Anna- thanks for the ironing tips they are good to know -- and i'll pass them on to our MIDN & our Ensign too (tho care for hers might be a bit different??) so they know for when mom's not around to swap chores with them lol
I agree with you Jn/Jf Mom. Your son deserves some pampering. And, if that means just washing his cover, go for it!!! After all, what are mom's for??? Just love on him while he's home :)
It will work for your Ensign's cover because that was what I was taught years ago when I was enlisted!!! We also had light blue covers and they had to be washed and pressed. It's funny because we never took our uniforms to the dry cleaners except the dress blues. When our Ensign told us she takes her khakis to the cleaners I told her how I used to starch and press her Dad's!!!!!
I know what you mean Paymaster. I miss the Academy too. We fell in love with Annapolis and will definitely go back for a visit. Our sons girlfriend is from Severna Park so there's another reason to go back. It was easy knowing where our son was and exactly what he was doing. It went by way too fast and it's already been two years since he's graduation.
I'm with y'all. I miss the Academy and Annapolis. We went up there fairly often. Those were good years. I've heard the parents like it better than the mids do, and that's probably true.
So true. We loved it and our son hated it...until he graduated and was assigned to the Academy for three months before reporting to P'cola. That's when he really got to explore the area and fell in love with it. That's when he met his girlfriend (not associated with the Academy or the Navy) and like most of the Mids we know realized how awesome the whole experience was. Now he misses it. It's like a second home.
We had to be the luckiest Academy parents ever...my husband was stationed at the Academy while our daughter was a mid. We lived on the Yard for the last 2 1/2 years she was there. It was crazy, but we loved every minute of it!
Long before I ever knew one of my kids would become a Naval Officer, we lived in Annapolis for 11 years. Loved seeing the Midshipmen out and about but not to thrilled about how crazy it got every May for Commissioning Week. All the prices for everything - even our local fast food joints would go up!! But we did get to see the Blue Angels every year!!! One of the turn spots was right over our house!!!!
@beachmom76: That must have been a lot of fun to be there every day to see it all happen. Truly lucky.
@Anna: I know the residents of Annapolis love the Mids but I imagine it is a hassle when so many people are in town for Commissioning Week and all the other events too.
Awesome! That was a fun trip when my son's class climbed. One of his classmates died in her sleep a month or so before Herndon. Her roommates found her. She had an undetected heart condition. It was very sad. Her cover was the one used to replace the Dixie cup. There is a great picture of Herndon with her cover on top standing there all alone with no one around. Very moving.
Congratulations to your Son!!! And a wonderful place to go for the ceremony!! I do hope you get some time to see some of the sights. Hubby and I had our honeymoon there several years ago. I'd love to go back to visit again!! Wishing you a safe, and fun, trip!! And congrats on that first grandbaby!!!!
VTnavymom and AnnfromLouisiana: Congrats to you and your new LTJG's. How long ago were they commissioned as Ensigns? My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. I know it varies with the individual and their performance, but just wondering how many years it usually takes for the first promotion.
M's mom: My son graduated from and was commissioned at the Naval Academy in May, 2011. It's my understanding that the first promotion is by time served. After that it's performance and merit. So it should take about two years.
M's mom- the first two promotions are automatic, unless there is some major infraction; two years from commissioning to LTJG and then another two years to LT. After that, their records go to a promotion board.
Today is the third wedding anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law. Like many of their classmates, they married the weekend of their graduation from the academy. Can't believe how quickly time has flown!
Thanks beachmom and AnnfromLA. I'm fairly new at this Navy mom thing, because my son has just been an Ensign since Sept 2012. He will graduate on June 7 from Naval Intelligence School in Dam Neck, VA (Virginia Beach). He just got married two weeks ago to his long-time college sweetheart! So now, I'm having to adjust to being a mom-in-law as well as a Navy mom!
VT Mom-we live in Virginia Beach, too! And my daughter is the one who went to the Academy...no sons in this house...lol! She is stationed in San Diego, too. What high school did your son attend? My girls graduated from Cox.
My son is a LT JG as of last year. I have no official uniformed picture of him. He didn't order the yearbook available on his 1st deployment :( Should he have a picture by now and be able to order copies for the family? He HATES to have his picture made! He is moving from Norfolk to Bahrain in 2 wks. :(
Dawn, he didn't do OCS; he was commissioned as an officer at his college graduation ceremony and while ROTC didn't take any official pictures the family took many but that was 3+ years ago and he's earned his SWO pin and LT JG rank since then. His 3 yrs in has definitely aged him ;(
Got it. I don't know the answer then. My son is still an Ensign and had OCS pictures. I have seen FB pictures of people getting their Lt JG bot don't know about offical. My son is the same way, doesn't want picture taken. Ope u get something!
I think they can go to the NEX on base and get a professional picture taken in uniform and in front of the flag or whatever they want. My son had them talk a full body shot for a job application for a Navy position. I guess they want to make sure they are trim and in good shape:) Your son will have to make the effort and if he doesn't like to have his picture taken he may not go:)
That's good to know about the NEX. My son also commissioned through NROTC and his detachment did not arrange for portraits. We dragged him to a local photo studio right after power school graduation to have his picture taken, as we knew that was the only way we'd get a proper portrait of him!
Susank, good to know thanks...I'd probably have to be on my death bed before he'd go to the NEX to have his pic made...it would surely have to be a requirement! LOL Lisbeth, the only weddings he's been to have been friends in Bikers for Christ and all the guys where their biker vests and jeans! LOL I have pics that were taken on ship during his last deployment but he was never in his dress whites which I just love! I do have one w/ him standing just behind and to the side of Jill Biden though when in Greece!
Our family just took a cruise with our son and his wife...he wore his dress blues for formal night. Needless to say, we took MANY pictures that evening and bought them ALL! Don't know when I will get to see him in uniform again :)
You can resize a picture on here before you post it. Just click on the picture and then go to the bottom right corner and start shrinking it in. It takes several times because it seems to make small adjustments each time, but I've always been able to get the picture small enough to comfortably post.
Glad to know I am not the only one here that has problems getting a picture of child! I have about as much chance of getting him in his uniform and taking a picture as I have of growing taller:)
Paymaster, I'm glad I'm not the only one either. When we do get him in a picture the next chore is to get him to smile and forgo the serious military look!
The picture thing is a sore subject alright! I guess it's comforting to hear that mine is not the only one. They had "Dining In" last night, so I know he wore his dress whites and have managed to find one grainy photo on Facebook. Argh.
Barb, I've never even heard of dining in! The photographer on his last deployment was great about taking pics of many sights, sailors working etc but none of them in dress whites or blues ;( I should have asked him to dress up for me the last time I was visiting him in Norfolk...he probably would have just rolled his eyes! LOL
Hubby and I are in Virginia Beach because Dear Son, the Ensign, graduated today from Navy Intelligence Officer Basic Course at Dam Neck. When asked if he now felt more intelligent, DS replied, "A little, but I can't tell you anything I know, because then I'll have to kill you." Since he said it with a smile, he's kidding, WE HOPE! (We're not asking any questions.) We had hoped to enjoy a few sunny days at the Beach, but tropical storm Andrea hit this morning, and it's been raining, and raining, and RAINING! The Captain at DS's graduation said that despite the weather, it was a good NAVY day, so we'll have to agree!
Congratulations to your son!! Our son is also in the IS community - just made first class!! We went to his graduation from C school so I know just where you are!!! And yes, my son tells me the same thing about answering my questions!!!!
I agree about the pictures, VTnavymom. We have been fortunate in that we were on a Tiger Cruise with my son when he got his SWO pin, so we took pictures, and we were visiting in Norfolk when he got promoted to JG and were able to attend that.
But he just had to buy new choker whites (he's outgrown the ones he had at the academy) and mini medals for a fancy wardroom function, and I had to beg him just to get someone to take a picture with his phone. Mine quit Facebook completely. He says he hates it. Sigh.
No one took pics when Chris got his SWO pin or when he was promoted to JG. I would love to do a Tiger Cruise but Chris was sent home on an early bird flight after his 1st deployment...of 8 months! I offered to fly to Norfolk when he was promoted as I would have loved to have witnessed it but he said it was no big deal and would be done on the ship and I wouldn't be allowed...not so sure about that! I'm going to ask that he go get a professional pic taken!
ChrisyDVM - The Tiger Cruise we took with our son came at the end of a deployment that was just a few days short of 11 months - and they left to go on that deployment with only about 10 days notice! I learned quickly never to take the supposed schedule for a ship as set in stone.
As for attending the promotion, we just happened to be visiting him the weekend before, and when I realized the promotion was going to be on Monday, I asked if we could stay over a day and go. I told him if it would be a problem or embarrass him, just to say so. He said it would be fine. He left the ship just long enough to pick us up at the NEX and drive us onto the base. We got to see him get his promotion and take pictures. We were able to talk to the CO and XO and others who work with him, and we even got invited to lunch on board.
It's true that it's done on the ship and most people don't have their parents there, but everyone seemed to think it was great that we were able to be there.
That's wonderful shortymom, that families are allowed to attend promotions aboard, if the ship is in port. I'm looking forward to when my son the Ensign makes LTJG. The only problem will be getting him to tell us in advance, so we can make arrangements to attend! I imagine we will hear, "Oh, by the way, my promotion ceremony was yesterday." Kids..... they just don't understand how important having pics of them in their uniforms, and attending promotions are to their parents. They won't understand until they're parents themselves!
J/J Mom
Anna- thanks for the ironing tips they are good to know -- and i'll pass them on to our MIDN & our Ensign too (tho care for hers might be a bit different??) so they know for when mom's not around to swap chores with them lol
May 13, 2013
chergui53
I agree with you Jn/Jf Mom. Your son deserves some pampering. And, if that means just washing his cover, go for it!!! After all, what are mom's for??? Just love on him while he's home :)
May 14, 2013
Anna
Jn/Jf Mom,
It will work for your Ensign's cover because that was what I was taught years ago when I was enlisted!!! We also had light blue covers and they had to be washed and pressed. It's funny because we never took our uniforms to the dry cleaners except the dress blues. When our Ensign told us she takes her khakis to the cleaners I told her how I used to starch and press her Dad's!!!!!
So what is MIDN?? That's a new term for me!!!!!!
May 15, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
May 15, 2013
Anna
Thank you Ann!!!
May 16, 2013
Paymaster
I miss the Academy! It was so easy back then to do all your Christmas shopping for the family at the Mid Store! One stop shopping:)
May 16, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
May 16, 2013
LindaB
May 16, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
May 16, 2013
beachmom76
We had to be the luckiest Academy parents ever...my husband was stationed at the Academy while our daughter was a mid. We lived on the Yard for the last 2 1/2 years she was there. It was crazy, but we loved every minute of it!
May 16, 2013
Anna
Long before I ever knew one of my kids would become a Naval Officer, we lived in Annapolis for 11 years. Loved seeing the Midshipmen out and about but not to thrilled about how crazy it got every May for Commissioning Week. All the prices for everything - even our local fast food joints would go up!! But we did get to see the Blue Angels every year!!! One of the turn spots was right over our house!!!!
May 16, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
@Anna: I know the residents of Annapolis love the Mids but I imagine it is a hassle when so many people are in town for Commissioning Week and all the other events too.
May 17, 2013
Paymaster
For those that enjoyed your time by the bay, the Plebes climbed Herndon in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
May 21, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
May 21, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
May 23, 2013
Anna
Congratulations Ann!!!!
May 23, 2013
Paymaster
Congrats to the new LTjg
May 24, 2013
Anna
Navy wife and mom,
Congratulations to your Son!!! And a wonderful place to go for the ceremony!! I do hope you get some time to see some of the sights. Hubby and I had our honeymoon there several years ago. I'd love to go back to visit again!! Wishing you a safe, and fun, trip!! And congrats on that first grandbaby!!!!
May 24, 2013
Sweet*Southern*Lady
Finally he commissioned!! We're in our new house and mostly settled in! Can't wait to see what we find out over the next two weeks.
May 27, 2013
M's mom
VTnavymom and AnnfromLouisiana: Congrats to you and your new LTJG's. How long ago were they commissioned as Ensigns? My son graduated from OCS in Sept 2012. I know it varies with the individual and their performance, but just wondering how many years it usually takes for the first promotion.
May 29, 2013
AnnfromLouisiana
VTnavymom: Congrats to your son!
May 29, 2013
beachmom76
M's mom- the first two promotions are automatic, unless there is some major infraction; two years from commissioning to LTJG and then another two years to LT. After that, their records go to a promotion board.
Today is the third wedding anniversary of my daughter and son-in-law. Like many of their classmates, they married the weekend of their graduation from the academy. Can't believe how quickly time has flown!
May 30, 2013
M's mom
Thanks beachmom and AnnfromLA. I'm fairly new at this Navy mom thing, because my son has just been an Ensign since Sept 2012. He will graduate on June 7 from Naval Intelligence School in Dam Neck, VA (Virginia Beach). He just got married two weeks ago to his long-time college sweetheart! So now, I'm having to adjust to being a mom-in-law as well as a Navy mom!
May 30, 2013
beachmom76
VT Mom-we live in Virginia Beach, too! And my daughter is the one who went to the Academy...no sons in this house...lol! She is stationed in San Diego, too. What high school did your son attend? My girls graduated from Cox.
May 31, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
My son is a LT JG as of last year. I have no official uniformed picture of him. He didn't order the yearbook available on his 1st deployment :( Should he have a picture by now and be able to order copies for the family? He HATES to have his picture made! He is moving from Norfolk to Bahrain in 2 wks. :(
Jun 2, 2013
Dawn
Jun 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Dawn, he didn't do OCS; he was commissioned as an officer at his college graduation ceremony and while ROTC didn't take any official pictures the family took many but that was 3+ years ago and he's earned his SWO pin and LT JG rank since then. His 3 yrs in has definitely aged him ;(
Jun 2, 2013
Dawn
Jun 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Thanks Dawn. Best wishes to your son!
Jun 2, 2013
susank
Jun 2, 2013
susank
Jun 2, 2013
susank
Jun 2, 2013
navymom12
That's good to know about the NEX. My son also commissioned through NROTC and his detachment did not arrange for portraits. We dragged him to a local photo studio right after power school graduation to have his picture taken, as we knew that was the only way we'd get a proper portrait of him!
Jun 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Susank, good to know thanks...I'd probably have to be on my death bed before he'd go to the NEX to have his pic made...it would surely have to be a requirement! LOL Lisbeth, the only weddings he's been to have been friends in Bikers for Christ and all the guys where their biker vests and jeans! LOL I have pics that were taken on ship during his last deployment but he was never in his dress whites which I just love! I do have one w/ him standing just behind and to the side of Jill Biden though when in Greece!
Jun 2, 2013
Dawn
Jun 2, 2013
snowmc
Our family just took a cruise with our son and his wife...he wore his dress blues for formal night. Needless to say, we took MANY pictures that evening and bought them ALL! Don't know when I will get to see him in uniform again :)
Jun 2, 2013
Anna
Lisbeth,
You can resize a picture on here before you post it. Just click on the picture and then go to the bottom right corner and start shrinking it in. It takes several times because it seems to make small adjustments each time, but I've always been able to get the picture small enough to comfortably post.
Jun 2, 2013
Paymaster
Glad to know I am not the only one here that has problems getting a picture of child! I have about as much chance of getting him in his uniform and taking a picture as I have of growing taller:)
Jun 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Paymaster, I'm glad I'm not the only one either. When we do get him in a picture the next chore is to get him to smile and forgo the serious military look!
Jun 2, 2013
Barb
The picture thing is a sore subject alright! I guess it's comforting to hear that mine is not the only one. They had "Dining In" last night, so I know he wore his dress whites and have managed to find one grainy photo on Facebook. Argh.
Jun 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Barb, I've never even heard of dining in! The photographer on his last deployment was great about taking pics of many sights, sailors working etc but none of them in dress whites or blues ;( I should have asked him to dress up for me the last time I was visiting him in Norfolk...he probably would have just rolled his eyes! LOL
Jun 3, 2013
M's mom
Hubby and I are in Virginia Beach because Dear Son, the Ensign, graduated today from Navy Intelligence Officer Basic Course at Dam Neck. When asked if he now felt more intelligent, DS replied, "A little, but I can't tell you anything I know, because then I'll have to kill you." Since he said it with a smile, he's kidding, WE HOPE! (We're not asking any questions.) We had hoped to enjoy a few sunny days at the Beach, but tropical storm Andrea hit this morning, and it's been raining, and raining, and RAINING! The Captain at DS's graduation said that despite the weather, it was a good NAVY day, so we'll have to agree!
Jun 7, 2013
beachmom76
M's mom-Sorry for the lousy weather; it really was beautiful here for the past week or so...Hope you enjoy your visit and congrats to your DS!
Jun 7, 2013
Anna
M's mom,
Congratulations to your son!! Our son is also in the IS community - just made first class!! We went to his graduation from C school so I know just where you are!!! And yes, my son tells me the same thing about answering my questions!!!!
Jun 7, 2013
Sweet*Southern*Lady
New Group: Pensacola Navy Significant Others
Jun 9, 2013
J/J Mom
Leave on Tuesday to see both our Ensign AND our Midshipman :]
Ssoooo excited!!!!!!!!
Happy Father's Day everyone!!
Jun 16, 2013
LindaB
But he just had to buy new choker whites (he's outgrown the ones he had at the academy) and mini medals for a fancy wardroom function, and I had to beg him just to get someone to take a picture with his phone. Mine quit Facebook completely. He says he hates it. Sigh.
Jun 18, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
No one took pics when Chris got his SWO pin or when he was promoted to JG. I would love to do a Tiger Cruise but Chris was sent home on an early bird flight after his 1st deployment...of 8 months! I offered to fly to Norfolk when he was promoted as I would have loved to have witnessed it but he said it was no big deal and would be done on the ship and I wouldn't be allowed...not so sure about that! I'm going to ask that he go get a professional pic taken!
Jun 19, 2013
LindaB
As for attending the promotion, we just happened to be visiting him the weekend before, and when I realized the promotion was going to be on Monday, I asked if we could stay over a day and go. I told him if it would be a problem or embarrass him, just to say so. He said it would be fine. He left the ship just long enough to pick us up at the NEX and drive us onto the base. We got to see him get his promotion and take pictures. We were able to talk to the CO and XO and others who work with him, and we even got invited to lunch on board.
It's true that it's done on the ship and most people don't have their parents there, but everyone seemed to think it was great that we were able to be there.
Jun 20, 2013
M's mom
That's wonderful shortymom, that families are allowed to attend promotions aboard, if the ship is in port. I'm looking forward to when my son the Ensign makes LTJG. The only problem will be getting him to tell us in advance, so we can make arrangements to attend! I imagine we will hear, "Oh, by the way, my promotion ceremony was yesterday." Kids..... they just don't understand how important having pics of them in their uniforms, and attending promotions are to their parents. They won't understand until they're parents themselves!
Jun 21, 2013