...after she landed a few minutes ago.  She said they won't be allowed to use their phones anymore so I'll get the "I'm here and I'm fine" call in a little while, I guess.

It is a little strange but I haven't cried.  I think it is because after the recruits came out of their travel arrangement briefing, K was made the "group leader" of the Navy recruits.  I think it gave her the confidence she needed to get over that last bit of nerves.  That's not to say that in about 3 hours…

...24 hours until I drop K off at the Recruiters station, I found this quote.  It helped explain a lot of the random tears to her.

"When you have brought up kids, there are memories you store directly in your tear ducts." ~Robert Brault

...for a last visit with the grandparents before heading to GL Monday.  The tears started the moment we arrived thanks to Grandma. ;). She gave a perfect definition of the tears.   She said, "I am just a little verklempt."  I've been trying to explain that to K for the last few months.  She finally understands!

Right now, she is at the gun range with her dad and grandpa getting in a little practice.  She is a good shot when relaxed so they are going to see how she does under…

Had about 50 people show up throughout the day.  Had a surprise visit from a family friend who is a retired Chief.  He is K's mentor so it meant so much to her.  Decided to make my profile picture one of them.  Before he left, Wally (Chief) piped K "onto boot camp."  It almost made her cry. 

We were off to Gulf Shores to visit the grandparents this week but K has a meeting with her Recruiting station Chief so we will pack her room and make the trip next week. 

is tomorrow.  I am making lasagna and baked ziti now and will have to do some shopping before I go to work this evening.  There should be about 50 people dropping by to say farewell to my girl. 

Sunday I am going with K to my in-laws so she can see them before she leaves.  My parents were in town in early November so my dad (AT) was able to talk to Kaitlin and give her a little advice - probably the same thing my grandfather (retired Sr. Chief) told him which he then passed on…

...went out today.  It is 3 1/2 weeks until the party and less than 6 weeks until Kaitlin is off to boot camp.  We are set on the open house with spaghetti/bread/salad/cheesecake/drinks.

I have asked that everybody bring a picture or letter and will have a "writing station" so they can write something there if they…

until scheduled departure.  K had her "less than 60 days to go" meeting with the Chief at the Recruiting Station yesterday.  All of a sudden, she is worried that somehow she will lose IS or something will happen and she won't be able to get into the Navy at all.  I'd love to say she is being silly but you never know.  The good side of that is, she has been deciding what she will do if that happens.  Her second choice is to finish college now (yippee!).  She thinks if she doesn't get IS…

Well the holidays are all about K this year.  She has already put up our XMAS tree (I don't think I've EVER put it up before December 15 and that was early).  She themed it "Navy" which means white lights, all blue ornaments and gold garland.  She has even decreed that all presents that are placed under it have to be wrapped in gold!  What a trip.

 …

"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…

So, K's grandmother sent her a present for her birthday (tomorrow - yes, Halloween).  It is the cutest stuffed bear dressed in a sailor suit and sings "Anchor's Aweigh."   When she played it, K realized that in less than 3 months her entire life is going to change and that she will no longer call the only home she has known for 20 years "home."  It was quite a shock for her.  She is still excited - not…

Darling daughter leaves for GL three months from today.  A long time, yet such a very short time.  She is chomping at the bit to get there.  Another holiday season in retail is just about driving her nutty -- and it is just beginning!  I think knowing that as soon as it is over she starts a new journey makes it just that much more difficult.  She will get through it without any problems, though.  She is…

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.…

After spending Thursday and most of Friday at MEPS, K was sent home due to a duplicate file on her with the wrong birth date.  She went back up yesterday and today swore in as an Advanced Intelligence Specialist.  Awesome since Intelligence is where she wanted to be.  She ships out to Great Lakes January 23! 

Needless to say, I am…

I have been good and waited to post to my blog until my daughter had a MEPS date.  I was out of town for the holiday and she called me yesterday (Tuesday) to let me know she will go to MEPS tomorrow and Friday.  The first of many "hurry up and wait" dates is almost here.

K is in college but is so ready to start her Navy career.  She…