Going Away Party

[Poke'MOM]

Hello everyone -

My son leaves for boot camp 11-25.  (2days before Thanksgiving, can you feel my pain?)

I'm having a going away "reception" for him.  He is my chocolate lover, so its going to be all chocolate.

I've gotten a few ideas for things to do as send off ideas, but wanted to check with you guys to see what you may have done for your Sailor. Where you picked up some things for decorations, your chocolate recipe ideas...etc.

Thanks so much and I hope all is well with you and your families!

Beth

[jrk'smom]

Beth-

I put out index cards and Sharpies so people could write my SR a note and write their address on the back and I've sent some every week to him.  I also had a box they could put the notecards in so no one else would read what they wrote.

[Poke'MOM]

I had not thought about a box to put the cards in to keep them private...thanks!

I also didn't think about everyone sending along with him their address.

Thanks!!!!!!

[Steph Proud AG Mom]

Beth,  they can take small black address books.  At my daughter's going away party, I had everyone leave her a message, and they're address.  She said on really tough days it helped to read what her besties wrote in that little address book.  Also, what about celebrating Thanksgiving early?  I did Easter early.

[Poke'MOM]

Definitely sending him well wishes from his friends. now that I know how much it helps them.

We are for certain doing Thanksgiving early, probably the Sunday before he enlists.

(this is happening so fast)

Thank you!!

[Jwn's Mom]

I had a "writing station" at my son's farewell party. I had pens, paper and envelopes for all of the guests to write letters to him. I've been mailing the letters in batches over the weeks since I received his address. I will mail the last batch about 10 days before his PIR to make sure he receives everything before he leaves for A school. I had about 50 letters total. He says in his last letter to me..."Thanks for all the letters, Mom. Please continue mailing them...reading them is the highlight of my day."

[Poke'MOM]

Awe...that's so sweet!  I will do whatever I can to help keep him motivated and upbeat!

[My2kidz]

Like all the others here, I set up a table out of the way with blank cards, stickers, stamps and stamp pads, markets, etc and asked everyone to design and write a card. I had a basket for them to leave them in but no envelopes. I was worried people would decorate the envelopes! I have been sending almost one a day since I have over 40 of them :)

For food we had his favorites; pizza, a 4 ft hero from our local deli, and pastitsio. Carb heaven. My girlfriend helped me make small chocolate anchor "coins" to put on top of the cupcakes. I hope the picture shows them. I also downloaded pictures of Navy life and Navy recruiting posters. I printed them on 8" x 10" paper and laminated them and then we put them all around the house using Command strips.

If you are on Pinterest, look up Anchors Aweigh and US Navy. Lots of ideas come up. Good luck to you and your SR!

[Poke'MOM]

Thank you for the picture!  Very Nice!!!

and I looked up Anchors Aweigh WOW!  BIG BIG HELP! 

Great ideas by the way!

Thanks again, and thoughts for you and your family today!

[My2kidz]

Thank you and best of luck to you. The last two weeks it suddenly becomes very real. I just got a letter from my son (we are three weeks in) and he said he got 12 letters all at once! I have been writing one a day. He said they are what lifts his spirits when he is feeling down. I have been printing comics, sports news, pictures, etc. on a sheet of paper and then writing around them. He said they are the best. I have also been including an inspirational quote at the end of each letter. I thought he would think they are cheesy but he is loving them. Who knew?

I don't know if you are religious at all but I got him a small Navy Bible that he wrote everyone's address in. It doubles as an address book and he says he is actually reading a little bit each night (said by the kid I had to drag to church most of his life :P)

Good luck to you and your son. 

[Poke'MOM]

Yes, it's becoming VERY real. 

I have my stationary to write him, but never thought about including the sports!  He's a HUGE NFL fan.  (die hard Steelers fan!)  I should keep up with that for him.

He leaves Nov 24, Monday of Thanksgiving week!!  So he will be gone for the holidays.  I'm anticipating it being the worst!  But holding tight to my faith and convincing myself, I can survive it! LOL  (trying not to be drama mama!)

He is also strong in his Faith, but doesn't have a Navy Bible.  I may pick one of those up for him and surprise him.  What a story that would tell as he grows!

Thank you so much! (I'm loving this website!)

[My2kidz]

This site has been unbelievably helpful to me both before he left and now that my SR is at BC. Several people suggested this bible which I got at Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Sailor%C2%92s-Bible-Black-Simulated-Leather/d...

Also, another important point, DON'T send articles from newspapers because the ink can stain their hands, clothing, bedding, etc. You don't want them getting in to trouble. They also take up space. Instead, download articles and print them out. You can then write around them or on the other side without worrying about ink stains.

I have been so worried about sending anything that would draw attention to him and everyone here is really good about advice so keep asking questions, the veteran moms here are AMAZING! Also, if you haven't been using the What to do in the last month, I would print it out and use it as a checklist. That way you are not scrambling at the last second. My son opened his account with Navy Federal and had everything ready to go before he left which is another important tip they let you know about.

Good luck, I know it is going to be hard for you to have your son away for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My son will be in the adopt a sailor for Thanksgiving so I am counting down the days to be able to talk to him!