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