Jon's letters home...He is at Boot Camp for The Marines

I can't share much from Jon's letters. I WANTED TO MAKE A FEW COMMENTS THOUGH.

Jon sent three letters today. One was a Father's Day greeting. It was cool. (I did get a phone call yesterday with a Father's Day greeting from Jon.)

His letters are positive although it is not easy. He shared that he is learning a lot. He did express appreciation for how "easy" he has had it at home. Fathers like to hear this.

I love the spiritual impact that is being made. Jon attends church weekly and participates in group Bible Studies. He said that the guys encourage each other. I am praying that this experience really prepares him spiritually as well as mentally. The disciple is going to help him for the rest of his life.

His letters are written during the one hour break he receives daily. He is asking for letters to be sent to him. He will even enjoy getting post cards but realize that these will be read by Drill Instructors so don't disclose something that would get Jon into trouble or get teased about. Like don't put XOXOXOXO on the card...I think that the DI's will tease him as a mommas boy. Oh, no care packages either.

He has acheived his goals and is a leader at this time. He hopes to hang onto this rank. Pray that he is able too over the long haul. He said that his leadership will be challenged but if he succeeds he will get recognized at graduation.

The drills are practiced every day. He enjoys them. He says that he has to remember to stay focused because they do try to distract him. You will have to ask him about the SUPERMAN drill. It is quite interesting.

Well, gotta go. Keep those letters going. He is running out of things to say. He wants you to ask questions so that he has something to write. He will do his best to tall you what he is doing - within the rules he is allowed to share. Remember, this is the military and somethings should not be shared.

On The Home Front - A weekly summary for when Jon gets home from the Marines!

Today I begin a new entry to my family journal. This entry is for Jon. As may know already that Jon has left for the Marines - boot camp. He has enlisted as a reservist and will spend the next thirteen weeks in training. He will wake up before dawn, eat double rash-ins, exercise, run, climb and jump (much like what he did all during his childhood) and be commanded to breath, talk, "drop and give up 50" as well as learn how to repeat every other commanding instruction. Well Jon, you will certainly appreciate family chores once again...they are a whole lot easier!

This week we said farewell. Sunday we had lunch with the family and recited our favorite childhood memory. You showed us your childhood impressions like Smart Guy and Steve Urcle. You showed us how you will march and stand at attention. Later we took you out for dinner in Indianapolis. I think your were nervous but you covered it up well. We tried to hide our fear and concerns as well. How did we do? We spent the drive home that night with tears in our eyes. Not because we were sad but the pride we have for you just seeped out in our tears.

Occasionally we would tear up during the week but whenever we had a chance to tell people what you were doing, we showed our pride. We did the dishes and took out the trash and picked up socks; Josslyn took your turn. We watched LOST without you but I will save it on the DVR for when you return. Jeremiah has already taken over the van and wants to start driving it; he will get his license with weekend. The house is actually really quiet - hmmm, I wonder why?

Well, I gotta go. I will keep you informed of what you are missing. We are counting the days that we get your first letter. Oh, by the way, several people have commented on mom's facebook with remarks about you. Others are missing you too!