Ship 03 DIV 117

[Kahli's Mom]

Finally got the form letter from my daughter!  I am so excited!  Anyone else have a child in this division?

 

[asterzmom(ship03-div117)]

Hi my daughter is in this division and I also got her letter today. She wrote a very short note on the back and at the end she asked for pictures. I write her everyday even if I don't have much to say. We already booked our hotel rooms for PIR.

[Kahli's Mom]

Crazy me...I booked our rooms the day she left.  The recruiter advised us to asap.  We booked at the Navy Lodge, how about you?  Did you happen to hear of any flights that offer navy family discounts?  That's the next step for me:)

 

[Rla1164]

I was traveling today and just got home. Grabbed the mail and was thrilled to find the letter I'd been waiting for. She wrote a nice note on the back. She said to send picture's also. What a great ending to my day!

[Kahli's Mom]

YAY!!!  I am so happy for you!  at least she didn't say...mom, nothing WEIRD!  The girl knows me to well:)  I don't know about you but I sure can't wait for the next one;)

 

[TaysMom (Ship03/Div117)]

Hi Moms!!  I got my form letter last night when I got home - ahhhh! what a great feeling it was! I loved the short letter and she was excited for the uniform, even though the boots were killing her feet - her only complaint. so I sent her letters last night on my way home from school - hoping for a quick turn around time since we live in southern Illinois.  Now to plan! No idea where to stay - suggestions?

[Kahli's Mom]

Let me know if you do not find something, I may have an extra room available at the Navy Lodge that I won't be using.  It has 2 queen beds and I think is around 60 a night.  How many girls do you think are in their division?  I look at the replies and wonder, which one of these daughters is sharing a bunk with my girl:)

[momof4]

Good morning all! Countdown is at 47 days. Can't believe she has been gone almost 2 weeks. On her form letter, she said the first few days were rough but they were getting in a few laughs now! She had a nose bleed (don't think she has ever had one- change in climate??) chapped hands and she stunk like !@#%. Hopefully the stinking part has been resolved. This child would sometimes take 2 showers a day if needed. 

She has also asked for pictures!! Didn't want to take any with her. 

Looking into whether to fly or drive? Not sure yet.

Have a great day!

[Kahli's Mom]

I've been researching flights from Portland, OR to Chicago...not too cheap:(  does anyone know of an airline that offers discounts to military families?

 

[evanzmom (ship 03 div 117)]

I booked the whole lot through Priceline - hotel, flights and car. We are coming from Omaha, NE to Chicago. I know refundable tickets are recommended, but they were 3 times the price of the entire package, so it didn't make sense. I'm just crossing my fingers for no troubles! Good luck - I hope you find a way that won't break the bank!

 

[asterzmom(ship03-div117)]

Kahli's Mom - I seen on the other groups on here that most people say it is cheaper to fly in to Milwaulkee so you might want to check those rates... my family is driving from TN...

Momof4 my daughter's note mentioned that she has been wearing the same clothes for 4 day (I thought that it was a little funny cause she takes a bath atleast twice a day)

I just mailed off 17 letters to her, 2 from my mom (I ask her to write atleast once a week) and 2 from my husband (he writes her every Friday). I write her everyday even if I don't have much to say. I sent a text message out yesterday to family and friends saying if you haven't wrote her yet please do so now. I even got on her phone and sent her address to some of her closer friends and asked them to write. For the people who responded with I am not much of a writer I suggested they buy a simple card to send her. It may sound like I am a little pushy but I don't want her to feel like she has been forgotten.

My four year old niece was so upset when my daughter left, she could not understand why she was leaving her. She wants to know everytime she sees a plane flying if it's her Ashley coming back. She cannot write a letter so she told me "Aunt Tisha I'm gonna color her Alice in the hole". It's a joke between them. I thought it was one of the sweetest thought and to come from somebody so young.

Okay I realize I am rambling. It's just that nobody here at home gets that no matter how proud I am of my daughter that I feel like a piece of me is missing with her gone. My mother tells me I am crazy to write her everyday. I feel like if we don't write our children while they are there, they will feel like nobody cares, feel alone, and almost completely disconnected from the outside world.

I wrote in one of my letters to my daughter if there is someome there with no family at home or doesn't get mail in her section to let me know so that I could write them. (Again my mom says you're crazy) I just feel like these young people who have chosen to go and serve our country deserve at the very least a thank you, a hi, a I appreciate your service to our country, a card, or anything. No matter what there reason for joining was they should still feel like someone cares.

I thank y'all for listening to me ramble I hope you and are loved ones in GL have a wonderful and blessed day. 

[momof4]

Asterzmom- I feel the same way. My kids and husband are kidding me for being on FB and N4M's way too often. But the connection here gives me a little peace. People who are not experiencing this dont understand and I dont want to sound like a broken record. 

Our kids are our kids forever. I am very proud of her. And for all of those that have chosen to do the same.

Have a great day, everyone!! Keep smiling!! :)

[Kahli's Mom]

Well said:)  I couldn't agree more!  Even at work, my friends are supportive and all, but I just don't feel like they get it.  I miss her and think about my girl every second of every day.  That will never change, no matter if she is home or far away.  I sure hope we get a letter soon from our little ones.  I just know I will feel so much better when that day finally comes.  I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there.  We all raised some amazing children if I do say so myself:)