I have been avoiding this website like the plague because I didn't want to come to the realization that my son Norman leaves for Navy boot camp on Aug 7th (I have visited this site about 3 times since Sept 2012).  I thought I could ready myself since we have known this day was coming but I'm not ready.  Since that day when he was 17 and after months of begging us to sign him into the Navy I have known this day was coming.  How can I let my first born leave, and leave so suddenly…

So excited . got the form today. my boy on SHIP 13 DIV 307...and his PIR on 8/16  cant wait till the day.. miss him so much. but i no he making us proud..  wish i could hear his voice. since i missed his call the other day. 

My son left for boot camp June 12th, I received the box with his belongings about a week later and the form letter last Saturday.  I kept seeing yesterday and today moms blogging about receiving their first real letters and was so sad each day when I didn't have one in my mail.  I pray tonight there will be one tomorrow.  I have never been this disconnected to either of my kids.  It's the hardest thing ever.

My son left for boot camp June 12th, I received the box with his belongings about a week later and the form letter last Saturday.  I kept seeing yesterday and today moms blogging about receiving their first real letters and was so sad each day when I didn't have one in my mail.  I pray tonight there will be one tomorrow.  I have never been this disconnected to either of my kids.  It's the hardest thing ever.

Check out this article about my son Norman and his 4 military bound friends.  It was quite a surprise to find out that this article made the front page above the fold in the paper on Sunday June 16 2013.  Couldn't be more proud of a great group of young men!…

so i am somewhat new to the navy life and my husband is currently stationed overseas. we are all cleared for me to go with him which means we are needing to get all over our things ready. This is his first tour i think it is called?? and i am very lost on how to fill out all the correct forms on this website. I work a full time job so by the time i get the chance to fill out the forms the help line is closed. has anyone on here filled it out and can help me? pretty much i need help from…

We still haven't received the box from the RTC, he arrived on June 20th.  My son wasn't going to send his clothes back, he was just going to donate them.  I've seen a few posts that some have started to arrive.   Did anyone get their address, div, date of graduation...any other information?

Okay, I said yesterday that I got the box but was very disappointed that there wasn't an address in the box.  When do we get the address? :(

When our daughter started this whole adventure I had dreams of documenting every step, every event.  Of posting triumphs and disappointments.  Then reality. I haven't blogged for about a year, I haven't kept in touch with the women/moms I had met through this site.  And I'm sorry about that.

In 5 days she heads to the MEPS holding tank and the next day she'll be at basic.

I'm thankful this time is finally here. There have been so many milestones and "lasts".  Last Bluesfest…

Stopped at Cracker Barrel for "linner" then they (12 in a van) will be on their way to RTC.

I had a restless sleep last night and knew my son would too ... we were texting at 0313.  Lots of <3 and :) and words of encouragement passed between us, and gentle tears (for me at least).  Tyler has been very choked up with his HS friends over the last few days he's been home and dinner last night with one of his closest buddies.  He fully understands that "nothing will ever be the same."…

Once again, I was so excited when I received the form letter on Saturday and knew what to expect.  Although, I was still sad when there wasn't more to it.  The real positive is that we now have his ship number and graduation date.  We have been busy all day trying to figure out air fare, rental car and hotel.  It's so exciting and frustrating all at the same time.  Do we have any of his shp mates blogging?  I guess we start  the countdown to the call at three weeks and our first real…

So, I have never posted a comment on a website before. Ever.  I'm totally impressed with this site and learn something new every time I look at it.  As time allows, I read more posts and get more questions answered.  I'm even getting answers to questions I hadn't thought of yet :)

Until about 2 years ago it's always been just me and my kid (Samantha) and we had been discussing military for several years.  I was encouraging her to go, but made sure she understood it was her choice.  We…