Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

BelovedbyHim:  my son was told earlier this week to get a haircut lol he got one the day before he went to his duty station after leave. So a month ago. But I guess he had a piece of hair that was touching his ear lol but he has always had it in a “military fade” since he was about 12. Until senior year. Then he refused to cut it because the wrestling team was all growing their hair out. He rocked a surfer style until COVID. Then a friend said he would give him a mullet. It was terrifying and we buzzed it off it was so bad. 

AgnesB:  I could go broke buying everything I want on ETSY!  

BelovedbyHim:  USAA is outrageous for some reason. But I think it is because he has to have Michigan No Fault insurance. They won’t insure to an FPO address and he lives on ship. I may have to put his car on mine which means he will have to add my name to the registration. Such a mess 

I should clarify, Michigan is a No Fault state so our rates are a lot higher. Add that he is 19 and they would be insuring him alone. Then he has has to have full coverage because he has a loan. It is all a huge mess. But his insurance for one car through them is more than I pay for my car with full coverage and his truck with basic liability insurance

I do a lot of looking for gift ideas. Do a lot of "save for later". When I review what I have saved often realize I was saving more for me! I did well on Etsy for Christmas this year (just always have to scrutinize the cart for extra things that I put there in a weak moment)

I bought my favorite Navy face mask on Etsy!  And a couple T-shirts...  and just bought a bracelet. But I saw another bracelet I want and another shirt, and a couple more masks and my BC anchor I had in my cart but never bought lol 

I think we are going to put him on mine and have him change it over once he has the vehicle in VA with him. The dealership is checking to see if they can just do VA but his address is an FPO so they don’t know. If it is Michigan tax and license and registration the dealership pays it. They also gave him a military discount on the purchase and gave me an employee discount for it too even though I don’t work there anymore. 

Oh Shanny, I despise car shopping so much! And that is without the insurance issue you are dealing with. I'd say this is his issue to figure out but I know how hard it is as a mom to not help them when they are in over their heads with their limited life experience. I know he will be learning from this though. You are making me want to go browse etsy again! 

AgnesB-my SR said he actually IS waking up every morning at 4:30am waiting for everyone else to get up!! I think he is still on CA time.  He was working 96 hour shifts and would be awakened for calls multiple times a night so for him 5-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep feels like a lot. 

About the hair.....he had really long hair most of his childhood/teen years. He'd grow it then cut and donate it and grow it again. He had the most gorgeous thick, curly blond hair and it really became a part of his identity. When he was 16 he was just getting involved in the fire service and had to decide on keeping his hair or pursuing his career as they would not allow him to do ride-a-longs or volunteer at community events with his hair even though he was permitted work out and volunteer outside of the public eye with his hair as long as it was up in a bun as the girls did.  Once it was gone, he has kept it buzzed. 

Hey Partyofseven - Yes, it has been a busy day with family. 

AgnesB - my sailor was a wrestler as well. I am surprised though that the team was wearing their hair long. My son liked to keep his short for wresting and then for the swim team. One of his best friends was a young lady who wrestled. She had to keep her hair up in a ponytail because of the dangers of getting her hair pulled in a hold and hurting herself. 

Chipmunk:  my son had a girl on his team that never actually wrestled. She would dress out and if the other team didn’t have a wrestler at 103 lbs, she would go out and take the win. She had to wear like a swim cap looking thing. It was required 

Sorry Ladies just been busy all day, my daughter (non military) came home with her husband to watch our Packers defeat the Rams. I was cooking all day, I haven't seen her since before New year's. Like that really wasn't that long ago but it felt that way. Hope you all are enjoying your Saturday!

Trying to post but it never works from my phone. My son leaves Wednesday for quarantine then on to BC. I read on here a lot and several of you ladies have really helped me. 

Northwoodsmom: GO PACK GO!!! My son & I are huge Packers fans. Hubs likes the cowboys(bless him) & daughter likes the Chiefs (she really has no clue on football she just likes Mahomes)

Hi Carolyn!!!  

you are so wrong!  Go Lions!!!  I sure do like an underdog! 

Hi Shanny!!! I usually like an underdog too but I sure do love those Packers!! 

Hey Carolyn and welcome,

It is good to see you on here. I'm not sure if I got to welcome you or not.  :) I try to welcome the new moms as well!!!

How's it going?

We are Packer fans too and the game was good today. Who are you going for in Bills vs. Ravens game? My family is big Bills fans so we are rooting for them!! 

Is everything ready for your son before he heads off to bc? 

Northwoodsmom- Hey, It sounds like you had a good day. I am glad!!

We love the Packers as well!!! It's been a good day here as well!!

Carolyn-- I just left a link to my blog on your page.  I'm hoping you had already read it  but just in case I wanted to encourage you to do so before your SR Leaves.  Pay special note to the part about leaving each other notes and/or voicemail.  Remind him that it will be about 5ish weeks from the time he leaves till he gets your first letter!! Sneak a not to him in his bible or the book he's taking for ROM!! (Just make sure he knows not to pack that item in the "Box")

I'm doing an Amethyst Loki.  I have repainted quite a few, some have subtle highlights, some over the top (like Frost Giant Loki). I get the loose action figures on ebay.  My nephew began it all by getting me a custom made Agent of Asgard Loki figure, which is based on the comics. 

Here's the ones I already have done:

If anyone is hugely nerdy, please ask about the Lokis.... 

Anti M- Oh my gosh!! Those are awesome!! My boys would love them!!  I would take them to the comic book store when they were younger and they would get the action figures that they wanted.

They would have loved to have been able to paint them. They still have them all which is pretty neat!!

BBH- Thank you, I had to go the bathroom!! lol

My SR wrestled in high school with his long hair and had to wear one of those swim cap things. It did not do a good job of containing his crazy hair  no matter how we arranged it in that cap, haha! He did jiu jitsu with his hair too, definitely not ideal for either of those activities!! 

Welcome Carolyn, we are all here for you. Everyone handles this journey differently but just want you to know if you need encouragement, a Big Navy Hug or just to have someone who understands to talk to we are here. Beside we already have something in common, We are both Packer Fans. God Bless you on this journey.

Mom2blondies - Your son's hair is wavier than my youngest. He keeps his in a ponytail for regular TaeKwonDo practice and during testing he braids it. His is long and blond also. My oldest daughter told him to start rinsing it with Apple Cider Vinegar to help with the frizzing.

Anti M - I think my sailor and his gf would enjoy seeing the action figures. I will show them. 

Carolyn - Good to see you posting over here. My hubby is a Chief's fan and youngest a Bills fan. 

Northwoodsmom - family time for us also!! 

Everyone have a Good Evening!

My husband was rooting for the Packers since the Rams beat the Seahawks. I suggested we could move the Seahawk totem pole out of the family room now they are no longer in it. That was met with stony silence. I had also suggested my oldest son take it with him now that he's living in the heart of Seahawk country. His fiancee said they did NOT have room. Smart girl!

Oh Chipmunk, the crazy thing was he has silky, straight hair the first 2 times he grew it out and donated it. The 3rd time it grew in like this!! It was definitely a learning curve on how to take care of it as it was so thick! I discovered that he could not use shampoo regularly, maybe once a month. He started washing his hair with conditioner (Alba coconut milk)  and that helped tremendously with the frizz. He also could not brush it or it would be a huge afro. He would braid it at night if he showered before bed. That hair was a LOT of work! 

I work in insurance and it is really difficult to insure a young driver on their own, and really expensive. We have companies that won't even write them that age. You might talk to your agent and see if he gets a break if they move him off your policy, some of ours will do that. We did have to move a young man off his parent's policy due to poor driving choices on his part. He ended up going with Allstate and the rates weren't horrible compared to some other companies. They also offered a discount to first responders and military. I don't know if they still do, our office doesn't use them anymore. They rates weren't very competitive overall for our area. 

Belovedbyhim: I think I have read everything on this page multiple times. Shanny & Chipmunk have been tons of help when I email them.  I can't get my comments to post from my phone 99% of the time. Lucky day today I guess for a few posts because it quit working again and now I'm on the laptop.  Reading through everyone's posts has helped me so much.  This is one of the hardest things I've ever been through but I am so proud of our son.  My husband has caught lots of my tears. I try not to cry around our son because I don't want to upset him but I promise when we drop him off at the hotel Tuesday it will be ugly crying on my part for sure. He's never been away from home. Just have to pray everything we have taught him sticks with him when we are not around. He's a good kid and I know we did the best we knew how to raise him in a Godly home and with morals.  

partyofseven: Thanks for the welcome.  I've been on here for months reading.  I think we have everything ready. I tend to overpack so I'm trying to follow rules and just keep telling myself he can get stuff at Nex if he needs something. I have to let him grow up but man its hard to turn off that mama bear taking care of her cub switch.  The Ravens/Bills game really doesn't matter to me. I just want the Saints to beat the Bucs :))

AgnesB- I love that comment about moving the totem pole out and your son's fiancée is smart. Lol

I found that out when mine got his car. It was cheaper to have him on my policy since he's a young driver as well. 

So far so good so we will see.   

It's good to see you post on here.  :)

It has mostly been his choice. He wants to do everything himself. I told him that this may be one time he needs to let me help for a few months then maybe change his registration and then insurance. I have always helped with and handled these things. But he is set on doing it all alone. 

Carolyn- I hear you and know what you are talking about. When mine went in it was the same he was my youngest and had never been away from home. It definitely will be a roller coaster ride of emotions and let those tears flow. You will cry for the first couple of days and that's ok. 

After a bit it does get a little easier and you do get stronger. I always say that we are learning as they are while they are in bc.

What BBH said about the note that's what mine and I did. So when we would miss each other we would read our note to each other. He told me later that my note helped him so much as he was going thru bc. It is a good thing to write one.

Another thing I did was write him twice a day once in the morning and once at night I think it was more to help me than him!!! lol But it did the trick. Also, staying busy is the key it really does help!! 

Sorry that your comments aren't posting right. The laptop is much better I think. Also you can log in and out of this site and try re starting your phone and see if that works.  :)

That's the part that is the hardest letting them go. Big Hugs to you!!!

Right? Me to. Now that will be a good game!!!

That's awesome he wants to handle the insurance. If you end up putting him on yours he could always pay for it. That way you or your agent can walk him thru coverages so when he does jump off he understands how it works better. We do have one family where we have quoted their post h.s. age kids on their own. The family keeps them on their policy a bit until they get established & requests they put the difference in insurance cost in an account for car maintenance/regstration etc. I don't know how well it works, but sounds good. We on the other hand have not been that organized with our boys! 

AgnesB:  he said if it makes more sense to put the car on mine he will transfer the money directly into my bank account each month. I just don’t understand the idea of the fact this car will not be in Michigan. We aren’t even driving it down. The dealership is shipping it down to him. So it will be in VA and may never be driven to Michigan because I don’t think he will want to make that drive alone. And will end up flying but I could be wrong. We are one of the highest cost state for insurance. and the car will not even be here but he has to insure here

Carolyn, I know how impossible it feels right now, I remember it well. I remember when he finally made the decision to enlist I couldn't look at him without tears just flowing. No matter how hard I tried for several weeks my eyes would just leak at the sight of him. Then I pulled myself together because I didn't want to 'ruin' the time we had before he left. I'd have my meltdowns while he was at work so no chance of him seeing me upset. We had an amazing day the day we dropped him off and I remained 'mostly' composed during the hug before we left....then for several days after it was rough and then it gradually got easier. Of course I still think of him all day, every day but I keep a running journal style letter to him so it is like I'm talking to him each day. I remember asking myself "How, how will I do this?" but we do, we do it because we love them and we do it because they deserve to do this for themselves. I started leaning on the motto "No news is good news" and "He isn't doing this to me, he's doing this for himself." Those got me through the worst of it.....as well as the ladies here. There is something very comforting in knowing you aren't crazy for feeling so much.......everyone processes in their own way but we all feel it. 

Shanny, I don't understand all the military ramifications with insurance, maybe has something to do with your address being his home state. 

Evening Everyone!  I haven't been on...pets & horse time mostly today.  dh & I split a cheese pizza I picked up on way home from a bit of time in the dang 90+ degree heat with my horse. Having him so far from home again is a major pain but, he is in a great place with friends so Momma gonna just deal with the long drive each way again...

Then got a call from dear friend her husband has throat cancer. Had surgery December and getting stronger so that is good. She has her hands full as lives in middle of nowwhere Utah and also caring for her 2 elderly parents.  Her mom & dad suffering from alzheimers & dementia... They set up a little cabin on property for her folks as their house too dangerous with multi-levels & stairs.  She has a bit of help with her younger sister now living with them mostly to help but, she is also a bit of a melodrama too... I haven't spoken to her or seen her in a few years (life happened) so we talked for a while.  I did text my sailor to let him know about the cancer as he spent a lot of time with them & their horses growing up...actually she is who taught him to care for horses & ride.  He spent lots of weekends with them & even cared for their place & animals sometimes when they'd be gone on weekends. 

Baked one of my special Bailey's chocolate cakes which I'll put a Bailey's chocolate gnache on for a bonfire birthday potluck for 2 friends & trail riding partners.  We will do a trail ride in morning then do a socially distance potluck supper & cake with a small bonfire.  I have disposable silverware & napkins in individual packages for each.  Was going to do mini-bundt cakes but, easier to transport a sheet cake so did a 9x13 pan cake... Not sure what else I want to take since we are riding in morning.  May just pick up chicken & salad to take for the supper part...not close to home so we shall see what I can rustle up in their little community.   Just wish we hadn't skipped Spring weather... We went from winter to summer in 1 day...NOT nice.  Someone said we may get rain middle of week...wait & see.

Shanny - oh my stars on the car & insurance...our sailor bought his car Jan. 2019 & it is on our insurance.  He looked at USAA & it will cost a lot more with less coverage than him on ours.  And his Dad is on the car note as co-signer at this point so we can have it on our insurance.  We may leave it for now since he is just starting out in this process. 

Carolyn - Welcome! I was a total basket case when my sailor left but, not in front of him or dh & dd... None of them would have handled it & wouldn't understand the "Momma" falling apart.  Dropping him off at the recruiter office was one of the hardest moments in my life! watching him walk away with just a black backpack on him was rough. I won't lie I wanted to run and scream NOOOOO ... get back in car we aren't doing this.

I was very silent on the drive home & at least for once my dh didn't try to talk at me... I drove home & dropped dh off telling him I needed to get somethings for supper at grocery & just drove for a while and cried and cried and cried until I couldn't see well enough to drive & I pulled over just to cry more...

The first week he was gone my poor co-worker basically just had to watch me break down & cry continually.  I'd take long showers crying ... 

I found this wonderful place with caring, supportive Moms who understood & accepted me in with BNMH. The information & support is what held me up & when we finally got the form letter I just hugged it soo hard.  And promptly started mailing the letters/notes/ encouraging quotes/picture collages to him.  Always mindful of keeping it all positive.

Mom2blondies-- I'm Jealous of his curls!!!!

Anti M-- Was that a low key way to get us to notice Loki??  He's funny but not my favorite character! He does remind me most of most people... Capable of great evil but really wanting to be on the side of good while messing up every time!!!

Oh and to clarify for all the new  moms... my sailor is now in A school... if he was at boot camp I'd have not told him about our friends cancer.  

Always keep it positive. 

We had also discussed if something were to happen to immediate family (dh, his sisters or I) that we would not notify him at that time.  That is option through red cross but,  we had decided before he left his we would handle it.  For him we felt that best. But that is something that should be decided before they head to BC by each of us individually. 

AntiM - my oldest and sailor would like your Loki collection... right up their alley...

I'm very thankful I found this group.  Everyone helps me feel a little less crazy for all the roller-coaster emotions I've had going on. ❤❤

Good Morning everyone

Welcome Carolyn!  Yes, this group has been a blessing for me as well.  

Warriorprotector-How many more days?  I need the daily countdown

Good Morning ladies and dads and welcome to our group. We are so glad that you are here. 

DoriBry- Good Morning, Another day closer to PIR. Not exactly sure on your count. I don't want to say the wrong count. :) 

Carolyn- Good Morning, You are very welcome.  Tbis is a great place to come and cry and or vent. We are here for you. 

God Bless and have a great Sonday everyone!!!!

Beloved, the MCU Loki is quite different than the Norse lore Loki.  He's a trickster, but hates hypocrisy and sees that you get what is coming to you, good or bad. There's evidence that when the monks put down the oral history, they cast Loki as evil because there was no Satan figure. They were just framing the mythology in the Christian reference they understood.  It's likely no one actually worshipped him, he was just a supernatural being.  Like the friend who could do cool stuff with while skipping school, but you shouldn't trust to back up your story when you get caught. (I've been reading, can you  tell?)

The movie Loki, is dashing though, yes?

Good Monday morning Ladies, trying to jog my memory to no avail, is there a PIR this week. Prayers to all of you waiting for that call if there is, may this week go swiftly for you!

Good Morning to all of our new moms and dads,

Welcome to our group. We are glad you are here. I know some of you have posted, we had some new people join over the weekend. Please come and introduce yourselves when you are ready. 

No question is ever dumb and someone will answer you!!! Keep those phones on you at all times and those ringers on loud you just never know if a call will come thru or not!!!

Keep writing those letters. I'm glad the letters have been coming in. Whoo Hoo

Northwoodsmom- Good Morning and yes there is a PIR this week!!! :) Hope you are doing well. Is your brother home yet? How is little Hunter doing?

Since our Governor has decided that he will not pay for virtual schooling anymore and the vaccine is here we are going back to regular school on Feb 8th whether we want to or not!!

I had been on the fence about this vaccine since we have never had the flu shot and have been ok with it. I was not comfortable being with all of our students again to be honest so I went and got my first shot. So far I have felt ok, my arm being sore, and a little runny nose but that's it. Our numbers are still outrageous and our Governor doesn't seem to care about it. Prayers are always appreciated!!!

Allright ladies for those of you that have PIR coming up. Another day closer!!

warriorprotector, LBF Good Morning how are we today?

For our new moms how is everything going? Just checking in to see how you are!!!

God Bless and let us not forget what this day is all about!!!

Good Morning Ladies!  I haven't had time to read posts this weekend!  Ahhhh!  

DoriBry, Proud&Grateful:  We only have 10 days until PIR!

My daughter and I volunteer at a shelter for families, we were overnight hosts on Friday.  Then on Saturday my daughter donated 10 inches of her hair to Wigs4Kids (they don't charge families for the wigs).  On Sunday we boxed up all our signs and I'm mailing them at lunch today.  Can't wait for our SR to be surprised with all the photos with our signs on PIR!  I'll try to post pics tonight!

Party!  Doing well!  Still didn't get my Christmas stuff down.  Oh well!  Was too busy getting other things done!  Love the bible verse!

Have an Awesome day!  

Shanny, DoriBry and Beloved: I had to go back 11 pages to catch up!  Yes, he was in the rope pulling picture.  My hubby saved it for me!  I also got another letter this weekend.  I love those letters!  DoriBry, I will post pics tonight, I had to edit them so his rate logo and initials aren't visible...wish you could see the whole thing it came out really cool!  He's going to be thrilled!

My Monday started as usual, 6:30am alarm, let dogs out to potty, start getting ready for work then my manager calls and tells me the Dr. I was scheduled to work with today isn't working today! Can't remember the last time I didn't work on a Monday but I climbed back in bed with my pup! 

I got most of my candle/lantern stuff from Amazon and the lantern was very disappointing, very cheaply constructed especially for what I paid so I'll return it and keep looking. Plus the candle I ordered said it was 4" and is actually 7" so won't fit in it and it's harder to find a blue candle than it is to find a lantern. At least now I have something to do on my unexpected day off. 

Partyofseven-I'm still debating on the vaccine myself. I am considered phase 1a even though I work in animal medicine and several of my co-workers have already gotten it. I have never had a flu shot either and have a horrible reaction to tetanus shots so I'm a little scared. 

warriorprotector-my son always donated his to Wigs4Kids for that exact reason. When we started researching places to donate we wanted to make sure they were donating the wigs to kids.