HI Judy, how are you doing?  I'm ok.  So lonely without Nick around. Trying to keep busy, yard work has kept me pretty busy the last few weekends.  Getting nicer here, was 68 out today, woohoo!  How is Ashton doing?  Have you seen him lately?  So jealous you can drive and see your son!!  Sent Nick a box of junk food last week!  Sure he'll be popular in the barracks.  Nick sounds good, didn't do so well on the test last week and now going to the study groups at night.  Another test tomorrow so hoping he does well. Its pretty intense and a lot to learn.  I only talk to Nick on Sundays due to their intense schedule of school, PT, eating, the gym at night and more studying.  He texts me on Wednesdays to let me know he is Ok.  I don't want to put more pressure on him to talk to me during the week so I agreed to Sundays.  Hate it but I know its best for Nick.  How are you doing?  Don't think I am coming down in May, just too much money to spend for a weekend (it would be like $600 -$700 for 3 days) so thinking I will come down for a few extra days in July.  Hoping we can get together then.  Anyway, just wanted to drop a hello.  Take care, Tammy

Hi Judy, I was wondering the same thing about study materials!  Have not heard how test #2 went for Nick.  I think anything that could make it a little easier for our boys to learn the material would help.  If you get any suggestions for things to buy, please let me know.  

Have you been down to the base since Easter?  Your so lucky to live so close.  Hope your well, Tammy

Hi Judy, glad Ashton is doing well. Spoke with Nick on Sundays, our tradition now.  Too crazy and lack of time during the week.  He still says he really likes it, seems happy and upbeat!  He says he has been studying a lot.  Wonder how they did on their test today?  He got a 92 on CPR and a 78 on last week's test.  Least he passed.  I suggested the study groups - he was going to see how he did today and if not satisfied, he'll go to them and change his study habits.  I am really happy with a 78 on his first major Navy test, since he has not done any academics in over a year and hasn't always had the best study habits. Like you said, smart kid, can be laxx ( he told me never to call him that).  Doesn't like to work hard at things and expects things to come easily but thats not life!  Anyway, he has been going off base every weekend which is great, down to the

Riverwalk and in town.  He did finally get the 3 boxes I mailed him, they sat in the mailroom and they never put a note in his mailbox, he had to ask for them, unreal!!!  Is Ashton scheduled to graduate on July 16th, that's Nick's day??  Hope your well, Tammy

Thanks Judy for the info. on the Army Hotel.  Will check it out along with the MWR.  Want to wait a little bit and see how Nick's schedule is and if a visit can be fit in!  He didn't mention a CPR test,  but thats Nick, so layer back, not much emotion over things!  Did Ashton end up rooming with the Sailor from CA we were with at the airport?  Nick's roommate is half way thru the program - I told him to get with him regarding studying, tests, helpful info., etc.  So weird to think they are Sailors!  

Wow, Ashton has already had his first test? Glad he did well.  When did he start school? Nick started last Wed.  Hope he is studying and really committing.  Very worried about the academics and how he will do.  I  miss him so much, its terrible. Trying to find things to do to occupy my time.  Just dusted his room last night, was pretty bad!  Looking for a second job so I keep out of stores and not spend a lot of money.  JetBlue has flights from Boston - Austin - not bad, like $350.  Would come friday - monday.  Did you stay overnight at or near the base?  Do you know what the Army Hotel is called?  Would be great to get together on the Riverwalk, I hear its pretty cool!  

Hi Judy, I never looked on your site for a message.  Sorry!   Just thought it was a crazy time.  Glad your visit went well with Ashton.  Nick seems like he is doing well, happy, and likes it!  He has never been a great one to communicate.  He loves to text though.  I spoke with him on Sunday.  Said he has been studying a lot, first test is tomorrow.  Guess a bunch of them took a cab saturday night to Hooters for dinner, hahaha!  Good for them!  Sure he'll prefer the water park vs. sightseeing.  I've mailed him 3 boxes so far of clothes and stuff he wanted, expensive, cost me almost $100.  I'd love to come down for a visit in May but don't really know what Nick's study schedule will be or if he'll have enough time to make it worth it.  How far are you from Austin?  Southwest does fly from Prov. and Boston to Austin, not San Antonio.  I don't think Nick and Ashton are in the same class? Do you?  Nick said only a few of the guys from his PIR are in his class.  Bummer!   Hope  your well. I am trying to adjust to life without Nick, so hard since he is my only child.  Keep in touch, would love to get together if I come.  Tammy

Hi Judy, how was your visit down to see Ashton this weekend?  I am so jealous!  The base must be huge.  Do they have a Navy Lodge, just curious?  Hope you had fun!  

Tammy