Just got home from Boot Camp Graduation, AKA "PIR" and it was ..... well.... I'm speechless!  We stayed at the Navy Lodge which was not only affordable but comfortable. It's only a mile and a half from the PIR hall and boot camp.  Thanks to great advice from Lala Ribbon Queen we left the hotel early and got parked and seated about an hour and a half before graduation started. Many guests were still arriving just as the ceremony started and they had neither seats nor a good view.  At the…

So it is only 3 1/2 months until K leaves for bc.  Right now I am wondering what do do for her for her birthday and Christmas.  Whatever "things" she gets, she won't be able to enjoy for long before she leaves.  She did request either a massage or a new motorcycle jacket for her birthday.  Now, what to do for Christmas?  I guess I'll just keep on thinking about it.…

Hi all,

This site has been great!

My son has just had his first week at 'A' school at Goose Creek.  I do not know his graduation date, ship name, or any clue as to find out more about his next phase in the Navy.  He was very happy to 'get EM'  his rank changed to FN.  After that I know nothing.  Any other information would be helpful.  It is so fun to talk to him daily now.  But this is all new to both of us.  He is determined to stand on his own and we are very proud of his…

WHERE ARE ALL OF THE PROUD PARENTS ? OUR BABIES ARE GRADUATING !!!!!!!! SEE U IN CHICAGO.....

I was in Chicago all day today at the health expo for the Chicago Marathon.  Didn't cry when we drove past the exit for GL, but I did tear up and get that lump in the throat.  (What is that lump in the throat anyway?)

As SOON as we got home, I went to the mailbox.  There was an envelope with HIS handwriting!  I held it to my heart for a little bit before actually opening it.  My son held this envelope in his hands yesterday and I felt him as I held that envelope.  First thing…

Had a little reality check..... Kate and I liked to watch Jersey Shore together.  So I was catching up on some missed episode and the DVR asked if I wanted to save it / or delete.  For a moment I thought, "Kate would love to see this episode......that's right, she's not here!" Delete Now.  Sigh....

I guess I will just have to fill her in when I write to her :)

~Momma

"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

I've only written one other blog. I had found it easier to deal with my emotions by helping others. It's been 25 days since I've seen my son, been able to hug him, laugh with him, see his smile. I'll get to do that in 35 days, a relatively short amount of time that seems to be forever. I miss him and his letters have helped. I tell other Moms, new ones, ones that are in the same PIR group as mine, to keep their heads up. Today I'm having a hard time doing that. It seems I've ran out of…

I wrote throughout the day yesterday and have letter  number 1 ready to go.  Today my husband and I will head to Chicago for packet pickup for the Chicago marathon on Sunday.  My husband runs marathons. We will drive by the general area of Great Lakes.  I think I'm prepared mentally to do that....we'll see.  

Random things....I took my son off our auto insurance and canceled his December dentist appointment.  Simple administrative things....right?.....both made me cry.…

Today I found a box on my front step.  I was excited at first then realized that is was probably from my daughter.  I recognized the handwriting and it was indeed from her.  I opened the box and had a mess of emotions.  I was excited to see "her" again.  I went through the box and saw tags for her new socks and sneakers.  But it is also disturbing knowing that my girl I sent them was not going to be the girl that I would see in 8 weeks.  I think about her every day and just about every…

Our son arrived at basic training yesterday. Bittersweet day for Mom. I've been told "remember your a Navy Mom now, you have to be strong." I'm strong but first I am a Mom and that is my son so it has been a bit emotional at times. He's wanted this ever since he was a young boy and now it's here, he's living it. We are so proud of him. All the unknowns are what seem to be on my mind. Since he just arrived there in GL yesterday how and when will we find out when his graduation date is? I'd…

As I was driving down my street, I saw the Fed Ex truck parked in front of my house.....hmmmmm what did my husband order?  Did I forget that I had ordered something (fuzzy brain still, so possible)?  It was The Box.  Today is Thursday, he shipped on Tuesday.  I wasn't expecting it so soon.

Oddly, it comforted me.  I've read of others who cried when theirs arrived.  It was nice to see his handwriting on the outside of the box.  And it made me chuckle to see there were no shoes…

Well, He did it!  My son has officially signed up  with the United States Navy and I  need  any and all information anyone would like to share about their experience or more importantly anyone that is involved with the title and description of AIRC.  This may be premature but im finding the more informed I am, the better I feel about the process. 

Thank you in advance for your time!

One proud Mom!

RATINGS, A School Locations and links to Groups Click on this to go to a Discussion by…

These past few days have been a blur.  They all went much too fast and contained so much emotion, I am exhausted. 

Saturday began with my son's girlfriend arriving from college as a surprise.  He thought he had said his final goodbye to her a week earlier.  But we had her get here for his going away party.  I was so touched by how many people stopped by to wish him well and by the overwhelmingly kind words to my son and about my son from friends, church family, former…

Day 3:  It doesn't help that its raining here, and all dark and gloomy - I was already feeling a little on the blue side.  Then, as my husband and I were driving to work, what song pops into my head????  Rainy Days and Monday's by the Carpenters LOL  I had to laugh at the irony, which was good because I needed a good laugh, even if it was at myself.

My son called at 8:55 pm last night - Hi Mom, I'm here (me-Oh good...that was fast)...Yea, you will be getting my box in about…