Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Not for Certain but the Jan. PIR group is not yet set up.

Thank you for your Patience.

Shanny:  Here is a list I found...

• Ramen Noodles
• Seasoning salt
• Hot sauce
• Flavoring packets for water
• Individual packets of condiments
• Powdered drink mix
• Energy bars
• Crackers
• Tuna fish in pouches
• Sardines
• Beef Jerky
• Summer Sausage
• Instant Mac and Cheese
• Tea bags
• Peanut butter
• Coffee Whole Bean or Ground
• Red Bull
• Monster Energy Drinks
• V8
• Perrier
• Gatorade

Phoenixmom- Good Morning and thank you for my prayer. God Bless.

Chipmunkl- Good Morning I was helping her out this morning. I had posted some links for her as well. 

LadyBlueFire- Good Morning. Sorry to hear about your son. Prayers for them to move along quickly to prevent more of a back log and that he gets to come home at some point!!! I get your frustration!!! Believe me!!!!

Shanny- Good Morning, I'm glad I told you that in my first post many pages ago it seems. Lol Have him pick out stuff before he leaves, anything little is good and stuff that he can make in the microwave is good to. Just make sure he will have one there to use. If not, there is vienna sausage, any kinds of beef jerky is also good along with chips, nuts etc.

Enjoy the day with your Sailor!!!!

PIR DECEMBER 2020

WarroirProtector So Good to know you spoke with your Son, And Thank You for the List!

Good Morning PartyOfSeven and Thank You!

THANK YOU ladies!  I know I have had these conversations with others for a while now...  but had a freak out moment realizing how close we are to him leaving...  I joined a page for Norfolk and every single replies to my introduction seemed to comment about making sure he brings snacks and things to make a meal out of... I know he will want jerky and summer sausage.  Maybe I can do pbj with crackers...  THANK YOU everyone!!!  I am sure he has ideas. He said last night he is ready to get back and move on to the next adventure but at the same time he doesn’t want to leave. So o think he is holding on to those last few days

Shanny- You are very welcome. That is good that you have already joined some groups out of Norfolk. It is always good to start getting prepared.  :)

I'm sure he will want to pick out some things as well.  :) 

That's what mine does as well a couple of days before he goes he starts getting anxious. Perfectly normal.  Big hugs to you!! 

Sooooooo for my news my Sailor is coming home. I am so so excited!!!! I have not seen him in a year, it has been a long time in coming. He will be home in a couple of days.

Please say a prayer for him as he is driving from one coast to the other!!!

Thank you so much!!!!

VintageGal:  here it is in the day light. Can’t see the blue lights very well on a sunny day!  But I have had it lit all day and all night until he came home. Now I have it lit at night because it is just a part of my home now

And at night...

partyofseven:  OMG I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!  I hope your sailor has a smooth, uneventful drive HOME!!  

Partyofseven ~ Yay! Celebrate mama!! When I hear that Mariah Carey Christmas song All I Want for Christmas is You I think of my Sailor! I know we all must be thinking that when we hear it!  TEARS! SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!  

Shanny - your sailor should be able to check most of his luggage since he is flying on orders. But I recommend making sure you put things in individual Ziploc bags. I don't recall but someone had powder mixes or something pop open in their checked baggage and it went all in their clothes. So extra seal stuff!! 

partyofseven-Im so happy for you. Yes I will pray for safe travels.

Warriorprotector-I am glad you got to speak with your SR. I was amped up myself after getting to speak with mine.  You were one step ahead of me in getting both ship & division number.  Im hoping I can find it out just in case I dont receive the letter.  

Shanny- love the lantern idea.

Partyofseven - Prayers!!

VintageGal & Shanny - thanks for sharing the Blue Candle ideas with our newest members!

partyofseven, I'm so happy for you!  Enjoy your time together!  

Shanny- love the lantern and yes pack everything in zip loc bags. I forgot to mention that.  :) And thank you, I am very happy.

VintageGal- Thank you. Yes those kinda songs still bring tears to my eyes!!! Perfectly normal the other moms tell me.  :) 

Chipmunk- Thank you.

DoriBry- Thank you and yes I can't wait. It will be so nice to have him finally home!!!

You should be able to.  :)

C'sMom- Thank you so much. It has been a long time in coming. It will be very nice to have him finally home.

Continued prayers for yours to be able to move along soon. 

Hugs!!!

Very Nice Shanny!

Shanny ~ Thanks for sharing your beautiful lantern! I've been thinking of goodies and easy food ideas as well. I'm trying to think of low sodium alternatives as well. I have jerky, summer sausage, trail mix, dried fruit, tea... on my list so far

Here is my blue candle. I bought the candle and sticky US Navy medallion from Hobby Lobby. 

VintageGal I like your Idea as well!

VintageGal:  I was thinking of the plastic squeeze bottle of grape jelly and individual peanut butter...  but I know I can’t send bread lol so maybe crackers?  But what kind?  Also going to ask him about jerky, summer sausage and trail mix or even Chex mix?  I feel like everything prepackaged will be full of sodium

Good Morning!   

partyofseven:  So over the top excited for you & your sailor. Prayers that his trip is smooth and safe!  

Phoenix: sounds like your kitchen is going to be wonderful & I hope you will post a photo or 2 when it is completed.  

LadyBluefire: I am sooo sorry that Sub school denied them travel home for holidays...dang blast it! (my words for sub school were not PG/printable when I read your post)... 

Shanny: sweats & cowboy boots had me laughing as that sounds so much like my sailor (& his Momma is guilty of that or yoga pants & cowboy boots...rofl...).  Thanks for the list of items that are good ideas to send to them.

VintageGal: I will have to look into the book, Be Safe, Love Mom you mentioned...

Still hoping that he will get approval to fly home for a few days since sitting in waiting limbo at A school currently.  I am still on the hunt for a blue electric candle that is Not plastic.  Of course now I want one I can't locate one...hahahaha... Thinking I will start searching for blue fairy lights & do the lantern idea Shanny had. 

I am mentally preparing my list of food items to make his favorite recipes if he comes home...I asked him if there was anything he really wanted & he said it didn't matter he just wants food...  so basically anything Momma makes sounds like he is good with... when he was younger I remember him telling friends that his Mom was "great & the best as she makes biscuits -- no, not canned store ones, but real homemade biscuits & doesn't use a recipe either". 

I gathered from him that None of them had a Mom that made homemade biscuits or things from scratch as I do...  oh sweet memories of those younger years...

Have a wonderful day everyone!  We are sunny & cool enough to ride comfortably but, I work from early to dark plus last night it appears my boy has injured himself where he can't put weight down on his left rear leg so standing perched on his toe... trying to walk is more of a hobble almost falling so... called vets & 1 will come this afternoon... I sure wish they could tell us what they did or where it hurts...  Of course I didn't sleep well worried that he'd try to lay down in his stall & not be able to get back up & thousands of other scenarios...

Did manage to get out the door at 3:45am this morning to drop a friend off at the airport & back to feed the 2 birds plus feed & medicate (those on meds) the dogs... And to work on time...yea me!  but I made decision NOT to wear "business attire" but pretend it is "casual Friday" and wore my jeans. 

We shall see if I get told anything...dang our area is supposedly shut down again & yet we still have to report into the offices... so my "informal" protest I decided yesterday afternoon is I am dressing casual Everyday.  he he he!!!  yep, I am a rebel...

Hang in there everyone & have a GREAT day ahead.  Hoping for letters & calls for everyone too.

VintageGal: just saw your candle idea!  LOVE LOVE LOVE it. And the Navy sticker is wonderful addition. Thanks for sharing...

Guess if I do candle or the lantern idea I will need to order a Navy sticker too... All these lovely wonderful ideas!  may need 1 for home & 1 for work station... 

PartyofSeven: Whoop, Whoop! Excellent news!  Enjoy your time with your sailor! :)

Shanny: Love the latern...going to implement!  Hobby Lobby here I come! 

VintageGal: Also going to have to implement the candle holder idea.  Love those old movies, need to watch again!  

NewMilmom: Hope your son gets to come home. That limbo time at A school does not sound fun!

NewMilmom- Thank you so much!! I do to.

It is raining here, we finally have some rain. It has been raining since this morning. I love it!!

I hope you hear something soon to. I love my sweats as well. Lol 

Have a good day to.

VintageGal- I love that. I have a glass like that filled with shells as well. Lol

Oh and I forgot to say I have that book to. Be safe, Love Mom. It is an excellent book you will enjoy it.

belovedbyHim Thank you! The night we dropped him off he said, "You don't have to be this sad, I'm not dead." It is a mourning feeling though, he's not gone....but he's gone.

Shanny, yes, I'll be happy with literally anything. He could send me a smiley face with 'all good mom' and I'll be thrilled! His girlfriend is there as well, she left the week before him and I think she'll write me more than him, haha! They are hoping to be able to see each other at church on Sundays but I don't know how that works. I imagine any socializing outside of their division is frowned upon or possibly flat out prohibited.

Ok so I still have catching up to do on the comments posted, but there are a couple things I came across that I wanted to address to the new moms asap (sorry if they were already addressed).

The RTC Facebook page is great!  There is an admin by the name of Carolyn M that will help direct you to the PIR group for your SR.  There is a ton of great information just like on this board and everyone is super friendly.  You will meet parents from your SR's division.  Sometimes Sailors that have graduated, join in on comments and provide their experiences.

Ok talk more in a bit, need to finish reading through things here :).  

Big Thursday hugs to everyone!

Warriorprotector:  I found the lights at Party City and lantern at Walmart if that helps!  

Mom2blondies:  one of my son’s friends (female) enlisted with him but went in two weeks after him. He said he didn’t look for her because they were told to not speak with the opposite and except when relieving them on watch and speak only of any info needed for the watch duty 

Just wanted to share my blue candle light, yours are all so beautiful!

Shanny ~ I like that idea. yeah all of my ideas are pretty high in sodium aren't they gerrrr I'll have to do some research. I like the crackers that have the peanut butter in the middle. We have a Trader Joes so I might head over there for some healthier alternatives. Happy hunting! BNMH!!! <3

Phoenixmom ~ Thank you! How are you and your family? :) Send some of that rain up north a few hundred miles! We could use it! Yay on the progress of your home <3 it's so exciting to hear! 

Thanks for the food ideas for our sailors! I pray that there aren't any issues with meals during A school quarantine. 

Chipmunk ~ Yes, I agree ZIPLOC BAGS! I'll never ever forget Anti M and her Irish spring cookie comment! LOL yikes! 

Warriorprotector ~ Thanks for the food ideas! Aren't those movies fun?! Some other movies that I like are Sand Pebbles, Follow the Fleet, The Caine Mutiny, and then one that I haven't seen in years is Operation Petticoat. :)

mom2blondies ~ how fun that he's there with his girlfriend! If you want to share the story on how they came to the decision to join the Navy together we'd love to hear it! :) I believe they go into chapel at different days and times. My son had chapel on Wednesdays. IF their timeline goes well without any extra ROMs and they PIR on time and she doesn't leave right away they MIGHT be able to hang out during down time in holding before flying out to A school. Sooo the chances are slim but not entirely out of the question! Awwweee sweet hearts <3  

Good morning Doribry! I'm so happy for you that you were able to talk to your sailor! 

Manycolors ~ I sure hope you get your letter or hear something soon. It was just about 26 days when I received my form letter so I hope it comes in soon. But like what has been said before not every experience is the same. Did you sign up for informed delivery yet? BNMH!! <3

Shortcake ~ That's great on FB PIR groups :) Have a great day!

belovedbyHim, I know you are super busy but if you have time can you share your story about after your son left for Boot Camp. I just love it and I  think it would touch the hearts of our newbies. I thought some of those stories were posted on the sides but now I can't find them but I love yours the best, it made me feel like I wasn't alone and insane.

Northwoodsmom ~ I LOVE your blue light!! I'll be copying this if you don't mind! :) 

Belovedbyhim ~ Yes! We'd love to hear your Sailor's story :) I hope all is well! 

VintageGal- Did you see my post and have you started on that book yet? 

Northwoodsmom- Thank you. And I love your blue candle light. Did you make this?

Paryofseven ~ Thank you! I have been wanting to read the book. I really can't believe I haven't dived in just yet. How's work going? Safe travels to your Sailor!

VintageGal- No worries. I just wanted to catch you before my post got lost in the pages. Lol 

It really is a good book thou. I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you.

partyofseven, yes I did make my blue light. Just want to say Have a wonderful time with your Sailor. I feel so bad complaint ng about not seeing mine when it's by only been a couple months and hear it has been a while year for you. Thanks for putting up with us. God Bless your time together.

Vintage: I just love love Operation Petticoat, haven't seen it for a while. That and Wackiest Ship in the Navy are 2 of my favorites.

Just a hint if you want to paint on a bottle if you frost it first it is alot easier to paint on. I also put blue fairy lights in it.

Beloved too funny! I think someone got word of that over here so Now they do it!

He seriously just opened his sea bag and DUMPED everything on the living room floor and said, “Mom can you wash this stuff? But check washing instructions in case they are special instructions.”  

Northwoodsmom:   I LOVE your light!!!  That is so cool!!

Ok phew, caught up

Thank you everyone that sent well wishes for my husband. His stones were brought up by many years of drinking way too many energy drinks.  His stones are calcium related.  He hasn't had an energy drink in a long time, but I found out he was drinking a lot of soda and no water before this stone came on and it seemed to do the trick. Being in the medical field for 15+ years, I learned how to keep him stable and as comfortable as possible, but this round there was a risk of dehydration because of the vomiting.  He's back to his chipper self now and we are done with our 14 day quarantine just in time for California's latest lockdown. Oh well such is life.

My SR graduates 12/17! I am biting my nails; so excited and anxious!  I have not heard from him since Thanksgiving, but no news is good news for sure! I can't wait to get the "I'm a Sailor" call.  I know from other parents in his PIR that the group is doing alright.  They went through Marlin Spike

Mom2Blondies - you are not dramatic at all!  I was a wreck when my SR left.  I got the call and he was rattling on the scripted lines and I was asking questions and I don't really remember if I even said I love you or not.  This was also before I found these groups.  These ladies have been such a solid support system. You can not go wrong.  You are entitled to feel the way you do and no one should tell you otherwise.  I think this week (the week before my SR graduates) is the first week I have not had tears.  I fact I remember crying when I saw the form letter coming on USPS Informed Delivery notification.  My Mom asked my why I was crying like I was nuts, but I was so happy.  That letter came almost exactly a month after he left.  It is a tough time, but know you are supported 100%. From what I know, they do not get in trouble for reading off script. It probably wasn't heard with all the other voices going at the same time.

DoriBry -  It looks like you found the FB group.  Hopefully you were added to your SR's PIR group.

C'sMom and Chipmunk - I'm down for storming the castle lol!

BelovedbyHim - Good luck with your class.  I had a similar situation.  Work was so slow so I decided to start a coding class to learn a new skill and just as class started a storm of craziness began at work.  I am slightly behind in the class, but I will just have to make some time somewhere in the day.

Shanny - The questionnaire idea is brilliant! Wish I had seen that sooner.

NewMilMom - My son said his group was always getting in trouble for talking and being noisy.  The only thing that kind of saved them is that they have a "chill" RDC.  They went through beatings for sure, but he said they were not as bad as other groups.  For the new moms beatings are not literal.  It is intense PT (physical training) basically and they feel it afterwards (hence the beating nickname).  Lol, I also told my son in a letter when he finally does get home, that I will be cooking up a storm. Anything he wants lol.

Warriorprotector - Congratulations on your SR becoming the Medical Yoeman! that is fantastic! 

LadyBlueFire - I hope things move along for your son.  Such a long time to be held before they start their schooling.  It is one of my fears as well.  My son will be off to Nuke school, and I have heard there is a back up there as well.  He is not subs though.  There is a small issue with his contract, but I heard from his recruiter and a Nuke recruiter that there will be time to fix that in A school.  He just needs to confirm with them that he opted out of subs.  Right now he is showing as subs, which he is terrified about.  Poor Chipmunk got that freak out from this mama when my son told me lol.  She was awesome with such supportive words.

Mom2blondies - there we the big NorCal fires that hit this year.  It was really bad.  We had at least 4 or 5 months of orange skies and poor air quality.  Not to mention everyone that was displaced from their homes and the devastation.  It was awful.  Northern California had massive fires in the Santa Cruz mountains, Napa, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy.  Literally a ring of fire.

Having a SR in boot camp right now, I am happy to answer any questions that the new moms may have.  Share experiences etc.  I learned a lot from this group and their Sailor's experiences.  I am still learning as they continue to go through their journey with their Sailors. 

Have a beautiful day everyone! Back to work and catching up on class work.

Oh! And I love all the blue candles, they are wonderful! I need to put one together.  Maybe this weekend.