Sierrascrapper--I am just so glad to know he is there! It didn't seem real until I got the call from him. Don't take this the wrong way at all, but I DON'T want to see him come back through that door. That would mean he failed. I am really doing fine today, knowing he got on the plane and is where he needs to be. How are you doing?
My son passed the Nuclear Aptitude Test today with an AWESOME score! I'm so proud of him! The recruiter said that my son gave him faith that our state's education system can still produce smart kids. LOL I was anxious at work all afternoon when I knew he was taking the 2 hour test. He was so thrilled on the phone when he told me how he did. Now it's off to MEPS this weekend!
I totally know what you mean about not wanting to see your son come back through that same door. You are doing a GREAT job proudmomofanewsailor. It's understandable that each day will bring a wave of emotions for you. Both happy and sad. Heck, I feel that way EVERY day for both of my sons (I have twins), especially now that school is out for summer and they will be going through their final year of high school.
I'm sure you've checked out all the videos and info about how the progression of BC goes (I have to admit, being a typical mom, I have already). I don't think I'll worry when my son goes to BC, but I know I will miss him. Today I had a LOT of anxiety at work when I knew he was taking the test, and then I finally calmed myself down about halfway through his test time and focused on my work. I don't know why I was so anxious. I should've known he would do just fine. It's one of those things when you just don't know what to expect that you worry the most. I need to step back more and learn to let them show their true talents.
PS: Jason Mraz sings a song called 93 Million Miles (came out about a year ago). Now, fair warning it WILL make you cry, but I think that you will find that the song will become your motto and strengthen you. It is my theme song for this final year of HS for my boys and for their future. Hope it helps.
Sierrascrapper, I know you are so proud of your son! We do worry so much as moms, don't we? Thank you for being so kind to me. N4M is such an encouraging and loving place for all of us. It really is amazing how much just sharing the same experiences with each other is helping.
Sierrascrapper-I so understand your remark about SR not coming back . I am so proud of my son for his decision. He would be sooooo upset if he did not make it. I would rather he be gone to the Navy for the rest of his career than fail out
Hello, I am so overwhelmed , I first must learn the abv. Michael just graduated Tues and goes to boot Camp in Nov. Does he come back home after or go right to his classes ?
michaelsmom-I am new on here too. I don't think that they come home after boot camp. My son will leave the day after PIR to go to A school. He leaves for boot camp in September
michaels - Only once, maybe twice, per year do the freshly minted sailors come home after boot camp. Those are the ones that graduate just the days prior to Christmas or New Years. All others go straight to their "A" schools. So the best time to go to boot camp is around Oct 27th or so. If he is in the 1st part of November, then he'll be coming home too, but I would bet on it if he's past Nov 8th.
I had my son put into a Christmas PIR (graduation) division in boot camp. He was home for about 2 weeks, then went to his school in Pensacola.
We just dropped my son off to the recruiter's office to go for his physical at MEPS. It's quite a drive up there, so they had to leave today. He should be home tomorrow night. I am a little anxious, but only because I want everything to go all right. So proud of my son making his first real step towards his future! I'll be looking forward to his phone call tomorrow afternoon when they are headed back home.
We have a Seaman Recruit in our family now! My son texted me a couple hours ago to tell us the good news. His ship date is July 1, 2014. Looks like we will be having a grad party and an anchors aweigh party together next summer. It's so strange to think of how definitive it all is now. Even though we have a year, everything that happens in that year is going to have extra special meaning. Whoa, reality is setting in, in a good way with a bit sadness tucked into it.
Sierrascrapper, Congrats!! My son is leaving in October and we have been waiting since December. Make the most of your time together. As we get closer to his ship date we are getting everything in we can as a family. And I have also made a point to have some MotherSon outings just for us (Cubs Game, Bulls Game).
It is bittersweet for sure- I am going to miss him like crazy but I am grateful for the time and special memories we are sharing now :)
Thanks thorgirl17! Congrats to your son too! October will be here before you know it. I know those special bonding moments will mean so much once he's gone to BC and his begins his future in the Navy.
After all the chaos surrounding my son making the decision to join, I'm glad things are mellowing out a bit. I swear I couldn't sleep last week and I couldn't focus at work either. I finally settled down a bit today and could actually function at work. I guess I better get used to feeling that way and work on reigning it in a little.
My son leaves in 145 days, November 4. We started at 6 months and now down to 4 months and 25 days, seems to be going by very fast.. Lots of things for him to do this summer and making plans for him to do all those things seems to make the time fly by faster.
BrentsMom & FLmom, it will come so quick. My son joined last Novemeber and I thought July 31 would never get here. It is now just around the corner. UGH... Last weekend we had his 18th Birthday Party, Graduation and Leaving for BC Party. It was a lot to take in. He was shown a lot of support and will be missed. I just hope you ladies are around in 50 days when I start my melt down.
I thought I was going to cry when he was given his first Challenge Coin. They even have them for Mom's. I was given one as well. Something special I thought I would pass along.
Hang in there Dorothea, FLmom and BrentsMom. You raised up fine young boys who are going to be even better young men serving our country. What kinds of special things are you doing with your future SR? Since we've got a year, I want to make every moment count.
The cakes for his party were amazing . On 1 we had a mini graduation cap and diploma, birthday candles with the number 18 on them and the Navy Emblem. The other cake was a white Sailors Hat... We have in our future beach trips, a day trip to DC and a concert or 2. I am letting him spend a lot of time with his friends. I think in his mind he is helping me get ready for his departure. Do a memory box for him Sierrascrapper, my SR loved it. It even had his blankie in it. I will now include everything from this past weekend and anything he will miss while away.When he is able to come home , he wont feel as if he missed everything. Just an idea.
Dorothea, we will be here for all of our melt downs :) I am sure there will be a few melt downs in our future. Great to have Moms in the same boat to go through this with.
I'm doing ok, few tears this morning. I know it will get easier. Just want to get a letter saying he is ok and I will be fine.my other son and I started to plan our trip up to Great Lakes. That seemed to help both of us. My boys are very close and younger is taking it pretty hard. I appreciate everyone's support! Love this site.
Hang in there CJsmom. Your son is doing alright and PIR will be here before you know it. Good to hear you are making your plans for PIR together with your younger son. Even though my boys have been away from home on trips before, the trip my son made to MEPS for the first time this week made me nervous. First of all, it was an 8hr drive with a recruiter from a neighboring town that I had not met and then just the anxiety of waiting to hear that he is now a future SR. I'm glad we made it through that and it was a good preparation for things to come. I wish there was an EASY button for us Moms to push when the worrying takes over. That way we could feel peace and relax and feel confident that our babies are ok.
Great idea about the memory box Dorothea. I'm a scrapbooker, so I naturally gather things for my scrapbooks all the time. In fact, I've already started looking for papers and embellishments for the Navy. I think I might change it up some for this event in his life.
We had never given our son his SS card until we signed the paperwork to send him to MEPS. He was practicing his signature at the recruiter's office before he signed his SS card and I snapped a pic of him. It was a special moment that I'm so proud to be for. We also took a pic of him in front of the recruiter's office before he left for MEPS, which is now my avatars. Dad was also a sweetheart for getting a pic of my son and I together too. This is going to be one grand adventure!
It's ok BrentsMom, after awhile it seems like it is a lot of different numbers and dates. Your SR will leave right behind mine.. I will keep you posted on my end , if you would like.
Hang in there LLLamaMama3. I hope you guys will still have some special time to spend together before he has to leave. I have to say I'm grateful that my future SR can't get that kind of call since he has to finish HS first. However, he will be leaving 2 weeks after he graduates HS and that is going to be CRAZY dealing with all the emotions of graduation and saying goodbye to my son. Oh man...just thinking about it is tough!
Keep thinking about the FINE YOUNG MAN you raised and what a GREAT sailor he will be representing our country.
Wow, been a whirlwind lately, had sons high school graduation, open house and have decided I dont like the thought of him leaving... :) This last couple weeks have been tough, but this week I feel a little better, I just have to remind myself that when I was young, I moved out of state, (granted its different than joinging the military) but still, I had to go out on my own, and that is exactly what my son is doing, and i could not be happier!!
45 days until my son leaves for boot camp. Trying to hold back the tears and enjoy every day! Big grad party/going away party next week...helps to keep me busy! Love this site and I'm still trying to learn the Navy lingo.
God bless you Navy Seabee Steel Worker Second Class (SW2) Robert Stethem who was killed today by terrorist....This young sailor was only 24 years old... Nov 17th 1961 - June 15th 1985
Our son is leaving for Great Lakes on June 24th, he just turned 19 last week. We also have a 9 year old. Our 9 year old is taking this really hard. He is close to his brother (of course they fight like cats and dogs) but he breaks out in tears at the thought of his brother leaving next week (which of course makes me want to cry)
My SR is leaving in 43 days and he is very close with his 4 year old niece. They are more like brother and sister. My plan is to take my granddaughter with me to MEPS and watch him be sworn in AGAIN before leaving for GL. We are also going to the airport and sit with him until his flight takes off. This way , my granddaughter can see he is just getting on a plane for his 'New Job" and we will see him so when he is done with school. Some parents may think I am crazy to see him off, I think it's crazy not to if you are able. I will be doing the same thing when he leaves GL for his A School. I will be handing him back his cell and Ipad as well as clothes that he can take with him. I can not give these things to him at GL .And he wants me to see him off yet again. I hope this helps some.
Glad to know Susan... I am so happy to know I am NOT alone. I am giving the Navy my heart, I hope they take care of it : ) Because that is what he will be doing .
My son is going down to meps on Monday to sign papers and to swear in. Is this something that parents usually go to? I am planning on going to the swearing in before he goes to BC. Just not sure on this one.
Stormy, I went to MEPS when my son went to sign his papers and be sworn in. My sons girlfriend also went with me, because of construction going on at MEPS they only allowed one person to go in to see the swearing in. I let my sons girlfriend go. I understand that there was about nine people being sworn in that day and only 3 family members was there. I wanted to be involved with everything he went or goes through in this adventure. Hope this helps. He was at the MEPS in Tampa, FL.
Stormy, before my son went to MEPS he was told that he could call me when he knew what time his swearing in would be so that I could be there (about a 1 hour drive). It turned out that the swearing in just happened when his group was ready after all that had to be done (physical, ASVAB, etc), and there was no time to let anyone know. There weren't any family members there. He called to let me know when he was on the way back to our town. Now he says that the ceremony before shipping out is the one for families to attend. Hope that helps.
We didn't go with my son for his first trip to MEPS and swearing into DEP. First of all, our MEPS is 6 hours away! I wanted to go, but the recruiter told us it was no big deal. It was torture knowing my son was so far away and I couldn't be part of this experience. I couldn't think all day at work. I was so thrilled when I finally received his phone call and he told me his BC ship date! We will DEFINITELY be going to MEPS when he ships out for BC...I wouldn't miss that for the world!
Thanks for all your great comments. My son had told me it was no "big dea", but it seams like it would be. I will pass on this first one, but will go for the final one and see him off.
Morning! I read in another group/discussion that before sailors can even start A-school there are 2 required courses (pre-reqs) that have to be finished, and even that doesn't guarantee that A-school can be started. I also, read that these required courses can be done online while being a DEP...I've been looking at different Navy websites all morning. Does anyone know /heard about these courses and what website these courses can be found? My daughter leaves from the Sacramento MEPs to RTC in GL on 7/17/13, She and I both would prefer that she have these done. She does plan on asking her recruiter about it but in the meantime, I thought I would ask all of you! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
Just joined and was approved 6/24/13. My son, Marcus, left June 10 from CA. I got the, "I am here you will receive my box...," call at 2130 hours. His box arrived Thursday, June 13 and his formal detailed letter Saturday, June 22. Unfortunately, I missed his phone call this past Sunday. He was able to get a hold of his Grandmother. I am extremely proud of him and his choice to join the Navy. He along with his fellow Recruits will do just fine know matter how many bumps in the road they might encounter during Boot Camp.
Welcome Proudmomship09div292am! This site is so wonderful, you will find plenty of info here. Keep up your GREAT attitude about your son and hopefully you'll be able to catch his next call to you.
Tomorrow my son Franco will take the ASVAB. Please say a little prayer for him and me too. It's all new to me and I'm learning from all of you. Thank you in advance for you company. Olga
proudmom of PH
Sierrascrapper--I am just so glad to know he is there! It didn't seem real until I got the call from him. Don't take this the wrong way at all, but I DON'T want to see him come back through that door. That would mean he failed. I am really doing fine today, knowing he got on the plane and is where he needs to be. How are you doing?
Jun 6, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
My son passed the Nuclear Aptitude Test today with an AWESOME score! I'm so proud of him! The recruiter said that my son gave him faith that our state's education system can still produce smart kids. LOL I was anxious at work all afternoon when I knew he was taking the 2 hour test. He was so thrilled on the phone when he told me how he did. Now it's off to MEPS this weekend!
Jun 6, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
I totally know what you mean about not wanting to see your son come back through that same door. You are doing a GREAT job proudmomofanewsailor. It's understandable that each day will bring a wave of emotions for you. Both happy and sad. Heck, I feel that way EVERY day for both of my sons (I have twins), especially now that school is out for summer and they will be going through their final year of high school.
I'm sure you've checked out all the videos and info about how the progression of BC goes (I have to admit, being a typical mom, I have already). I don't think I'll worry when my son goes to BC, but I know I will miss him. Today I had a LOT of anxiety at work when I knew he was taking the test, and then I finally calmed myself down about halfway through his test time and focused on my work. I don't know why I was so anxious. I should've known he would do just fine. It's one of those things when you just don't know what to expect that you worry the most. I need to step back more and learn to let them show their true talents.
PS: Jason Mraz sings a song called 93 Million Miles (came out about a year ago). Now, fair warning it WILL make you cry, but I think that you will find that the song will become your motto and strengthen you. It is my theme song for this final year of HS for my boys and for their future. Hope it helps.
Jun 7, 2013
proudmom of PH
Sierrascrapper, I know you are so proud of your son! We do worry so much as moms, don't we? Thank you for being so kind to me. N4M is such an encouraging and loving place for all of us. It really is amazing how much just sharing the same experiences with each other is helping.
Jun 7, 2013
tidefan
Sierrascrapper-I so understand your remark about SR not coming back . I am so proud of my son for his decision. He would be sooooo upset if he did not make it. I would rather he be gone to the Navy for the rest of his career than fail out
Jun 7, 2013
michaelsmom
Hello, I am so overwhelmed , I first must learn the abv. Michael just graduated Tues and goes to boot Camp in Nov. Does he come back home after or go right to his classes ?
Jun 7, 2013
tidefan
michaelsmom-I am new on here too. I don't think that they come home after boot camp. My son will leave the day after PIR to go to A school. He leaves for boot camp in September
Jun 7, 2013
Craig
michaels - Only once, maybe twice, per year do the freshly minted sailors come home after boot camp. Those are the ones that graduate just the days prior to Christmas or New Years. All others go straight to their "A" schools. So the best time to go to boot camp is around Oct 27th or so. If he is in the 1st part of November, then he'll be coming home too, but I would bet on it if he's past Nov 8th.
I had my son put into a Christmas PIR (graduation) division in boot camp. He was home for about 2 weeks, then went to his school in Pensacola.
Jun 7, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 9, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 10, 2013
thorgirl17
Sierrascrapper, Congrats!! My son is leaving in October and we have been waiting since December. Make the most of your time together. As we get closer to his ship date we are getting everything in we can as a family. And I have also made a point to have some MotherSon outings just for us (Cubs Game, Bulls Game).
It is bittersweet for sure- I am going to miss him like crazy but I am grateful for the time and special memories we are sharing now :)
Jun 11, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
After all the chaos surrounding my son making the decision to join, I'm glad things are mellowing out a bit. I swear I couldn't sleep last week and I couldn't focus at work either. I finally settled down a bit today and could actually function at work. I guess I better get used to feeling that way and work on reigning it in a little.
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
How are all the Depper Mom's doing ? Me not so good.50 days and counting..Sigh
Jun 11, 2013
FLmom
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
BrentsMom & FLmom, it will come so quick. My son joined last Novemeber and I thought July 31 would never get here. It is now just around the corner. UGH... Last weekend we had his 18th Birthday Party, Graduation and Leaving for BC Party. It was a lot to take in. He was shown a lot of support and will be missed. I just hope you ladies are around in 50 days when I start my melt down.
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
I thought I was going to cry when he was given his first Challenge Coin. They even have them for Mom's. I was given one as well. Something special I thought I would pass along.
Jun 11, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
The cakes for his party were amazing . On 1 we had a mini graduation cap and diploma, birthday candles with the number 18 on them and the Navy Emblem. The other cake was a white Sailors Hat... We have in our future beach trips, a day trip to DC and a concert or 2. I am letting him spend a lot of time with his friends. I think in his mind he is helping me get ready for his departure. Do a memory box for him Sierrascrapper, my SR loved it. It even had his blankie in it. I will now include everything from this past weekend and anything he will miss while away.When he is able to come home , he wont feel as if he missed everything. Just an idea.
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
Thank goodness he can't read this or he would be saying " Really Mom , you wrote that". lol
Jun 11, 2013
FLmom
Jun 11, 2013
CJsmom
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
How are you doing CJsmom... I think so many of us will be here for ya..
Jun 11, 2013
CJsmom
Jun 11, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 11, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
We had never given our son his SS card until we signed the paperwork to send him to MEPS. He was practicing his signature at the recruiter's office before he signed his SS card and I snapped a pic of him. It was a special moment that I'm so proud to be for. We also took a pic of him in front of the recruiter's office before he left for MEPS, which is now my avatars. Dad was also a sweetheart for getting a pic of my son and I together too. This is going to be one grand adventure!
Jun 11, 2013
Dorothea
It's ok BrentsMom, after awhile it seems like it is a lot of different numbers and dates. Your SR will leave right behind mine.. I will keep you posted on my end , if you would like.
Jun 13, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Hang in there LLLamaMama3. I hope you guys will still have some special time to spend together before he has to leave. I have to say I'm grateful that my future SR can't get that kind of call since he has to finish HS first. However, he will be leaving 2 weeks after he graduates HS and that is going to be CRAZY dealing with all the emotions of graduation and saying goodbye to my son. Oh man...just thinking about it is tough!
Keep thinking about the FINE YOUNG MAN you raised and what a GREAT sailor he will be representing our country.
Jun 13, 2013
jenb
LLLamaMama3, my son is set to leave in Oct, I havent thought of the possiblity that could be sooner... hang in there and enjoy the time you have!
Jun 14, 2013
jenb
Wow, been a whirlwind lately, had sons high school graduation, open house and have decided I dont like the thought of him leaving... :) This last couple weeks have been tough, but this week I feel a little better, I just have to remind myself that when I was young, I moved out of state, (granted its different than joinging the military) but still, I had to go out on my own, and that is exactly what my son is doing, and i could not be happier!!
Jun 14, 2013
Craig
The Navy, and the Flag.
Happy Flag Day !!!
Jun 14, 2013
Lora
Jun 14, 2013
Craig
Jun 15, 2013
kellychoate1
Our son is leaving for Great Lakes on June 24th, he just turned 19 last week. We also have a 9 year old. Our 9 year old is taking this really hard. He is close to his brother (of course they fight like cats and dogs) but he breaks out in tears at the thought of his brother leaving next week (which of course makes me want to cry)
Suggestions?? Breaking my heart!
Jun 17, 2013
Dorothea
Kellychoate1, Hi there,
My SR is leaving in 43 days and he is very close with his 4 year old niece. They are more like brother and sister. My plan is to take my granddaughter with me to MEPS and watch him be sworn in AGAIN before leaving for GL. We are also going to the airport and sit with him until his flight takes off. This way , my granddaughter can see he is just getting on a plane for his 'New Job" and we will see him so when he is done with school. Some parents may think I am crazy to see him off, I think it's crazy not to if you are able. I will be doing the same thing when he leaves GL for his A School. I will be handing him back his cell and Ipad as well as clothes that he can take with him. I can not give these things to him at GL .And he wants me to see him off yet again. I hope this helps some.
Jun 17, 2013
tidefan
Dorothea,I plan on doing both myself. Not crazy just a mom.lol
Jun 17, 2013
Dorothea
Glad to know Susan... I am so happy to know I am NOT alone. I am giving the Navy my heart, I hope they take care of it : ) Because that is what he will be doing .
Jun 17, 2013
Stormy
My son is going down to meps on Monday to sign papers and to swear in. Is this something that parents usually go to? I am planning on going to the swearing in before he goes to BC. Just not sure on this one.
Jun 21, 2013
FLmom
Jun 21, 2013
Cindisue
Stormy, before my son went to MEPS he was told that he could call me when he knew what time his swearing in would be so that I could be there (about a 1 hour drive). It turned out that the swearing in just happened when his group was ready after all that had to be done (physical, ASVAB, etc), and there was no time to let anyone know. There weren't any family members there. He called to let me know when he was on the way back to our town. Now he says that the ceremony before shipping out is the one for families to attend. Hope that helps.
Jun 21, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
We didn't go with my son for his first trip to MEPS and swearing into DEP. First of all, our MEPS is 6 hours away! I wanted to go, but the recruiter told us it was no big deal. It was torture knowing my son was so far away and I couldn't be part of this experience. I couldn't think all day at work. I was so thrilled when I finally received his phone call and he told me his BC ship date! We will DEFINITELY be going to MEPS when he ships out for BC...I wouldn't miss that for the world!
Jun 22, 2013
olga
Hi Sierrascrapper,
I understand the feeling even when my son is not part of the navy yet.
I hope you can go and also, tell us about it as you return. Please share your personal personal experience of this important event in your son's life.
Jun 23, 2013
Stormy
Thanks for all your great comments. My son had told me it was no "big dea", but it seams like it would be. I will pass on this first one, but will go for the final one and see him off.
Jun 23, 2013
d2b2707
Morning! I read in another group/discussion that before sailors can even start A-school there are 2 required courses (pre-reqs) that have to be finished, and even that doesn't guarantee that A-school can be started. I also, read that these required courses can be done online while being a DEP...I've been looking at different Navy websites all morning. Does anyone know /heard about these courses and what website these courses can be found? My daughter leaves from the Sacramento MEPs to RTC in GL on 7/17/13, She and I both would prefer that she have these done. She does plan on asking her recruiter about it but in the meantime, I thought I would ask all of you! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
Jun 23, 2013
thorgirl17
Hi everyone, a very good friend of mine made this for me. So thoughtful :)
Message me if you are interested in one. They are customizable and only $40- what a way to let the world now how proud you are!!
Jun 24, 2013
Proudmomship09div292am
Just joined and was approved 6/24/13. My son, Marcus, left June 10 from CA. I got the, "I am here you will receive my box...," call at 2130 hours. His box arrived Thursday, June 13 and his formal detailed letter Saturday, June 22. Unfortunately, I missed his phone call this past Sunday. He was able to get a hold of his Grandmother. I am extremely proud of him and his choice to join the Navy. He along with his fellow Recruits will do just fine know matter how many bumps in the road they might encounter during Boot Camp.
Jun 24, 2013
Sierrascrapper (ETN2)
Jun 24, 2013
Dorothea
36 days now ....I am doing much better then I thought I would. YAY MOM
Jun 25, 2013
Lora
I'm at 34 days. Nervous and excited all at the same time. Going to be hard....
Jun 25, 2013
olga
Hi ladies,
Tomorrow my son Franco will take the ASVAB. Please say a little prayer for him and me too. It's all new to me and I'm learning from all of you. Thank you in advance for you company. Olga
Jun 25, 2013
mchristian17
Jun 25, 2013