Life with Macade

So I do still hear from my little Army boy every now and again. Usually something I don't care to hear but he does still keep in touch.
He is doing very well. He has purchased a nice little Jeep Grand Cherokee and a little pet named Leonitis. (He's a ball python.)
Macade is still working at Old Navy and still going to school at the MATC, I think.
He is not too thrilled about the upcoming holidays in the retail business.
No news from the Army yet about going anywhere, so that is good news.
He's still the same old Macade.

Moving On

So, Macade moved out this week and although he is only living a couple of miles away, I feel his absence. Now, this is a good thing and a bad thing. Good because he needed to. He needs to be out with people his age and experience life. This is the one thing that I wanted my kids to do that I never did. Live out on their own and have roommates and good times. Bad because I relinquish all control. (Not that I ever had any.) I have to remind myself to not call him constantly and lecture him when we do talk. He is a great guy and working hard.
Macade is going to a technical school right now to enhance his mechanics knowledge. This can only help him in the Army and out. He is excited about it. He also is working at Old Navy again and is there at 5:00 AM! Then off to school and sometimes back to work in the evening. Good thing he is young! I could not do it. I am proud of him and all that he is setting out to do. I think he has good roommates that also just work and go to school. He had a apartment b-que last night and it makes me happy to know that he is out experiencing life. It was my biggest goal as his mom to see him become a good man.
I love you Cade!

He's here!

So yes, he is home. He is well. He is strong.
And he bought a motorcycle!
He is happy and bored. He has his old job at old navy back and is looking for more work. He would like to move out.
He has grown up a lot and he's still just a kid.
I am glad he is home.
I can breathe.

9 hours!

Then what?!
Should I keep up his blog?
Should I bag it until he goes somewhere?
What now?

The Countdown in on!!

He's coming home!!!
I can't believe it! 10 more days and he'll be home! It has been a long 24 weeks and my boy misses the mountains! He wants to sleep, camp and get a job.
In that order.

Stress case

To all who may wonder...
Macade is a total stress case. I cannot for the life of me figure out why.
He is so worked up about coming home. He has made lists of things he needs to do.
List of things he wants to do.
Lists and lists of things he wants to buy!
Oh the kid...
My personal opinion... he will be home for about 2 weeks before he decides to join up with the big Army. He loves it!
I did talk to his SFC here today who told me he has a "jump" invitation. Yikes! That means "Airborne"! He earned the invite with his promotion when he received his award for PT.
He does not know this yet.
He will make a list...

Korea?

So Macade called me last night to warn me that he may not be home very long before he ships out to Korea. I don't know who he is talking to but I do know that things are heating up in that part of the world. He said they are telling everyone to be prepared. As it was, he said maybe 80% of the soldiers he is with are shipping to Korea as soon as they are done training. I told him not to worry and that we would pray that he will be safe wherever they decide to send him. I think he is more worried about spending some time at home before shipping out.
Macade is doing very good. He has a lot of down time which is hard for him but he still remains pretty upbeat. He is really stressed out about coming home and trying to adapt to life again.
They have made him a "flag folder". I asked what that meant and he said he was the flag folder at funerals. I, of course, panicked and asked just how many people were dying there. He laughed and called me silly. I guess when they are called to services of veterans, Macade folds the flag. I felt a lot better then. I think he finds it a great honor to do this for the veterans of our country. His love of the flag is just growing and growing. So everyone make sure you have your flags ready for when he comes home. So far, graduation is still on July 23rd. However, it IS the Army and they can change plans pretty quickly.
Thanks again for all of your support of our soldier. We love him and we are Proud!

Nothin to report

So, as you can see, AIT (advanced individual training) is much less exciting than basic training. Macade is enjoying it a lot but he loved BCT! I think it was the structure of the place in general. He has a lot of down time in SC, but I think he is learning a lot. I just spoke with him and he got 100% on 2 tests today! Yeah for him! He has a big inspection tomorrow and was cleaning like crazy hoping to pass this test too. Then he will get to wear civilian clothes after school and listen to his i-pod and such. He has a small room that he shares with one other young guy and he likes that a lot too. AND, he says he has earned himself the new PT nickname. He is now Mr. 300 to the Drill Sergeants and commanders. I like it that he is working hard to put his name out there. Anyway, it looks like he will be home in mid-July. We are very excited to get him home and get him busy. I also met his unit folks the other day when I stopped to pick up his patches and pins for his uniforms. They told me they are not on the schedule to ship out any time soon, but a new schedule is coming out in September. They were thinking early 2011.???
So, he is good. He always wants me to tell everyone hello and that he loves you all!
B

Training under way

So Macade has had 2 test this week already. He started his training to be a 63 Bravo. (Light wheel mechanic.) He says it's a little boring right now but that it will get better. I keep asking for his address and for some reason he is hesitant to give it to me. So, sorry everyone. I think he is a little homesick and he tells me it's kinda hard to get letters even. So, I will be patient and grateful that I bought him a new phone to keep in touch.
He is still doing really well in PT. He maxed out at 300 on Monday! Who knew!?
He is hearing a lot about how they are desperate in Afghanistan for mechanics and they shortened his already short training. I don't know how long he will be home in July. His first deployment could come pretty quickly. He is not afraid though. He is more than willing to go and serve. It is what he is training for and he is anxious to be busy.
Thank you all again for your support of Macade. I am sure he feels it.
B

Fort Jackson

So Macade made it to South Carolina last Friday night. He says it is really hot but I wonder if it's just cause he has to wear that uniform (ACU's). He is doing OK. It's always a little stressful for him the first few days as he is totally lost. Tonight when I spoke with him he was a little better than yesterday. He is bored though and cannot wait for his training to get going on Friday. He also knew his grad date. July 23rd. I asked if he would be able to come home on the 24th and he said, "hopefully right after graduation!" It is nice to have a date to look forward to. (Maybe one of my blog savvy friends could help me put a countdown on this blog.) He has decided to try to be a NCO (non-commissioned officer) by the end of his first year. He has talked quite a bit about going active duty army as well. The Special Forces are a huge pull for him! I know he could do it and they would totally want him there with his PT scores. Anyway, PVT Moore is alive and well and I think there is a part of him that is enjoying being on his own. He does get homesick and I think that is why he tries not to call or write too much. I will post an address as soon as I get own. (He's a little slow now that he has his phone.)
Thanks to all of you that show your support of Macade every day! He loves you and misses you a lot. I am so grateful to all of you too!
B

Check this out!

Check out my other blog to get the update on Macade this week!

heressomemoore.blogspot.com

The Countdown is on!

So, it actually has been since the day he left, but we are really down to 5 days now!!! So excited to go to Missouri and see our soldier! He called again last night and says they are just preparing to graduate now. He is so excited to be done and you can hear in his voice that he is really proud of what he has accomplished. I don't know if he will be honor grad but they are awarding him with a special badge to wear on his uniform that he gets for being the highest in his class in physical training. OF COURSE, they are giving it to him before we can make it there to watch! Why is the Army so on top of things?!! Anyway, he is excited to get on to SC where the whole coast is on fire and heading into hurricaine season. (That's the mom in me.) He just wants his ipod and camera and the new phone I bought him.
Can't wait to see him!

One small step for me...

One GIANT step for Macade!!!
I got a pic! It's just one and was sent from a camera phone, but it was manna from heaven for me. Look at his chubby little cheeks!!!
He got an off-post pass this morning and RAN all the way to the PX. He and his buddies loaded up on Red Bulls and Reeses peanut butter cups. Just as he was chowing down some Drill Seargents walked in and he swore into the phone. But in the end, the DS's just told them to not bring any of that !@#$ back to the barracks.
He is so happy this morning! He is a Squad Leader now and he just couldn't be happier.
And I am pretty darn happy too!

Expert Grenade Thrower

I couldn't be prouder. I think it is a good thing that Cade qualified an expert with Grenades. All that baseball must have paid off eh? He is getting so excited to be done at Fort Leonard Wood. He has excelled and now he is ready to move on. Still at the top of his class. In fact, he scored a 297 out of a possible 300 on his physical training. He gets his phone now on Sundays so he has been able to call a few times. He decided on a whim to check out the Gospel Church on Sunday. He says he doesn't think he'll go back again but it sure did give him a good laugh. He loved that they play the piano and drums during the prayer.
What a kid?
B

It finally happened...

Macade is homesick! I thought it might happen but now that we are so close to the finish I guess it took me by surprise. Macade has been able to call home a lot more lately as some of you know. I don't know if this is such a good thing for him. He even told me that after he talks to everyone he gets a little homesick. So today, he called 3 different times. He supposedly is in what they call blue phase now and this means they get more privileges and are punished for their own issues, not everyone elses. So, the first time I talked to him he was pretty up beat. Excited to be in blue phase and doing so well. The next time, he is swearing mad because someone went into the DS's latrine and they would all get in trouble for it. He told me this one DS in particular is all ego. He tells them he will destroy them and what not. OK, who said this was OK? It takes me all the way back to when Macade would get picked on in grade school. I want to go get my face up in his DS's and ask him if his mama taught him anything. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all", right? Something tells me this wouldn't do either of us any good. Anyway, if there was ever a time that Cade needs some good upbeat mail, it's time!!! He is doing so good and I keep reminding him of how close he is to finishing and how bad he wants to be honor grad. I tell him they are just messing with him and to just Embrace the Suck! Anyhow, if anyone needs his address, let me know. I'm so sure he would welcome a good letter of encouragement.
Thanks again,
B
PS Some good prayers for him couldn't hurt either. Thanks

Oh, he's busy...

Oh so I guess he has been so busy he has had no time to write now. There you go. I spoke with Macade for a while yesterday and it was great! He is so up beat and happy! He has never been homesick for a second and loves to tell me all about what he is doing. I especially love when he talks about rocket launchers and grenades. My favorite...
This may be a little tooting of his own horn, but I'm so proud that I will tell about it anyway. He is at the top of his class. He recently forgot his flashlight when they went out and his DS got really mad at him and told him he was going to be his "Honor Grad" and that he can't be forgetting things. This is a huge deal! This would open many doors for Macade and send him to Airborne which is what he wants. He also says that the Commanders all know him and it's a good thing not bad. When told to hustle, they tell the soldiers to "run like Moore". The DS's are placing bets on how fast he will run his 2 mile test. His latest # is 11:20. On a good day, I can run 3/4 mile in that long. He was awarded a special vest the other day in front of his whole company that gives him the chance to do physical training on his own because he is so far ahead. I know, this is crazy, but he really is doing this great!!! I cannot wait to go to graduation!! I don't know if my moody self can handle the pride I will be oozing. I will for sure take waterproof mascara!
I did get a letter today also. He said he was fitted for his Class A's and he loves wearing his beret. He says he was born to wear it. He says it makes him feel so proud. He hates MO weather really bad and that is the only thing he really complains about. When it snows there he calls it "icing" instead of snowing. He says it just rains ice. He has been shooting the big guns this weeks and is really enjoying that. He told me it's the kind you see on the big military trucks. He says it is so loud and that I better be ready to hear a lot of it when we go there.
And to finish this post off, my son and I actually weigh the same amount for the first time ever!!! He is excited to be up to this weight and I am excited to be heading down past the same weight. Funny!
Thank you all for your support of Macade. He loves to get your letters and he likes to get pictures as well. This is about all he can get after all.
I will end this post now with visions of the 120 lb me weeping with joy at the sight of my son, the 135 lb honor grad, getting a bunch of awards at graduation. He, he.
I know I need therapy!

Hello????

So I'm not flaking out here people. My son, the soldier, is not corresponding! What the? Who said this was OK? Well I might be exaggerating a smidge. I heard from him today. It is the first time in a spell. He is doing great. Moving right along through his training. He missed expert marksmanship with his rifle by 1 point. I think he is pretty bummed about that. But he is not a bit worried about his PT test. He maxed that out weeks ago. So bless his heart, he really want girlfriend, M, to come to graduation. M's mom (hey P) has decided that this is a bit too much too fast and I agree. Now to get Macade to understand. He is begging me to get a hold of P and schmooze her into letting M go. I don't think he has bothered to think about how much it will cost, where she will stay, how she will get around in MISSOURI of all places! Oh Macade, how lucky are you that good ol ma and pa are coming to hang out?
B
I wrote back to him today and reminded him who is sending the stamps and paying the phone bill. That'll get him writing.

IV certified?!!!

So, there you have it... My son that almost passed out when they drew his blood, can now give an IV. It's amazing! In 5 short weeks he has grown up and changed so much that I can't wait to "meet" him! Macade called today and I also got a letter! Good Day!! He says he really is loving it. They have been working on marksmanship with their guns. He's doing really good and would like to get to expert level which is 36 or higher and I think he told me he got a 37. He's doing excellent in PT (physical training). He is 12 points off of maxing out. Then he gets a badge when he graduates. He ran 2 miles in 11 minutes and 45 seconds. He says he smoked everyone. If he remains the top guy, he gets a free ticket to Airborne! (His dream come true!) He has a bit of a big head right now but I figure when you can't even eat chocolate or drink diet coke, you gotta have something going for you. I'll whip him back into shape when he decides to come home. Macade is reading the Book of Mormon and has challenged us to read it again. He also gave one to a friend of his there. When people find out he is a Mormon, they very seriously ask him how many wives he has. He gets a real kick out of that. Anyway, I think he is sitting just right. He does what he is told and helps out all his fellow soldiers. He got his fancy picture taken and I can't wait to see those! I'll post asap. Thank you so much to all of you that have been writing to him. He loves to get mail and see what's up with people at home. Overall, in 5 letters, the change is drastic. He is growing up and becoming exactly what we knew he could be. We are so proud of him!
B

Check this out!

So I don't know if you can read this, but it is a letter from Robert C. Oaks of the Seventy. It is so nice to know that the church has such great resources for our soldiers.
B
PS, maybe if you double click it gets bigger!

All is well

Macade's latest phone call was great! It was so nice to hear his voice and be able to chat it up like the good ol days was great! He is doing so good. Never once has he complained to me. He is really keeping his nose clean and laying low but not too low. He actually ran like a 5 minute mile to beat out 200 other guys! Go Cade! They also gassed him this week. I asked if he threw up and he said no, but he said it hurt sooo bad! Now that's out of the way, he just needs to find the courage to start an IV. Who knew? Certainly not him or it may have changed his Army plan! He says to tell everyone hello. He said don't, don't don't send him packages but man is he craving some peanut butter cups. This is considered contraband in the army. They went to the PX (store) to buy supplies the other day and he said he has not been able to stop thinking about peanut butter cups ever since. He mentioned them to me at least 4 times too. I can't wait to go and visit him. I will take him a whole box of the things! He got his big gun and has been learning it inside and out. He hasn't shot it yet, but I'm sure I will hear all about it.
Anyway, the kid is doing great! His mom is struggling a bit, but I don't think that is abnormal. I'll make it. I am so proud it hurts!!!
B

He lives!

So I have finally received confirmation that Macade is alive and well. I spoke with him for 20 blessed minutes on Sunday. He was very quiet. I asked him about it ans he says he just doesn't say much around there. Anyway, I have got letters for 2 days in a row now!! So excited about it. Here is some of the latest. Realize I type word for word

Hey!!! I mis ya'll!! Day 1 officially started at 20 Feb 09. Woke up at 0400 worked out, went to class and ate chow. Reception really sucked of course. It's just paperwork and in-processing. So gotten tons of shots. Oh my! I almost passed out like a billion times. And a huge on in my butt. @#$% that one hurt! But reception actually helped cuz it got me ready. Because of the holiday, we stayed a whole week there. We finally got to our barracks, a 10 min drive from 43rd battalion. I'm with a bunch of guys that motivate me, push me, everything!!! I love it. At first I thought, what the hell am I doin here?! But finally I relaxed and am makin the best of it! Its so so so fun!!! I love the army, just listen and apply, were movin so fast we're still in red phase but we're movin so quick and have more privileges soon. We're goin to white phase. We get our guns on Tuesday!!! So excited we got all.. well most of our gear! We get to keep a lot of stuff. Ya AIRSOFT! I miss you all but it's so so fun!!! Can't wait to stand on the star! Graduation date is April 30th. I'm changing already, pushing myself to limits, trying new things, being disciplined!! I'm a Hellraiser!! Love ya'll. Miss you
PVT Moore
Cade

Happy Birthday Surprise!

I got a letter!!!! OK so it's actually a very short note, most of it regarding a girl and how I need to get a hold of her and tell her he will write soon, but it's a note all the same!

So I woke up this morning and felt pretty darn down. 18 years ago today, my life was totally changed when I was handed the best thing that ever happened to me. As I held him in my arms, I tried to picture the places we would go and the things we would do. And at the same time, I was thinking, how can I do this? How can I be a mommy to this innocent little critter? I have never felt love like what hit me that day. I remember being so proud! (Key chains, t-shirts, nothing could escape Macade's face.) I remember thinking I would do anything for him. Well some things have changed and some definitely have not. I still would walk the earth for him. (or at least to Missouri.) I have never been more proud! I told Macade the day he left that our family began with just the 2 of us. He seemed to take great pride in that too. Macade and I grew up together. He is one of my best friends as well as my son. He is my pride and joy. He is mine.

Now about that note. Who knew that they have service missionaries at the Fort? Thank goodness for service missionaries! (Mom and Dad Moore, this can be your next mission! He, he.) So I guess on Sundays he is allowed to write to us. The missionaries copy that letter and send it to us. I then, can write an e-mail to Cade and send it to the missionaries who print it off and deliver it to Macade on Sunday at church. This is brilliant for a poor mom that misses her kid and can't wait one more day, and who was drooling at the sight of a note and picture of her son. So, I still do not have an address for him, but hopefully he will send me something this week. In meantime, I will keep in touch with "the girl" because she will probably get something before I do.

Happy Birthday Macade! I love you! You are the greatest mistake I ever made!!!!

Valentines surprise!

We got a Valentines phone call this morning! I think it may have even lasted longer than 1 minute. Maybe 30 more seconds. Nice bunch, those army guys. He sounded lots better today and I think he may be figuring out how things go. He said they aren't shipping him to Basic training until Tuesday. That sucks a little because it pushes his training out farther and farther. But he sounded good and ready to do this. It was good to talk to him.
His Sgt here told him a great quote before he left which I have reminded my whole family of a few times. I will leave this with you.
"Embrace the suck."

1 minute 6 seconds: A conversation with a soldier

So, I heard from Macade yesterday. Our conversation went something like this
Cade: Hello Mama
Mom: Cade, I am so glad you called! I have been thinking of you. Do you have a bed?
Cade: Yes I have a bed.
Mom: Do you have your uniforms yet?
Cade: Not yet.
Mom: Did they cut off your hair?
Cade: Yes, it's really short.
Mom: Have you had any sleep?
Cade: About 2 hours. Our plane left at 4:00 PM and we didn't get here until almost midnight.
Mom: Is it flat there?
Cade: I don't know, but I have to go now Mama.
Mom: I love you so much and I am so proud of you.
Cade: I love you too.
Mom: Be strong.
Cade: I will.

One minute and six seconds. That's it. I won't hear his voice for another 10 weeks. I miss him more than I ever would've dreamed. I love him!
B

Struggles!!!

Well friends and family, he is off. We all did ok and he is hopefully on his way to Missouri. He was so brave and I can't help but admire it at his young age. He is my hero! When I pull myself out of my lame dispare, I will write a more detailed bit. For now, he was excited and nervous and so BRAVE! I am more proud of him than anything ever!
B

10 Days to go

We're counting the days now. Macade is so excited and I have sensed a minor change in him. He is really committed to doing this and making the most of it. I am so proud of him!
B

I have sore boobs!

It's not what you think! There is no need for child disclaimers here. Macade had his first weekend of drills. He did great the first day. They did a lot of marching and listening to stuff. I think he did OK yesterday too because he cannot lift his arms today! Oh my! I keep telling him to stay active and moving but it's just not in him. He is still very excited to get going.
We did attend a meeting about shipping out last night. They did tell us that Cade can get mail but we will have to wait for him to write home to get his address. He can't get much more than letters, very positive letters. He may not get to write back a lot as his only time to write is before bed.
We also found out that he will not be coming home for the break in between trainings. I was a little sad at this news, but it renews my efforts to see Missouri for graduation day.
They didn't cut off his hair just yet, but it is short. Oh and he has gained 2 lbs. He is up to a staggering 115!!! They MADE him eat twice at lunch! I think he enjoyed that part.
B

Missouri? I'm sure the Mormons felt this way...

So Macade's orders only had one new change. He will be going to Missouri instead of Oklahoma. He is still very excited. He goes to his first drill weekend this week. That means he gets his haircut!!! They also go over the in's and out's with us as parents about his shipping. We find out what we can send to him and what not. It's an exciting time around here!
B

He's really going!

It's official! He is leaving early! A lot earlier than we had planned! His original date was June 2nd and now it's, get ready... Feb 10th!!! We are now in hyper planning mode. We need to celebrate several things before he leaves. He will be turning 18 at his first week of boot camp. He also graduated from High School this past week!

We are so proud of Cade and his accomplishments and are excited to send him off to the next chapter in his life.

This blog is meant to keep his family and friends posted of the happenings in his life over the next 6 years.

We found out he would be leaving early just yesterday and today was spent getting his high school stuff figured out. They want to be sure he will get a diploma. He is still working at Old Navy and plans to until he leaves. He will only get to go to one weekend drill with the Guard before he leaves. They will also be filling us in on all the details of what we need to do to "ship" him. (Sounds like mailing a kid.) That will be the weekend of the 24th of January.

We are not sure yet if his training places have been changed but we should know by Monday. Until then, we plan on him going to Oklahoma to basic training and then onto South Carolina for his individual training. His MOS in the Army will be 63 Bravo. That's the fancy way they say light wheel mechanic.

Macade will spend about 6 months in training and then come home and get ready for whatever they need him to do. We have been informed that the chance he will go to Iraq or Afghanistan is great, but he will be prepared.

We are not fearful, but very proud of his decision to serve our country. We know the risks and feel confident that he will be trained well. We realize that the world is a dangerous place right now and we are grateful for all of our troops!

Thanks for your interest in Macade and I will try very hard to keep this blog up to date for those of you willing to check in on our hero!

Becky