Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Mom2blondies:  check WalMart for lanterns!  They had 4 different style sun different colors and different sizes when I got mine!  I think this one was $17. 

M2B:  I did see that photo of your son's hair...awesome!  Like my daughter said, hair grows back, it's great knowing my hair can put a smile on a child's face!  I'll post pic tonight!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Rustic-Wood-Can...

this is the one I have. It I have a darker finish...  but they have a lot of cool ones

I like this one too!

Mom2blondies,,check out hobby lobby sometimes they are 50 percent off. That's where I found a blue candle also. They have a small display of Navy items.

Is the "I am a sailor" phone call just that or are they given a few minutes to talk?  Just curious

DoriBry: I wish we knew when BattleStations was going to happen for our SR's div.... ahhhhh!  We might not get call, so don't panic!  Right Beloved?

I am one who did not get the call but my son had PIR before he even did BS. More COVID delays. Didn’t hear from him until he was the bus on his way to the airport. 

Love both of those Shanny, much better than what I got. I was trying to stay out of stores but since I have to go drop off the return I'll run into a couple places and see what I can find.  

Uh! The hits just keep coming. First MIL got confirmation that her tumor is stage 4. She joined a treatment trial but her long term prognosis is not good. Then an industry friend passed away from covid yesterday after a month in ICU. And today my DIL grandfather was found unresponsive in his home, he just celebrated his birthday on the 15th, and he messaged me a good morning prayer yesterday morning. They suspect a stroke. I'm not going to tell my SR about any of this though which hurts my heart leaving him in the dark but I don't think this information does him any good at all and he needs to keep his focus on what he is doing. 

DoriBry, my son's was the first to not have parents there for the PIR. He got to call 2 different times. The I'm a Sailor call was about 30 minutes but you can really tell how tired they are  even how pumped they are about passing and getting that Sailor cap. 

mom2blondies - Hugs and love - Sometimes it seems like everything dumps at once. There will be time to tell your son when he is done with BC. 

DoriBry - the "I'm a sailor" call use to be a longer call when my son was in, but now, it is hard to tell. Just know, they may not start the call out like that, so you may have to ask them. 

Carolyn - How are you doing?

Welcome to our new members - I am behind on a lot of things and playing catch up since we have had a lot in our family as well and needed to do some traveling. 

Mom2blondies, prayers being sent for your families. I am so sorry for you all.

Thank you for the responses.  And this may sound silly but I have been careful about scheduling things for this week and next to where I can be near my phone at all times but I was asked to do something for a couple of days to where taking a call is going to be difficult.  I guess I will have to figure it out.  Also, how soon do you hear from you sailor after PIR?  Is that usually when they get their cell phones back?

mom2blondies-I am so sorry and I am praying for you and your family.

Mom2blondies:  I am so sorry the hits just keep coming. So many positive thoughts and hugs coming your way!

(the antenna are on their website so you can always order that way if you see one you like and don’t want to go to the store!)

Argh the lanterns. Not antennas. My phone is stupid or I am. No idea where that came from

DoriBry, please try and do everything you can to take the Sailor call. I know life gets in the way but I am sure if you explain it, the person you might be interupting is going to understand. Just don't want you to regret not taking that call. It's been a long time but I am sure someone knows the area code the phone calls come from.

Northwoodsmom-You are right I will regret missing the call.  If need be I will act first and apologize after.  

If anyone likes documentaries there is one on Netflix called "My Octopus Teacher."  I really enjoyed it. 

I have been trying to get last minute stuff together.  I've had a few breakdowns.  I dread tomorrow but I'm so proud of my son.

Oh Carolyn you are in my prayers tonight. This is probably the toughest part right now but try to think about the remarkable future your son is making for himself. You are a amazing Mom and we will always sacrifice our own happiness for our Childs. Prayers for your aching heart.

Carolyn - We have all been where you are and yes, it is tough!! I held it together for my son but then I called my sister and talked to her since she has two in the military and knew what it felt like. 

Here is a shot of the sign I had made for our friends and family to hold, take a photo and text to our SR on PIR.  It has his intials in the center and his rate logo on the right.  I wish you could see whole thing because it looks amazing!

Here is the swallow wreath I made (the swallow is the symbol for sea service) for Christmas.  I used swallow ornaments my parents gave my sons when they were little, my grandmothers mercury ball ornaments in gold and blue and found an angel swallow that is hanging in the center.

Here is the sketch that one of the SR's drew in my son's letters. It is the RDC telling me my boy (doing pushups in the background) is OK.  My son wrote his letter all around this sketch, I'm framing this!

Warriorprotector-I love the sign and what a great idea to have pics sent to your son's phone.  

A picture of my SR's little sister giving back. Her words: "It makes my heart happy to know that my hair can make a child smile."  She's a keeper! 

warrierprotector and doriBry, I also didn't get the I'm a Sailor call from my son.  He had BS after PIR and the last 4 divisions never got to make calls.  Then I saw on Facebook that those divisions were getting to make calls that weekend, but they were getting in line really early and waiting for hours to talk about 15 minutes.  I kept waiting for my son to call, but he never did.  We knew he graduated because we finally saw his picture and saw him in the video.  I was a bit stressed, but I hung onto No News is Good News!  When he finally called, he said he didn't call earlier because he thought he would get his phone sooner and then he would be able to talk as long as he wanted.  It made sense to me.   He never got his phone for maybe 4 more days.  That was when he finally got to THU (Temporary housing Unit) where he as until he left for A school.  I'm just telling you this because most people get the call, and I'm sure you will, too, but don't panic if you don't!  All is fine unless you hear differently!  

Carolyn, hang in there and I'm sending you BNMHs.  It's kind of a bittersweet time because you are so proud of him, but you are going to miss him like crazy!  Just hug him tight and send him off with love!  

Carolyn:  BNMHs!  Lots of Navy Mom Hugs!!  I remember crying every time I thought of my son leaving the next day. And then driving to the recruitment office...  then having stand there and try to not get emotional when the recruiters were asking me questions and talking to my son for an hour as we waited for the transport van...  bawled as I watched the van pull out of parking lot. We’ve been there and will be here for you!  

DoriBry: Signs were vinyl printed on hard foam core 18x24.  You could just create a sign in word and email to everyone to print out and do the same thing!  The company I work for has a sister sign company so I was able to get at cost.

Carolyn: Big hugs!  I do lots of deep breathing because the feelings just sometimes hit you because of something you see, taste, hear... All of us get it! We understand and are here to help!

M2B:  I'm sorry that you have so much to deal with right now. Prayers.  I think you're smart to hold off and just let him focus on the goal. 

I actually had a talk with my younger son about when he wanted to be contacted (he's active duty) and he decided immediate family no matter what and extended when he was back to his station (since he couldn't come home anyway and he would just be sad and worrying about us). It sounds cold but they have so much to deal with that I think it's a sound decision.

Good night Ladies!  Hugs and prayers for you all... until tomorrow! :)

Good Evening Ladies,

I wasn't able to post earlier!!

warriorprotector, Hey I love the drawing and your daughter looks great with her hair cut and I love the wreath and the sign idea turned out great!! Yes, It's getting closer!! Whoo hoo.  Good Night!!!

DoriBry- I would answer your phone no matter what. I had told my boss and my students when mine was in and had let them know that if the phone rang and it was from Chicago I was answering it!!! Lol It turned out they did get an extra call and he did call.

But as for the I'm a Sailor call I didn't get mine until we were already in Chicago but that was before COVID. So I would just answer anyways!!!  :)

carolyn_ Big hugs to you and just remember to breathe and try not to cry in front of him and I know easier said than done. When I look at my son now I can't believe it's been 3 plus years already that he's been in.

So hang tight, know that we have you, and just love on him and you will be so proud and happy and sad your heart will feel like it's going to burst!!!

Big hugs to you!!!!

M2B- Sorry for everything you are having to go thru!! I will pray for her and your family and continued prayers for all of you!!! Big hugs!!!

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. 

mom2blondies- I had to go back a couple of pages to be able to respond back to you.   :)

I hear you. I wasn't going to take it but then I thought I didn't want to be in school without the added protection. But I still have some friends that won't be taking it either as they don't believe in it. I know we are all praying that we will all be safe when school starts back up full time.

I do know that they have said if you have an reaction to something that's in the vaccine you shouldn't take it but then they said check with your doctor first. My friend's daughter is the same but she has allergies really bad so they are going to find out if she can take it as well!!

Pray about it to and only you can feel ok with your decision. Stay safe and healthy out there as well!!!

Big Hugs to you!!! 

Mom2blondies ~ my heart goes out to you and your family right now. I pray that your mother-in-law isn’t in pain and that hopefully she has more time than expected. I’m so sorry about all of the very unfortunate news of your dear friends and family as well. I hope that your family can find comfort and peace during this time. 

Carolyn, Our son was on delayed enlistment, when he got the call he was leaving it was on a Thurs afternoon, we had to drop him at the hotel Mon night. His firefighter buddies helped him pack but my head was spinning on how we were going to get him moved out of his apt, his stuff home & everything else in 3 days. We had dinner with him before we dropped him off. He was so calm & focused. That really helped. When we dropped him off at the hotel he took off the sweatshirt he'd been wearing to move in & handed it to me. Hugged us & walked around the corner. I did pretty good, had to drive his car 2 hours to our house. It all hit me when I was trying to find places to put the stuff that came home & came across his cribbage board. He took it everywhere, on the bus to games, to college in case he came across someone who liked to play, every shift at the station.  I continue to be surprised how it sneaks up on me. If your son wants to serve in this way than he's an outstanding individual. Obviously raised by an outstanding Mom. :) It will be hard, but you'll get thru it. Thinking about you tonight. 

Shanny-was confused for a second about the antennas, haha!

To stay busy today I went on a mission for a lantern. Kohl's, Marshall's, Michael's, Ross and JoAnn's and nothing!! Broke down and went to WalMart and found the ones Shanny posted and ended up with this one. I got the rope at Michael's because I thought it would add a little something and I'm happy with it. Thanks for the WalMart tip although it was super stressful in there. I told my hubby it was like playing PacMan trying to avoid all of the people....and some workers weren't wearing masks so I'd back out of aisles and go down other ones. 

I appreciate all of your positive thoughts and prayers!! Then tonight I get a message from my friend's that they had to euthanize their dog today. When he was young they asked me to be his doggy God-mother, he was their only pet and their kids are grown and gone. I know their hearts are hurting so much tonight. 

Partyofseven-please keep me posted on how you feel after the 2nd vaccine, that is the one I'm nervous about. I get myself to the point where I'm ready to make an appointment then I chicken out. I really don't see any way else out of this pandemic other than through mass vaccination it's just a little nervous making to among the first ones. 

Carolyn, you will be in my thoughts. The anticipation is almost worse than once they have left. I did really well staying in the moment so we could enjoy his last day together. The next day I did his laundry and cleaned his room, it was quite cathartic for me although I know others can't bring themselves to enter their SR room for awhile. The tears would sneak up for the next few days then maybe once a week and now much less often. Getting through the first month of no letters or calls was the hardest. Just know you are not alone, we've all been there and will be here for you. 

Carolyn -- How are you doing today? Roller coaster emotions are normal for this time! We are here to be your anchor as you ride out the storm and gain your sea legs!

Anti M-- Yes Movie Loki is good looking and of all the “Villains” Loki is my favorite!! I agree 100% that in both MCU and Norse lore Loki isn’t the guy you want to rely on to have your back! 

partyofseven-- Remind us what state you are in again? 

Warriorprotector- Did you get the signs mailed or did you realize that the post office was closed Monday? Hopefully they make it on time. Just 2 more Days!!! 

DoriBry-- It’s not really called that. That is just the mane we use to distinguish it from the “I’m here” call or any other call. They usually make it the week of PIR And most often right after BS21. They can talk for a while but most are super tired and don’t stay on super long. They also know they will be moving on from BC and getting their phones back so if they don’t talk long they may be thinking they can visit then. They do NOT get their phones till they are Moved off of RTC and on to their A school or into THU on the A school side. NEVER on the BC side so it can be a day or a month!
I watched that Documentary too and enjoyed it. 

mom2blondies-- I’m so sorry!! That is just a lot to take on and add that your Sailor is gone and WOW! I’m so deeply sorry! When is your SR due to PIR?

I'll try and get caught up later.  Big doings here!!

Ugh, waiting for daylight so I can go out and look at the roof.  Downslope winds all night, gusts over 65 mph, and lots of stuff blowing around.  I have dashed out to grab my metal stars a couple times, but not all of them.  Power on and off.  I got a few hours of sleep, but the noise keeps me unsettled.  We have a large mountain range directly to the eat, usually the wind is from the north or south. Sometimes it roars in down the mountains and really picks up speed.  You can hear the gusts coming, then feel them hit.  My roof is making odd noises, so that's concerning.  

Anti M - Sending  my love and prayers for you! I know how devastating high winds can be. 

BelovedbyHIm - we are glad that things are "happening" at your house, I am hopeful that it is all good things and keeping you busy and employed!

Good Morning Ladies and welcome to all of our new moms and dads.

We are glad you are here. Let us know how you are doing and if you have any questions please ask.

I have a Mac computer from work that they gave me, so I am getting used to this. Lol I have been using my home computer so I'm still on the fence about this one!!!

BBH- Good Morning, it's good to see you on here. How's the job going and did you decide which one you are taking?

I am in Az. So all the school districts will be getting ready in the next couple of weeks. We have had one charter school that stayed open in person this whole time and saying they didn't have any cases which wasn't true!!

We were told no more on line schooling so I either went with my district or I look for another job. For the parents that continue to keep their children home they will have a different schedule and one teacher will be the teacher for all online students.

Don't get me wrong I totally get it. The kids need to be in school and I have been servicing 15 of my students since November I want to say but I was praying that we could hold off until spring break at least to see if our numbers would be finally coming down. 

Have a great day!!!

Anti M- Good Morning and I am sorry that you are going thru that. The winds can be pretty bad here at times and your right all the noises that it makes can be concerning. Prayers for everything to be where it's suppose to be!!!

Good Morning Chipmunk.

Good Morning to all the other ladies.

Another day closer for you ladies to PIR. This week will fly by!!

M2B- Good Morning and I will. I have to get it the first week of Feb. Continued prayers for you and your family!!! Big Hugs!!

Katharine- Continued prayers for you and your family too. Big hugs!!!

Morning everyone!!!  I hope everyone is doing well this morning!

Carolyn:  just wanted to check in and let you know we are thinking of you and your recruit today!  Sending BNMHs for you both!

mom2blondies:  I am not a fan of Walmart in general...  but when I went looking for lanterns, they were the only ones I found that were reasonable in price and the size I wanted...  found them online, then went and looked in person...  if I have to go in there it is with a purpose and go straight to what I want and get out!!  Glad you found something you liked!   

Good morning!

9 days until my SR has PIR! Single digits Dorybry and G&P!

Beloved: I mailed them UPS to guarantee arrival before PIR, they were open.  Whew! :) Question, I posted pics yesterday and now they are all gone...nothing that would be considered non compliant.  Did I do it wrong? TX.

Have a good day everyone!  Hang in there Carolyn!

warriorprotector - I am not sure about the pictures. I read messages in my email feed so I didn't get on here to look at the pics yet. If a site admin removed them, they usually will send you a PM to let you know why. Iprimarily post pictures either in just my PM to friends or on my profile page so I am not sure. 

Anti M - Hope the high winds have passed and you didn't sustain any damage. We had high wind last week and was reminded how devastating it can be.

Carolyn - Your family be in my thoughts. Hope today goes smoothly. 

partyofseven - Thru this whole pandemic have been thankful for all of you working with our kids. I have several family members and friends who are teachers and have seen how hard everyone is working to make things as good as possible for their students.  Just know you are appreciated and the work you do has not gone unnoticed. 

Have a great Tuesday (that feels like a Monday) everyone!

Good Morning All, Hope you all had a Fabulous weekend and are doing well today! we have some much needed rain here in Phoenix, probably all week it seems and snow up North!

Made 24 doz. of tamales this weekend, It was fun and nice had a team prep going on so it wasn't to bad. Just a Busy weekend for me is all but It is all good that is how I like it, cant slow down because If I do I may not speed it up again LOL! My  Grandson complains, that I am always busy. He tells me I need to rest. LOL! He  may be right but I don't see it!

Hope you all have a Great rest of your week!

Mrs. Anti M I hope all is well with the House, I know how frustrating it can be with one thing after another happening. Stay safe!

Morning Prayer:

Praise God, thank you for giving us another day of life. Thank you for pouring out blessings all around us. May our heart's be rejoicing in everything we do today. I am grateful, happy, and blessed. Help me to be a blessing to others, so they can experience your love. Amen.

Anti M: Hope you don't have any damage!