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