Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Mornings Prayer:

Loving Father thank You for Your gift of joy and for Your fruit of rejoicing. Help me to take all my thoughts captive... especially those doubts and imaginings that are prompted by the enemy to steal the heavenly gift of joy that is mine in Christ. Thank You, Father, that You are worthy of all my praise and that Your joy is a heavenly medicine and spiritual muscle that strengthens my trust and increases my love for You. May I never cease to rejoice in You all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

I am asking if all can pray for the Family that has lost their Son in a Tragedy accident on the Theodore. I was informed Thursday evening about this tragedy and broke my Heart, as I have a Sailor on this Carrier and as Many other families do to. this isn't something we want to hear but it seems like it is happening more and more with our Young Sailors. I cant imagine what this Poor family is going through. so Please send a Blessing to this family who is Heart Broken and lost for words as we never know what goes on in our Loved Ones Minds. Thank You,

Party, I am feeling much better, but always tired.  Trying to get the Yule cards out, Being in a card exchange really helps.  So far I have gotten cards from two FB Navy mom friends, one Scifi fan friend, and my plumber.  I am amused. 

C'smom, while they can see their orders online, they cannot depart without hard copy orders in hand.  They must present them when they check in. They can get in trouble if they lose them. Getting them on a weekend usually is impossible unless it is an emergency, the personnel office keeps business hours. 

I got caught up yesterday from several days' worth of reading, but I was reading it on my tablet and it's hard to comment on everything doing it that way.  But know I'm thinking of you ladies and celebrating the joys and tearing up at the hard times you are all experiencing.  

Shoosh:  so glad you got to hear from your girl and that she said she is in a better place then when she wrote that letter!  You are right!  She does need to express any feelings she might be feeling.  But it's so hard on a mom's heart to read those letters and not be able to physically support them!  So excited for you that she will be home for Christmas!  

Phoenixmom:  my heart breaks for this family and have been praying for them since I heard they were searching for him.  I can't imagine the grief they are feeling!  

I have a question about Facebook.  I only saw one Facebook page for boot camp and beyond and the admin is someone named Natalie.  What is this other one called?  I'm actually probably going to "unjoin" when my sailor finally leaves Great Lakes.  

Katharine: it was so good to hear from you.  So happy that you get to have your sailor home for Christmas!  I can relate to you talking about using more salt.  I often get lightheaded and have actually fallen a few times after getting up.  My doctor told me I have a problem most people would want--low blood pressure.  And she told me to add more salt to my diet.  But that's harder than you think.  Lol!  

Shanny: praying for you as you struggle with your sailor leaving again.  I pray that you can hang on to these moments you do have with your son while he is here, and that you make good memories to hold close to your heart after he leaves again! 

Last night I was struggling! My sailor has a very good friend.  They have been friends since childhood and have grown closer in the last 3 years or so since graduating from high school.  He enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school.  He was one of the first guys my sailor talked to after getting his phone back after graduating.  He is currently in Korea and was expecting to be home for a short visit in January.  He actually is flying home today and will get to join his wife for several days!  His family is close friends of ours, and I've been talking with his mom a lot lately as we share similar experiences (she has two sons in the Air Force). My heart just bursts for her and his wife and the rest of the family.  I saw her post last night that they will have all four boys and their families home for Christmas!  And it just made me cry for joy for her!  But it also made me realize how different my Christmas will be this year.  We won't be getting together with an aunt and uncle that we usually do because of Covid.   I am missing my friends and won't see them because of Covid.  Not sure one of my older son's will make it Christmas day because he lives away from home.  My mom isn't with us this year Aand that will leave a big hole in our day.   And my sailor probably won't make it home.  So, last night, I had a moment of self-pity!  BUT . . . It's a new day!  And I'm counting my blessings because there are so many!  And even though my son won't make it home for Christmas, it would make me so happy if he could just get to A school!  

C'sMom I am not sure what Facebook you are speaking on, I apologize.

Anti M: thanks for explaining that.  Wasn't sure how it worked!  I didn't understand why he is just waiting to leave but doesn't have his orders in hand!  Really praying this is the week he gets to leave, but I know he may end up in PAC Fleet waiting some more.  

Phoenixmom- Good Morning and thank you for our prayer. How are you? It's good to see you on here. I was thinking about you yesterday and I said prayers for you and Bud as well. 

I have been praying for this family as well and can not imagine what they are going thru. It is just so heartbreaking.

My Sailor made it home safely on Sat night and we gave each other a great big hug and he said I missed you mom. Made my heart so happy. But I did give him an extra squeeze for that Sailor's family and was just thankful he made it home safely. Now for some long over do mom to son talks and time together.

Anti M- That is good that you are feeling better. I think we are always tired!! :) 

C'sMom- Good Morning. Big hugs to you. I also count and am thankful for my blessings whether they are big or small. 

I hear you and am praying and thinking of you as well during this time. Hugs!!!!

C'sMom- There's a Navy Boot Camp 101 group that I found.

Natalie's is the only one I know. BBH and LBF may know some more.  :)

Northwoodsmom, There is not a way to prioritize the "Pages." I did feature it under the "Blog" tab so it will show under the "featured" blog posts.

Good morning Ladies

Phoenixmom:  Our family has been praying for this dear family, their son, and the entire crew of the ship. I want to hug every sailor. It is so heartbreaking for his parents and family. 

May God grant each of you a peaceful day and moments of Joy.

Covid PIR Celebration Idea:  For families and recruits it's hard knowing you can't be there for their moment, can't hug their neck so hard they squeak and can't look in their eyes to tell them how much you love them and are so proud of them. 

So, being the "extra" mom that I am, I decided to have signs made (18 x12) with a congratulation message for our son.  I am mailing the signs to family and all his close friends.  They will take a selfie with the sign and we will all text him our pictures on his PIR day.  It's not the same as being there, but he will have no doubt we are all celebrating him!  Of course our family will all be wearing Navy shirts in our pics!  

Thank You WarriorProtector!

Thank You Ellen0502, so glad to see you hear posting, you have been missed! Hoping all is well!

elen0502- Thank you for that. And it's great to see you on here. 

WarriorProtector- That is a great idea!!! I love it.

Phoenixmom- I will try again.

Phoenixmom- I sent you a text just now.

Let me know if you got it or not.  :) 

Good morning everyone!!! 

3 days and then I find out if I have a Sailor! I'm so anxious and excited!  

Shanny - Huge hugs! 

My heart is grieving for the family that lost their Sailor.  Honestly one of my biggest fears.

Partyofseven: So exciting your Sailor is home.  Very happy for you.

Have a wonderful day everyone!  I'll check in a little later.

Yeah for Everyone with Boots in the House!!!!  Yeah for phone calls for others too!  For all those in the “great silence” of ROM & Boot Camp know that many of us are thinking of you & praying for you and your SR’s as well.

Still praying I will be having my baby home for a few days soon too…. His oldest sister text me this morning if he is coming or not … she still hasn’t grasped concept plans change not on our say, but the Navy so just keep praying & hoping.  Plans have been made & ticket bought for it but, I Know it is still a bit iffy.  Not getting hopes up too high & today fighting the Mom “Allergies” & lots of emotions from memories of the past & family that we have lost (yep, looked at a few photo albums from when they were all home & growing up last night too)…

 And the overwhelming Sadness for the lost young sailor & his family in Texas seems more than I can handle today.  My emotions are high with it all as it is for many.  

I dug out the large Christmas tree this weekend we haven’t put up for a good number of years…too many to count & dug in top of garage rafters for lights & a few ornaments as a surprise for him.  Swore my middle daughter to NOT spoil surprise if she talks to him.   We didn’t put too many ornaments on tree as they are priceless memories of years when they were small.  (I gave my oldest daughter all hers a few years back when she got married).  My middle daughters “baby” (dog) has not seen a big tree with lights & ornaments just our little table top that Momma went to using about 8-9yrs or so ago…  Don’t want her deciding anything is a “chewable”…so we hung a few of the special ones up high & lower were generic ornaments.

Momma also hung the Sailor one I ordered on Etsy (& hubby noticed I had his rank on it too & was suitably impressed…Hey!!  This Momma doesn’t skimp on kids ever)… I also had ordered wire anchors with a blue bead I found on Etsy that will eventually go in my kitchen window (ordered for my folks & a dear beloved friend who we call his “other mother” as well).  And picked up 1 of the last 2 anchor ornaments that Target had on Saturday night as one of you dears shared.  

Now what ornament to get the middle is my BIGGEST quandary… And not getting done as Hallmark ended the series she had…Dang it!!!   She states she is missing a few years for some odd reason which makes NO sense but, I will have to look for those at a later date.  I ordered 2020 ornaments on Etsy this year for oldest daughter plus extended family. 

Think I have an “Etsy” problem this year… rofl!!! 

We are trying to support small local artist & business’ this year more than ever.   So many of our dear friends are in that horrible situation of losing everything due to ongoing shut downs.  We may not have a lot but we each can make a bit of a difference for good however we can to help support others. 

AntiM- aww kittens!! Love tiny furbabies…and they do keep one on their toes at all times. Prayers that you continue to get to feeling better and stronger each day.

Shoosh- give that wonderful girl a big hug from me when she gets home.  She is an amazing young woman & I know she is feeling like she has to “be strong” but, expect her to fall a bit apart when she gets home (home is the “safe place” to let it all out. Note: warm homemade cookies Always Help during those times.

C’sMom-Giant Hugs & Prayers for you & your sailor!!  This has surely been an ordeal for both of you.  Praying that it gets resolved soon. 

warriorprotector- What a Fabulous Idea!!!  

May today bring each of you & your family blessings, strength & love.

partyofseven-I am so happy for you that your sailor is home. Enjoy every moment.

warriorprotector-I love the sign and tshirt idea!

shortcake-Yay for you-it sounds like your week is going to end very well.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young sailor.  I cant even imagine.

Update on joining Facebook: I have to provide them with a picture ID to verify my name.  It can be anything from DL to voter ID card.  Did anyone else have to do this?  I just want to be sure this is safe.

proud and grateful- Good Morning and thank you. I thought I had responded when I realized no I had missed your post!! Lol

Have a great day!!!

Shortcake- Good Morning,

It won't be long now. You are in the home stretch. Yay!!! Thank you it has been a long time coming for me to see him!!

NewMilMom- Yay for bringing out the tree and yay for yours coming home to. Thank you. I am very happy as well!! 

I know I get those moments of sadness to, they just come out of now where sometimes it seems. And then hearing about that young Sailor just really gets to you. It's so important for all of our Sailors to know that there is help out there for them and for them to be able to get the help or be able to talk freely to others if they need to!!!

God Bless you to and have a great day!!

DoriBry- Good Morning and thank you. I am to.  :)

Really, that is odd? I have not heard of that before but no one else has said anything about having to do that on fb. Not sure if it's a scam or not!! Has anyone that you know have they joined recently and then maybe they could tell you if they had to do that as well.

Let us know what happens!!

have a great day!!  :)

Phoenixmom- I restarted my phone and sent you another text that said test!! Did you get that one?

Not yet PartyofSeven!

I'm wondering if you received any of my messages?

Hi Everyone!!  

Need a bit of "clarification" saw where they have to have "coyote brown" 100% cotton tee shirts but, when I search for those I get a couple different shades of coyote brown (some lighter some darker)...

Not sure which to order -- oldest daughter wants to order gift so I thought she could do some of the tee shirts but, as finding coyote brown in different shades not sure what to tell her at this point...

Any ideas/help or particular place you get the approved coyote brown shirts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

NewMilMom this was the color.

I seriously didn’t think it would be worse than leaving for boot camp. But this time I had to make the 2 hour drive alone back from the airport. I don’t recommend doing it alone. But I guess that is the way of my life. Cried the whole way home. He wouldn’t hug me said he just couldn’t. And his chief called as he was walking away. If that isn’t the slap in the face that he belongs to them now I don’t know what is. Back to hiding away as I sort through all the stacks of things he left for me to take care of

Doribri:  I didn't have to do that.  I wouldn't give them that information.  Sounds scary to me.  

DoriBry: Do NOT give your photo id on FB.  That has to be a scam!  You should never have to do that for a social media site.  Be careful!  

Hi Shanny I'm so sorry...….this has to be hard for him as well. He will be ok, you have to know that. He is growing up Now Mom and needs to prove to you and himself. That still doesn't make it any easier. If you need to talk I'm here for you!

DoriBry and C'sMom- Thank you. I didn't want to sound all paranoid on here. That's why I suggested she ask if anyone had set up a fb account recently. I was thinking that is was so odd.

So thanks ladies for the back up.  :)

Shanny- Oh Shanny. I know, I know. I am sending you a big hug momma and just let it out.  If you feel like tackling that stuff today that is good. If not tomorrow is a new day.

I don't think we ever get used to them leaving again from when they are home. I still get teary eyed every time, it never fails and it's ok. Just breathe and know that it will be ok.

You will start to feel better when you can start communicating with him again. Just remember those memories and maybe write him a letter to let your feelings out but don't mail it or send it to him!!

Hugs!!!!

Phoenixmom - Thank you for clarification.

Shanny - My heart is hurting for you!  I can't imagine a 2 hour drive home after dropping them off all alone... giant HUGS.  Know he probably wanted to give you a big hug but, felt not allowed.  Not sure if allowed or not but, I imagine mine would have done same.  

Be good to yourself today & the stuff he left can surely wait for another day!   Pamper yourself!!!  Curl up in a blanket & binge watch a movie and/or cry/scream/rant etc... Whatever you feel like doing.  Make a large mug of hot chocolate, coffee or tea or drink of choice & just take care of you!!!   We are here for you!!!!

belovedbyHim - ouch! I've done that in past & it is NOT fun.  sounds like you really tweaked it good.  Rest it and maybe alternate warm & cold compresses to the area ... that always seems to help me.  Take care!!!

beloved byHim- Ouch. I hope you get to feeling better.

DoriBri - Absolutely not!  There are typically 2 questions asked.  When is the PIR date and when did they leave for RTC.  That is it. I hope it's not too late.

There are "I'm a Sailor" calls starting.  Everyone is in a frenzy on the FB group.  Some high tension and stress manifesting in some not so nice conversations.  I decided to stay away for now.

Beloved byHim  - I have been in your shoes, not fun and I wish you a speedy pain free recovery.  

Shanny - I am so sorry you did not get a good-bye hug. I would have felt the same way.  I'm continuing to send you big hugs (although, I know it is not the same).  Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you even from afar.  

PIR January 2021  

Shortcake- Yes keep that phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud. You don't want to miss any calls.

Do not listen when they are going to be all negative and not being nice. I just keep scrolling by and don't even comment or let it get to me. Big hugs to you too!!!

Phoenixmom- Thanks for posting these PIR dates. You rock!!

So while out I like getting Nut Cracker figurines and I came upon a Navy one a Marine one and Army one. Fry's had some and I believe home goods did also.

Phoenixmom- I love the Nut Cracker figures. I have one like this but he is holding an anchor and not the flag. I will have to see if I can find some today at the store. I know things are getting slim out there.  :)

Pheonixmom -  The Nutcrackers are awesome!!!