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