we all help out. Prayers for you and your SR as he begins another round of ROM. Big hugs to you!!!!

Leslie- Hey, I know right? It is so great to hear their voice, you are so happy just to hear from them!!  :)

As for A school due to COVID that is a no! The Navy is not allowing that not before A school anyways.

Depending on what's happening when he finishes their is a good chance you can see him after he finishes A school and before he goes to his new duty station. 

I posted a link for you to read. This is from another mom on here and it's really good. 

Where are you in the process? I am including my Welcome message just in case you are New to Boot camp as well.
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)

Here is another link: 

Informed Delivery®

You can sign up for this and see your mail that comes in every day. So when he does get to start writing you will know when you have a letter coming and you can send your off right away!!!

Ah Sandboxx...... You may use that one on here but when your SR becomes a Sailor and goes to his next station you are not to use as it goes against the safety rules as it is a public app. So what you write others can read it as well. Some of the other moms have used it, I did not, and they liked it. 

Just remember not to use it when he gets out of boot camp. 

Sorry it takes me a few minutes to get all the information together. Lol

Where are you from? I'm and a few other moms live in Az.

Hope all this helps and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. We are all here for you.  :)

Leslie- Good Morning,

Ah I have family in NC as well. I know it is hard. What I have learned is keeping busy is the key doing something that you like to do, picking up a new hobby, etc. 

This is why I suggested writing as well. I wrote every day nothing serious just telling him the every day stuff, I also sent him pics of the family and animals, bible verses. I feel that the writing helps us as much as them.

Boot camp is a training for us as well, so when they do get out to the fleet we have a little bit better idea of what to expect.

Big navy hugs to you!!!!

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

Lesiie, Sandy G., mags, and Marcd2k we are glad you are here. Sandy G., mags and Marcd2k come and introduce yourselves and let us know where you are in this journey.

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer. Keep those phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud as you never know when you will get a call.

Welcome again.

Welcome to all our new members!!!!

you have definitely come to the right place for support, laughter, and hopefully answers to your questions!  Please feel free to ask any and all questions. Someone will answer. On weekdays we tend to be pretty chatty so if your question gets lost in the chatter, please ask again. We won’t intentionally ignore you!  

Once again, welcome to the group!!!  

jacksmom17: Bravo Zulu and congratulations to your Sailor, we are all so proud. Yeah for communication now, enjoy it.

Leslie: prayers to you and your son, this is tough but we are here for you. May our Merciful Lord wrap his protective arms around your son and strengthen him through this extra time in ROM. It is hard to see right now but this will help him be a stronger Sailor with great perseverance.

Welcome to Leslie, SandyG, mags and marcd2k. We are do happy you have joined us here. Please introduce yourself and let us know where you are in your journey. We are here to help and encourage with compassion, we all have felt the ache in our hearts that you are feeling now.

Jacksmom17: CONGRATULATIONS!!!  We have a sailor in the house!!!!!!!  So happy for you that you got to see him in the PIR video!

Jacksmom17: Congrats on a new sailor.  Woohoo!  

Leslie, MommaChelle, Sandy G., mags, Markd2k, and other news moms:  a lot of wonderful info has been posted on here and will be again.  I just wanted to make another point about your SR possibly having to go into ROM again, being ASMO'd (that means being set back because of a failed test), or just generally struggling.  They may call and be crying or sound very angry or discouraged.  That will put your emotions in a tailspin and you may have anxiety until you hear from them again, which may not be right away.  I've learned from others and from my own experience with my then SR.  At first they are very discouraged, but usually a few days later they have gotten another perspective and regrouped and are more upbeat again.  And you will get a letter (and just possibly a phone call) that sounds so much better.   Try to remember that when the time comes.  They will be okay!  And I have lived by the motto that "No news is good news!" No matter how bootcamp goes for them, it will make them stronger.  And it will make you stronger, too!  BNMH to you!  

Thanks ladies for posting and sharing, it is always a big help for our new moms to know what's going on due to our different experiences. 

That's another reason why this group is so awesome!!!

NewMilMom - you have my mouth watering at cheesecake with dark chocolate ganache!

CsMom - such a pretty ornament. We have our tree up and I ordered 4 sailor ornaments for my kids and they are on the tree. 3 boys with their names and 1 girl with her name on it.

Phoenix you are a trooper! I am in the half Christmas doing, lol. And I did not do any of it. My 12 yr old enjoyed decorating the tree and he and his dad are stringing lights on the trees. This is the last year for these lights and most of the decorations (outdoors). The FL sun has been harsh. I am hoping they get your kitchen done before Christmas! Funny how kids are different. My #3 is the one who would act like I was a rock star when I woke up in the morning. He hugged me ALL the time. My other 2 older sons are not as huggy.
My husband was in Dubai. When they were near Dubai they started eating camel on the ship and it was the best “hamburger” my husband had ever had. The CMC did not believe my husband when he told him it was camel, lol.The plan of the day said “100% beef” so my husband wanted him to know it was not to POD. My husband had to walk him back to show him it was indeed camel!

Shanny - glad things seem to be falling into place. I know why there is a slight snag as my son is on the Ford too. Meant to send you a PM but I think you know now. Funny how “calm down” makes us want to do anything but! You and I need to stick together as our sons will be on the same journey for the foreseeable future...less than a year apart..

Vintage - FINALLY! Starting classes! Traction at last! I never noticed your “Pheonix” faux pas…
Each sailor gets the red carpet and I can feel my youngest eyes’ rolling, lol.

Mommachelle = make sure he knows you will write asap - they think we forget them because it takes so long to get their address and then it takes them a while to get our first letter. Have him leave you a voicemail you can listen to when you miss his voice.
As for keeping up - my husband is IT and he spoils me. So I have 2 monitors. One has google docs and the other my e mail.
Insurance - do not drop them UNTIL they graduate RTC. Who cares about “cleaner”. How “messy” would it be to add him back if the worst happens and he does not graduate boot camp?

Chipmunk - sorry your oldest has decided no Christmas visits. Glad to hear baby cake was a smash hit! How much did she wear?

Welcome Leslie - as for seeing your SR your best bet will be AT A school - depending on where it is. I have 4 sailors this year and 3 (sailors 2-4) I could not visit at A school. One (#1)  I could. #2 I went to his duty station (Norfolk) and #3 came home between school and duty station. #1 and #4 are in C school. Hoping they can come home in between. I used sandboxx ONCE and make sure  nothing specific was in there beyond how much I loved and missed him (#3) as he was struggling with his division. (His division sucked)

NWM - prayers as you travel to FL. It is nice here - a little chilly but nice. As for grandbabies my oldest son has had baby fever for YEARS. He has baby honing skills and can walk in a room and know if there is a baby and where it is. And then come out the awwws and oohs and OMG they are so cute and tiny, I want one, lol.

Jacksmom - congrats and Bravo Zulu!!!!!

Goodness I have written another novel.

MamaChelle here is my set up:

Well, back to my digital organizing and some hot coffee!

Have a gerat weekend ladies!

JACKSMOM17 ~ CONGRATULATIONS SAILOR!! BRAVO ZULU!! Time to celebrate!! :) BNMH! HOOYAH!!

Sandy G, Mags, Markd2k ~ We’re glad you’re here! These ladies have been a huge support system during this journey. I know for myself I felt like I was alone in how I felt most times but came here and found a place where I could laugh, cry, and vent with other moms who were/are feeling the same way. Feel free to share and ask questions whenever you need to. My Sailor has been out of Boot Camp since October but I stay with this group to welcome moms and family members and I have a bond with these women that is pretty special to me. So again, welcome! 

Leslie ~ Good morning, I’m so sorry to hear that your son had to go into an extra ROM. How far out of quarantine was he before he had to go back? Were you able to get an address from him? You’ll need an address to send a Sandboxx letter. My son had to go back into ROM 5 weeks into boot camp because a guy that was put into his division 10 hours prior had test positive. So everyone around his bunk had to go back. He called me in tears and I felt so helpless. I told him that we love him and that we’re so proud of him. I immediately wrote him a handwritten letter and then a sandboxx letter. I printed lyrics to a favorite song of his a added pictures to it as well. Unfortunately you have to have his address for that. What do you happen to have so far? 

MommaChelle ~ Good morning, all I can say is soak up this time while you can. Try to make every moment special :) We went out to have a really nice dinner of his favorite meal the night before he left. The way I was able to cope was to soak up all the information I could. There’s a videos on YouTube that explain the process of Navy Boot camp. Also, the RTC Facebook page shows pictures of Recruit movement and although they’re masked you may just find “Waldo” :) your Recruit. Enjoy your time with your son during this time and we’ll be here for you (((((BNMH)))))

LadyBlueFire- Yes that’s exactly it traction finally! And yesterday he was able to get his box of the goodies I sent him. He is going to enjoy that Xbox this weekend! Nice computer set up lady! Yes and as for the spelling error I was writing it quickly and her name was right below it and I realized... what the heck?! Duh! :) 

Shanny ~ Good morning sweet lady what’s on the agenda for the weekend? ;) 

Partyofseven ~ good morning, I see that you were there for Sweet moms last night. You’re a lifesaver! How are you this morning? Any fun plans for the weekend? 

So I watched Good Night Vietnam last night and I haven’t cried in a movie like that and I don’t know how long. Probably since steel magnolias. Robin Williams is hysterical but the movie of course has another touching side to it that you can’t escape. Awards definitely should’ve been given for that movie. 

Good morning Chipmunk, Phoenixmom, Northwoodsmom, Belovedbyhim, Katharine (we miss you), Anti M (I hope you’re feeling better :) C’smom <3

C'sMom:  Thanks, we needed that message of encouragement.. we have been pretty down since getting his call Tuesday evening that he was going back in to ROM.  

Good Morning TreyLexisMom- I know it is hard. C'sMom thank you for sharing that and posting. It will get better TreyLexisMom.

Big hugs to you!!!

LadyBlueFire- Sorry I missed you this morning. Wow that is a great set up. I love it.

I had forgot that one of your Sailor's was on the Ford. How is he and the other Sailor's doing? 

That was neat about your husband and the camel meat. Never had that one!! 

I have to say I am a holiday person and if I am ever at my worse I have to decorate. Sitting in the room with the lights out and the tree on and the rest of my lights on it's just so peaceful and calming to me and I know that no matter what I will be ok. That's just me. lol

And besides that my  kids and grandkids would not let me get away with not decorating. Lol

VintageGal- Good Morning, I was up paying bills and Christmas shopping so I was awake when the posts came thru. Awe thank you and no problem!! I still have those moments at times. :)

I am finishing up my cleaning and my decorating. Still no official word yet on my surprise so I am still waiting.  :)

I'm hoping to do the outside tomorrow so we will see.

How about you? What are your plans for the weekend?

Partyofseven ~ hello! My son is able to get back to playing soccer and he has practice this morning. I’m finishing the rest of my online Christmas shopping and hoping to get some reading in. I’m thinking of maybe making some Christmas treats tonight. I feel like I’ve been a couch potato every night so maybe we’ll mix it up with a game. 
I totally agree about the holiday decorations. The more spirited it is around me the better I feel. Also if you’re into reading and like holiday books there’s a Christmas series by Ellen Hildebrand. I believe the first one is Winter Street. I didn’t think I’d be into it but I absolutely loved it!

I wrote Good Night Vietnam and should of wrote Good Morning Vietnam. Doesn’t matter and I’m sure nobody cares but I couldn’t let it go HAHAHA 

LadyBlueFire- oh my word! I’d say that I’d try the hamburger out but I don’t know where I’d get a camel burger! Wow that sounds very interesting and the fact that he said it was the best burger he had it ever had is wild! 

So I’d love to know what you ladies are getting your husbands and sailors for Christmas. I’m a little stumped on what I’m getting the big man. :) 

Well, I just got back from driving my mother to the grocery store. I am unsure why the woman has to find the very last nerve I have and poke at it repeatedly. But she is good at it!  She just told me i should have gone out and put lights up. Don't even get me started. Suggested it like 4 times over the last few weeks when the weather was nice. No one wanted to help or say what they wanted. I'm not doing it now. I'm not a holiday person-i know I keep saying it but people don't understand...  so i took her to the grocery store. Going to have some broccoli and cheese soup with some French bread. Get a book out...  staying away from people because i am crabby from no sleep-insomnia is rough 

LadyBluefire:  last I heard from him he was on a layover in NC. He has been treated very well by the airline he is on. Boarded first,  upgraded to first class for both flights, staff has all thanked him for serving and mentioned his service. He says everything is set and figured out and to not worry. He was texting me at 2:30 am while he was getting ready to check out (that was at 3:30 am)  he is following his dream...  keep telling myself that lol

I’ve got boots in the house!!!!!

Oh, my!  Shanny! was it a surprise?  How wonderful!  This made me cry!  

He just literally walked in the house!!!

TreyLexisMom:  that's exactly the situation we were in.  He got put into ROM again just one week from his expected PIR.  He'd  been upbeat the whole time until then.  And I was so worried about his state of mind!  We finally got a letter about a week and a half later that had been written just one week into his ROM, and he sounded so much better!  

Awe Shanny that is awesome!!!! Whoo hoo she has boots in the house. Everything does work out girly. Enjoy him being home and soak up every minute!!!!

Tell him thank him for his service!!!!

BNH'S to you!!!!

Shanny: I am texting with tears in my eyes for you, how very Blessed you are, the bestest early Christmas present ever. Enjoy your time together.

I have finally met up with the Mom I was telling you about that only lives 20 minutes from me. We met at a small restaurant and had breakfast together. God has truly Blessed me. Her son graduated this week and received the Navy Excellence award. Not only do we live close but her son will head to S.C. next week with the same rank as my son. As if that wasn't the most wonderful thing in the world she also told me she was a Christian. God is so Good. I have a very thankful heart.

So I have boots in the house but not a sailor lol he has already headed to the store because I am not stocked up with his snacks and shampoo and soaps lol how was I supposed to be stocked up when I didn’t know he was coming?!? He was laughing as he took my keys and headed out the door. He said his original orders said no leave. But once he talked to his sponsor, they found a way to work it all out. Then he called my brother and my brother went and picked him up from the airport. Literally everyone knew but me. My dad even knew. My NEIGHBORS knew!  Obviously I never leave the house!  His bedding is in the dryer right now because I didn’t even have that ready. I mean I washed it when he left but that was 5 months ago!  His truck is all covered up and I pulled the battery cables and hooked up a trickle charger to keep his battery good. So he took my car. It’s like he is newly 16 again 

Hey Leslie,

That is awesome for the phone call and that is great that you held it together for him. Those first few calls can be hard but when we hold it together for them it's not as bad on them. They sometimes do get choked up cause they are so happy to hear our voice. So you did good.  :)

It does get better as you go thru this with him. 

Shanny- That is awesome. You  had me laughing to. I bet he was very happy to be there and to have all his goodies with him.   :)

Northwoodsmom- That is so awesome!! I'm glad that you went and met with her and it sounds like you had a great time!!

What a small world that your son and her son have the same rate and her son is going to the same place that your son is at. 

That is really neat and that she is a Christian as well.  :)

Big hugs!! I'm glad you had a good time. 

Partyofseven:  he left and I looked around and I had a sea bag, two back packs, a garment bag and a laptop bag all on my living room floor and his blues on my dining room table. And he was gone lol just like a normal day. It’s now 10:00 pm. He got home from his best friend’s house an hour ago. Showered, put pjs on and said mom I’m sorry but I can’t stay awake anymore. And off to bed he went.   I asked if he needed to be up at a certain time tomorrow-he is going to the recruiters office to put some time in and get 5 days back- he said no I always wake up at the same time now. So I said you don’t have to get up that early. You can go back to sleep and sleep in. He just smiled and said Night Mom. And off he went. My heart is full tonight just knowing he is in his room. 

Shanny, I love it. That's just what mine does when he is home. It's amazing really how they are when they come home. 

My Sailor did that as well when he first came home from A school he worked at the recruiters office to. I believe the next the next time he was home he went to visit him but his recruiter had been deployed. He was bummed.

How long will he get to be home? I bet it is. It's so exciting when they are home.   :)

partyofseven:  he was granted 14 days but he said he has only earned 10 days. So he said 10 days. He has a bunch of people pulling him in different directions to spend time with them. I told him to try not to spread himself too thin. And make sure he gets some rest while he is here. His dog didn’t know him at first. Or it may have been the hat that freaked him out. He kept barking. Then all of a sudden he ran full speed at him and jumped onto his arms. Don’t tell him, but I’ve been fighting tears all day.  He asked me to go tomorrow with him to get his tattoo lol just a simple one tomorrow I guess. 

Shanny,

That's great. I forgot about that even thou they are granted the leave it depends on how much time they have earned. I'll have to check with mine when I talk to him again.

Ah yes those happy tears yes they do seem to come when they are home. Those dang allergies always wanting to act up!!  Lol

After his first visit home he was like that to. So the next time he came home we talked about it and we told all the family if you want to see him you have to come over here instead of him doing all the running. Now of course if it was his friends they would come over any ways and he would go over there.

The first two days home mine just wanted to sleep. Lol You guys will figure out what's best for you and him and don't let everyone pressure him if he doesn't want to see them or go out.  :)

That will be fun.  

Shanny ~ I’m so happy for you both! What a wonderful feeling to know that he’s in his room sleeping. Seeing his bags and doing his laundry. All those things that we take for granted are so special to us. I’m wondering the same thing about my son coming home and feeling pulled in all these different directions. I know he wants to go hang out at his friend’s apartment one night, take his girlfriend out on a date, and have family time. We’ll see how it goes. 

Leslie ~ I’m glad that you got to talk to him if only for a short time. I know it had to be comforting to hear your voice and that you love him. One thing I was glad about was that my Recruit had made some really good friends in boot camp and I knew they were with him in ROM. It was so nice to know that he wasn’t alone. I hope that he’s able to write to you and if you don’t have an address that maybe you’ll get a return address. 

Partyofseven ~ I agree on having people over to visit and how that will help with his visit. It will feel like olds times where his friends were over every weekend. I miss it so much :) 

so I have to tell you... yesterday my 13 yr. old son asked why his brothers bedroom door was closed. Mind you I don’t like it shut either. I told him that I just washed his bedding which I do from time to time. I told him that the dog continues to lay on his bed and I’m tired of seeing dog hair all over it. He said who cares can we just leave his door open please. I said - yes I like it open too. I walked in his room later that evening to find her laying on his bed so I just pet her and said whatever I guess you miss him too. 

Northwoodsmom ~ That is wonderful that you had one on one in person time with another Navy mom! And the fact that your sailors will be together is a huge bonus! I’m so happy for you both! 

Have a wonderful evening! We just watched a very heartfelt movie on Amazon called Sound of Metal. I highly recommend it! The beginning seems a bit chaotic but it’s not like that the whole movie. It’s super good!