Our son's PIR is the day before Thanksgiving, 11/23. It looks like we will be able to spend the day with him on Thanksgiving Day 11/24. We will be staying at the Springhill Suites in Waukegan. Does anyone know what restaurants in that area will be serving Thanksgiving lunch/dinner? Please advise, we would like to take our son out to celebrate his special occasion, and of course, the special time we will spend together!

I didn't get a letter this week, but that's ok. I figure no news is good news. We are on the down hill slide with BC. When my SR left I thought it would take forever to feel this way. I can't wait to leave for PIR, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I hope my SR (and yours) can too. Go 02/903!!

Is anyone on here familiar with the Waukegan area? I have booked a room there for my son's Nov 23rd PIR and I am wondering if it is a good area to stay in (safety/cleanliness/etc)....PLEASE ADVISE! Thanks :-)

I can't wait to see my son 4 more days to fly out and 5 more days to HUG my Baby this is the first time in life my son been away from me he turned 18yrs old in booth camp so literally I'm gonna have a new man, a man in uniform my new Adult :))

I wanted to know how the reservists work. Do they get to come home right after A-school is finished since their only in the reserves? I really hope so. All this waiting is so depressing but i know it'll be worth it! I couldn't be any prouder of my boyfriend for choosing to join the military. It would be nice to talk with other people who are in the same position! Or who have son's/daughters in the reserves. My boyfriend is…

I have some questions that i would appreciate being answered. My boyfriend just graduated basic training and is now going to A-school. This is all new to me so i'm just curious about everything.

1. Do they get to come home for the holidays?…

WOW, this day has always meant so much to me! For one I am free and there are so many men and women out there that have made this possible. We take our freedomsfor granted everyday that we complain about the simple things. Our Military has made this country the most awesome place to live. I have a Dad who served, a wonderful husband of 23 years that served for 8 years, and now my son just left on Wed. for the US Navy. Thank you to all of you. I am proud to have you all in my life. I love you…

So, from all the info posted on here, it looks like my sailor isn't going to graduate until 01/06/12....I was hoping and praying for the 12/29 date, but it looks like we just missed it. This is just really hard, since I thought I was doing alright you know? I made it through the first week okay, I've been writing at least twice a day, trying to keep myself busy, and thinking, OK only 7 more weeks, I can do this! But now I just feel like someone pushed the reset button and I'm back to…

"Anticipation is making me wait."  That was Heinz ketchup, right?  That's how I feel about the days.  Yesterday darling daughter met with the Recruiting Station Chief since she is in her 90-day countdown.  She is visiting with friends now because it will be quite awhile before she can do it again.  This week she is with a very good friend who is a Navy wife.  I think she will come home with renewed…

Well, I can't believe it...we are down to 10 days before our son leaves for boot camp and somehow, I have remained incredibly strong. Note: I am typically oversensitive and definately a crier! But I have held it together and focused on the positive thus far. I've been wanting to show him that kind of support and happiness opposed to me melting down every day, giving him a negative vibe or feeling bad for me...I don't want him to worry about me, feel bad for me or feel guilty to leave us…

I got my first letter and it was so short and sweet. This time I got a two page letter. When I wrote my son for the first time I sent him a Q&A sheet. That way it would be easier if he was short on time to get answers on things I wanted to know. He thought it was the greatest idea - and I have so much more information than what I would have gotten had he just written me. Not that his letter was not information packed... He was given two assignments already. Him and 6 others in his…

Music is the lifeblood of everyday living. It can lift you up when you feeling sad or tear you down when your feeling happy. I seem to have forgotten that when all I needed to lift my spirits was your face.  I've found music again though and its the best thing ever! My heart can feel happy for you and excited for you without my head telling it to be sad because your gone. Its only week two and this has already been the emotional rollercoaster of a life time :) Its crazy that one person can…

T-minus 34 days and counting until he leaves and I am an emotional wreck.  I cry at the drop of a hat,  Can't imagine what I will be like at the swearing in ceremony.  I just hope and pray that I don't embarass him! 

I read on someone else's blog about being overwhelmed and I totally agree with that feeling.  Overwhelmed pretty much sums it up.  I am so proud of him and his choice.  And I know that the feelings I am feeling are "Mom" feelings and most likely very selflish.  I try to…

This is all new to me, so I can use some advice. My daughter left on the 24th, we got the box 3 days later, but yet to recieve anything else. No form letter and no letter from my little sailor. I think she will be graduating on Dec 29th. Are there other Moms in the same boat.

I was wondering what kind of stuff my sailor can take to A school?  Laptop, Ipods, books, etc.  Christmas is right around the corner and my son leaves Jan 5 for boot camp. I was thinking about getting him some stuff he could take to A school (knowing he can't take anything to boot).  Help?