NEW NAVY MOM - HELP

[Laina]

I'm of course very new to all of this, but I would like to say that I am getting so much good information from everyones blogs.  I do have some questions though.  My first one is, what does PIR stand for.  Like I said, I'm new.  I'm doing better each day emotionally, but I still have my moments.  My son left on Monday, Dec. 13th and I'm starting to get anxious for the form letter, the date of graduation, etc.  I thought that yesterday was going to be the worst.  It was his 19th birthday.  But I made it.  Yea!!!  Knowing that GOD is watching over him makes me get through this.  With that said, if anyone can offer any advice or may even know when I can expect "the box", the letter, etc. I would greatly appreciate it.  Also, I got a little nervous last night thinking about what to say to him when he makes his first phone call.  I don't want to sound sad.  I cry so easily when I get sad and I don't want him to hear me cry.  I want to be strong for him.

[AJVNavyMom]

Welcome Laina!  I'm new too, and I'm learning every day here.  PIR stands for Pass In Review.  It's when they finish Boot.  I think when he calls, you may be so thrilled, you'll forget to cry...until you hang up.  Our son leaves Jan. 4th, so I'm right behind you.  I've been crying since July when he signed up.  I don't think the tears will ever stop.  It's ok to allow ourselves to cry.  We're moms before anything.  Good luck and thank you to your son.  Happy Holidays!

[Laina]

Thank you so much, I love the N4M website.  I was so excited when I got approved..... And my husband did call the recruiter today.  He didn't have the address yet, but said he would call him back tomorrow and let him know.  I have already got a birthday card ready to send him and have already written him a letter... I told my husband that I sure hope he doesnt get tired of me writing him and he said there is know way.  Those boys love to get letters....Good thing. lol....And I will work on my list of questions to ask him when he calls.  Thanks for the advice.  God Bless and have a Merry CHRISTmas....  GO NAVY!!!!

[BunkerQB]

Start w this blog.

http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blogs/welcome-new-members

Read some of these discussions when you can't sleep - guarantee you'll start yawning before the end of the first discussion. I have listed groups by geographical area (states) and some special interest groups. Be sure to check all the discussions.

http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/categories/how-to-do-stuff-on-n4m/...

Take care.

 

 

[Anti M]

There is a chance his first communications will be very down and low.  So many of them are going through culture shock and homesickness the first couple of weeks.  It will pass, he will start to click with the other recruits, and the division will begin to succeed.  And yes, the division will be told they're the worst ever.  They all get told that.  Just be positive and supportive and don't panic when you feel it was all a mistake.  It is just the way coot camp goes for a lot of them.

[barbara/lindes mom]

laina, i am very new to all this navy bootcamp stuff too. my daughter took the test the week of thanksgiving and was offered a job and left for bootcamp within 3 weeks. she shipped out on december 14. we quickly threw together a big going away party/21st birthday the saturday befoe she left. no time to gather my thoughts or fears because it all happened sooo fast. i know she is safe and this i tebeginning of something we will all be proud of. we are from southern CA and i just happened to find out about this site from a onversation i had with one of my clients. it amazes me how people are so helpful and look forward to making my daughters navy life a little closer to home by meeting all those in her bootcamp and their families.where are you from?

[Laina]

I got my son's box yesterday.  I loved the way he neatly packed his stuff. Not.... I laughed though.  It was good.  I did notice his cell phone and cell phone charger were in the box as well.  I thought they were able to keep those or at least have the Navy keep them for them until they got to call home again.  Guess not????  At first glance, I thought maybe he did something wrong and he had to send it home.. I did go get a calling card though and I am sending it to him tomorrow.....   Do they not get to keep their cell phones?

[Laina]

I got his box back.... Laughed because of the way things were packed.. Just like my son to pack things that way.. I got his cell and charger back too though.... Do they not get to keep their cell phones?  

[alwaysdaddyltlegirl(Ship03Div081]

Hi everyone I'm new to this site aswell and my daughter left on Dec,13,2010 from San Diego Ca . I recieved her box on Friday,I cryed when I read a message she wrote inside the box with a sharpie" I love You guys". I wanted to fly out to Great Lakes and bring her home. I cryed the whole afternoon, wondering about her if she's warm, how they are treating her, is she well in spirit and spiritualy is her faith holding up. My questions is with Chritsmas comeing are they allow to get any christmas presents are they allowed a ricky sunday? Does anyone know what its allow for a us to sent? I called her recruiter an he didn't have an address for me? m

[Laina]

Thank you so much for the answer about the cell phone.  My mind has been put to ease now...  I did just get his address and I am going to start writing and mailing out letters right away. I also got him a calling card.  It is okay to send him calling cards, correct?  I just don't want to do anything to get him in trouble.....  I'm beginning to think I should have gone through DEPS with him. lol... I'm so proud to be a Navy Mom though....

[BunkerQB]

You ARE going through DEPS - Disengaged, Emotional Personal Stress