Had to tell ya....I'm a "trevorsmom" too!  Was so strange to see your screen name.  Yes, he is (was as he is now honorably discharged) my sailor!

I did fine when the box came.  I pulled everything out and checked all his pockets.  I scored $5.00 from one of his pockets.  I thanked him for it in the first letter I sent.  I didn't take anything up to his room though.  My husband had to put his shoes away and I washed the rest.  I didn't put the washed cloths into his room either.  I just haven't been able to go in there.  It like if I don't go in then he is just off visiting friends.  Sounds crazy but makes me feel better.  As far as the Navy shirt, they may have let him keep it.  I believe they issue those in boot camp so maybe.  I haven't heard anything about them not liking them wearing Navy Apparel.  I would think it shows pride in the decision he made to join.  It is all good, he will have plenty of Navy Apparel from now on.

I am doing OK, I have my husband and our 5 little dogs.  I still haven't been able to go upstairs into my son's room.  He will think that is funny.  I am an accountant and keep pretty busy.  Have a lot of support from my friends who don't let me sit and dwell on the fact that I don't have them in the house anymore.  I am just looking forward to seeing him in uniform at graduation.  My daughter will be there as well so it is going to be the best day I have had in a long time. Sounds like you have a full house all the time, you are truly blessed.  I can't wait for us to meet.

It is best to keep everything to themselves.  The less attention the draw to themselves the better.  On the other hand the Company Commanders already know when their birthdays are and will sometimes mess with them just because.  It is all a great big head game. They will make it through just fine.  My best advise is just to sit back, relax and let them experience it all.  It is designed to make them independent but also to work as a team.  I have been through it myself and its not as bad as it seems.  I dare to say I had a good time in boot camp when I wasn't being yelled at and made to do push ups.  Let me tell you I did a lot of push ups. LoL  If my son is anything like me he will too.  It is a good experience and I truly believe that everyone should go through it.  The Military teaches character and good work ethics and it is a great big family.   It is also a secure job in these tough economic times.  I think it was the best decision by son has ever made and the most mature.  I am so proud of him I could burst.  OK, I will get off my soap box now.  Just call me a proud Navy wife and mother. 

We will be flying in from Seattle and my daughter is flying in from Buffalo NY,  I will keep an eye out for the meet and greet and we will be there. My son is set up to go to Machinist Mate "A" School after boot camp.  It is right there in Great Lakes.  Poor baby will be spending his 19th Birthday in Boot Camp only to graduate 3 days later.  How fun for him.