I am so excited to be going to Quilt Camp today. 2 1/2 days off with my fellow Quilt Guild members. Just hanging out and sewing. The best part is no one has to cook or clean up, the meals are included. Hope to get three christmas tree skirt done. I have two cut out and fabric is purchase for the third. We will see how far I get. Don't laugh, but I am taking my own chair with me. I can't imagine sitting in a folding chair all weekend, I wouldn't be able to walk afterwards! Talk to you all later:)
M's mom - usually, promotion from ensign to Lt. JG is two years to the day after commissioning. Not sure what happens if the anniversary falls on a weekend, but you ought to be able to count on it being right around that time.
That's great that so many of you got to witness your ensigns' promotion. Chris's was a little after his 2 yr mark due to the ship's schedule and Chris attending a school. Some of his friends on other ships were promoted while on deployment. I live 12 hours away or I would have pushed harder to get him to agree for me to come. Promotions during deployment were photographed but unfortunately not Chris's; it be because the ship was already in dry dock. I loved that his CO insisted he get his pic taken in front of all the USO boxes of care packages that I and the ship's ombudsman arranged to have delivered while the ship was in Greece last June and it was included in the pic of the day sent to the families with a thank you from the CO! He will likely still be in Bahrain when promoted to LT :( I won't have an opportunity to do a tiger cruise this time either because his ship will be staying there as it's home port :(
Hey Everyone! Our son is at Ballston Spa, NY...is there a formal graduation at the end? We are trying to fit the Graduation (if there is one) and a family Wedding in to a small window. Obviously I'd rather attend the Graduation, if there is one.
When my son graduated prototype in BS in 2011 there was no graduation. They all finished their oral boards on different days. They get leave right after it is over and they just want to get out of there ASAP. I have heard from the enlisted moms that their is a prototype graduation in BS but not sure if the officers do it now too.
Not sure, our son had some taken early on, maybe shortly after he became an officer...and I'm sure it was Navy motivated because he would never think to do that on his own :-)
Our Son's were taken as a group at the end of OCS. All of his pics are seated some with his cover, some without. Some smiling, some serious, and one with a sword. I am sure it was done as a group because he never would have done this on his own. He is in his dress blues and looks awesome!
I have a question, my son is going to a wedding Saturday. The invitation requested that all military wear their uniforms. Does he wear dress blues or whites? The wedding is at Ft Hood.
Those are the same kind of pics my daughter had done. Only instead of using the prop sword she went out to car and got her Dad's sword she took with her, just so she could be holding it in her picture. Then she mounted that sword on her wall!!!
Happy Independence Day! On this day, let us remember our sailors, and ALL members of our Armed Forces, who are working so hard to preserve our freedom and independence. Blessings and safe return home to all of them!
Hi. My son is stationed on Parris Island in South Carolina. He went through officer's training in Rhode Island in November 2012, and now is a dentist working with marine recruits. Anyone have a son/daughter there? We are planning to visit him there for a few days next week. This will be our first time in South Carolina.
Hi VTnavymom,
Oh, my son lives in Beaufort! Thank you for the tips for packing for hot and humid. We''ll also make a stop at the Lollipop Shop...sounds like a fun place. I'm sure we''ll have a good time...can't wait to see my son! Thanks, VTnavymom!
JAMI: I'm puzzled by your comment that "a lot of our kids no longer get breakfast." Do you mean that the deployed ground troops don't get to go to a mess hall/tent for breakfast because it's not available, or do you mean they just don't get breakfast when they're on watch, or maybe they choose not to go to breakfast? As a Mom, if our troops are not being fed properly due to spending cuts or some other nonsense, I'm livid!
Although I have not seen my son for 16 months, I know that he appreciated each and every thing that was sent to him. After he was deployed to Afhanistan, it was a little harder to send him things but I made sure that the package was not only addressed to him but the Chaplin as well, just in case he was not able to receive it. That way others were able to enjoy the things that were sent. He also told me to send hand warmers because the winters are so cold. Sugar Pops was also a HUGE hit. There was more than a few times when I received a picture of my son waiting for transport to someplace that he had a container of Sugar Pops in his hands!! As he once said to me, "Mom, ask me what I need before you send something that I don't." Plus and package that you send should include a note that says, "I love you".
Lots of great ideas here. My daughter is a new Ensign in month 4 of her 1st deployment. One comment I would like to add that doesn't get mentioned is that sending out the weekly or bi-weekly boxes, while is a great idea for those guys who are sitting still, just keep in mind ships are a moving target. We sent boxes several weeks apart as did my parents and - just because of timing and resupply schedules they all arrived at the same time :/ When space is a problem that sometimes it is not so great. And I totally second JJ's comment- definitely wait and ask for what your sailor needs on many things. We are so surprised at times at what our daughter will ask for. Things that people told us she will need so badly she has no problem getting and other things- she continually asks for. I think it depends so much on how often they are in port, where they stop, what bases they stop in, etc. etc. We were sending things she asked for early in deployment and then suddenly we were getting emails - STOP STOP :):) They do appreciate everything but if you are sending - it's good to send needed items.
Paymaster: Love those Minions from the Despicable Me movies! Search YouTube for "The Minions' "Banana-Potato" song." It's the minion version of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann" and it's hilarious!
My youngest son took me to see the first Despicable Me movie. He's now 21 (and 6'6") and I talked him into taking me to a matinee of Despicable Me 2; he sat veeeeerrrrry low in his seat. I wasn't sure which was the funniest - the movie or him!
My Navy son is stationed 5 states away, and when he hears these kinds of things, I think he's grateful! Lol!
I love "date night" w/ my son. When I visited him in Norfolk he always took me to one of the cinema cafes which are so cool...great movies and delicious food!
In addition to all the great ideas shared here I've also sent car deodorizers as you can pack several and they can be hung in there ship lockers or apts.
Happy weekend moms! DH and I are on our way to a Navy for Moms gathering at the Southcenter Cheesecake Factory in Tukwila, WA. Should be lots of fun. Also have my shopping list for after lunch.
Helomom: I see that Tukwila, WA is near Seattle. My son is stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, which is north of there. He says it's beautiful, so we are looking forward to visiting him & his wife there next spring/summer. We live in the Midwest, so it's pretty far away, but we're thankful that his first duty assignment as an Ensign was located within the United States!
Congratulations, Denise F. That's a big accomplishment.
Ours earned his while on deployment also, and the captain waited until the Tiger Cruise to award it, so my husband and I got to be there.
Denise F, congrats to you and your son! I didn't get to see my son get pinned as a SWO or promoted to Lt JG either but it's still a great accomplishment. Sure would have loved to have been there as no pics were taken which knowing my son he probably requested that!
Our son went to the dental clinic today and they looked at his teeth and said they're good. He asked for a cleaning and they said they don't do that. Is it maybe some bases have limited care, or does the Navy just not clean teeth? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi M's mom! Yes, NAS Whidbey is an hour and a half or so north of Seattle. I'm a local and I met my husband when he was stationed there. He's from Illinois, he says be careful you may not want to go home. He didn't. Spring will be a great time to come but make it late Spring so the rhododendrons will be in bloom.
Hi Ok Suzy,
My son is a dentist stationed at Parris Island, and he said it depends on the base. The base he is at has hygenists to clean teeth for recruits and active duty.
Congratulations, Denise F! That's a great accomplishment for your son. ChrisyDVM(Chris's mom), we pinned our son's shoulder boards on when he was commissioned as an Ensign, pinned his wings on when he graduated from flight school, and flew to RI to see him get his Masters from USNWC. 3 events over 16 years. But in about 3 weeks we are going to his O-5 promotion! That's two events in one year, I'm thrilled!
I just asked my daughter (who happens to be visiting this weekend!!) and she said she went for a check up in Pensacola and they just poked around and scraped her teeth a bit but that was it!!! Nothing like the civilian cleanings she used to get twice a year!!!!
Helomom, that's awesome that you've been able to witness so many events. I at least go to pin his shoulder boards on when he graduated from NROTC and was commissioned as an Ensign. I didn't know I was going to be doing it until right before he handed them to me. That is the last picture I have of him in his dress whites. I sooo want a new updated one!
Thanks for the teeth cleaning answers. I pretty much assumed it would depend on which services are offered at certain bases. He'll be on orders again in Nvember so hopefully the next base will be large enough to have a hygienist or two!
September 21, 2013 from 9am to 2pm – St. Marks Lutheran ChurchAnnual Wound Warrior Pillowcase Service Project Hosted by Jody Groves Several years ago a number of us Navy Mom’s got together to make pillowcases, to be sent out to sailors deployed at sea over the…Organized by Paymaster | Type: service, project, to, benefit, wound, warriosYou are attending.
My son is waiting on his paperwork to get assigned to a class at Newport. He has been accepted for Naval Flight Officer. We are thrilled for him - both my husband and I are military kids, just no Navy until now.
Paymaster
Its Friday!
I am so excited to be going to Quilt Camp today. 2 1/2 days off with my fellow Quilt Guild members. Just hanging out and sewing. The best part is no one has to cook or clean up, the meals are included. Hope to get three christmas tree skirt done. I have two cut out and fabric is purchase for the third. We will see how far I get. Don't laugh, but I am taking my own chair with me. I can't imagine sitting in a folding chair all weekend, I wouldn't be able to walk afterwards! Talk to you all later:)
Jun 21, 2013
LindaB
Jun 21, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
That's great that so many of you got to witness your ensigns' promotion. Chris's was a little after his 2 yr mark due to the ship's schedule and Chris attending a school. Some of his friends on other ships were promoted while on deployment. I live 12 hours away or I would have pushed harder to get him to agree for me to come. Promotions during deployment were photographed but unfortunately not Chris's; it be because the ship was already in dry dock. I loved that his CO insisted he get his pic taken in front of all the USO boxes of care packages that I and the ship's ombudsman arranged to have delivered while the ship was in Greece last June and it was included in the pic of the day sent to the families with a thank you from the CO! He will likely still be in Bahrain when promoted to LT :( I won't have an opportunity to do a tiger cruise this time either because his ship will be staying there as it's home port :(
Jun 21, 2013
OkSuzy
Hey Everyone! Our son is at Ballston Spa, NY...is there a formal graduation at the end? We are trying to fit the Graduation (if there is one) and a family Wedding in to a small window. Obviously I'd rather attend the Graduation, if there is one.
Thanks Girls..any help is appreciated!
Jun 22, 2013
susank
Jun 23, 2013
OkSuzy
Not sure, our son had some taken early on, maybe shortly after he became an officer...and I'm sure it was Navy motivated because he would never think to do that on his own :-)
Jul 1, 2013
Paymaster
They only take Formal Portrait's when they are forced too by their command.
Jul 1, 2013
Anna
My daughter had her formal pictures taken just before the end of OCS.
Jul 1, 2013
OkSuzy
Jul 2, 2013
aggiemom
I have a question, my son is going to a wedding Saturday. The invitation requested that all military wear their uniforms. Does he wear dress blues or whites? The wedding is at Ft Hood.
Jul 2, 2013
Paymaster
Aggiemom, is he a member of the bridial party (sword arch)?
Before 6 pm its Whites, after 6 pm its Cutaway's. Page 309 of the Officer's Service Etiquette book.
Jul 2, 2013
Anna
OkSuzy,
Those are the same kind of pics my daughter had done. Only instead of using the prop sword she went out to car and got her Dad's sword she took with her, just so she could be holding it in her picture. Then she mounted that sword on her wall!!!
Jul 2, 2013
aggiemom
Thanks Paymaster. I don't believe he is part of the bridal party. I will pass this info on to him (and get a scowl ).
Jul 2, 2013
Paymaster
aggiemom....I know that scowl:)
Jul 2, 2013
M's mom
Happy Independence Day! On this day, let us remember our sailors, and ALL members of our Armed Forces, who are working so hard to preserve our freedom and independence. Blessings and safe return home to all of them!
Jul 4, 2013
aggiemom
@paymaster - He is wearing Whites to the wedding. I requested a picture since I have not seen him in those. Thanks for the help earlier in the week.
Jul 6, 2013
Chris
Jul 12, 2013
Chris
My son finishes his John Jay Institute fellowship this weekend. Pensacola or bust next week!
Jul 12, 2013
TapperMom
Jul 20, 2013
OkSuzy
Jul 21, 2013
TapperMom
Oh, my son lives in Beaufort! Thank you for the tips for packing for hot and humid. We''ll also make a stop at the Lollipop Shop...sounds like a fun place. I'm sure we''ll have a good time...can't wait to see my son! Thanks, VTnavymom!
Jul 22, 2013
KatK
The sailors, on ships, also like gum because when they are "on watch" it help keeps them awake.
Jul 23, 2013
M's mom
JAMI: I'm puzzled by your comment that "a lot of our kids no longer get breakfast." Do you mean that the deployed ground troops don't get to go to a mess hall/tent for breakfast because it's not available, or do you mean they just don't get breakfast when they're on watch, or maybe they choose not to go to breakfast? As a Mom, if our troops are not being fed properly due to spending cuts or some other nonsense, I'm livid!
Jul 23, 2013
Paymaster
Congrats Navy wife and mom!
Jul 25, 2013
JJ
Although I have not seen my son for 16 months, I know that he appreciated each and every thing that was sent to him. After he was deployed to Afhanistan, it was a little harder to send him things but I made sure that the package was not only addressed to him but the Chaplin as well, just in case he was not able to receive it. That way others were able to enjoy the things that were sent. He also told me to send hand warmers because the winters are so cold. Sugar Pops was also a HUGE hit. There was more than a few times when I received a picture of my son waiting for transport to someplace that he had a container of Sugar Pops in his hands!! As he once said to me, "Mom, ask me what I need before you send something that I don't." Plus and package that you send should include a note that says, "I love you".
Jul 27, 2013
kgrmom
Lots of great ideas here. My daughter is a new Ensign in month 4 of her 1st deployment. One comment I would like to add that doesn't get mentioned is that sending out the weekly or bi-weekly boxes, while is a great idea for those guys who are sitting still, just keep in mind ships are a moving target. We sent boxes several weeks apart as did my parents and - just because of timing and resupply schedules they all arrived at the same time :/ When space is a problem that sometimes it is not so great. And I totally second JJ's comment- definitely wait and ask for what your sailor needs on many things. We are so surprised at times at what our daughter will ask for. Things that people told us she will need so badly she has no problem getting and other things- she continually asks for. I think it depends so much on how often they are in port, where they stop, what bases they stop in, etc. etc. We were sending things she asked for early in deployment and then suddenly we were getting emails - STOP STOP :):) They do appreciate everything but if you are sending - it's good to send needed items.
Jul 27, 2013
Paymaster
So True!
Aug 1, 2013
M's mom
Paymaster: Love those Minions from the Despicable Me movies! Search YouTube for "The Minions' "Banana-Potato" song." It's the minion version of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann" and it's hilarious!
Aug 1, 2013
NOAM
My youngest son took me to see the first Despicable Me movie. He's now 21 (and 6'6") and I talked him into taking me to a matinee of Despicable Me 2; he sat veeeeerrrrry low in his seat. I wasn't sure which was the funniest - the movie or him!
My Navy son is stationed 5 states away, and when he hears these kinds of things, I think he's grateful! Lol!
Aug 2, 2013
OkSuzy
Glad you got to spend some time with your son!
Aug 2, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
I love "date night" w/ my son. When I visited him in Norfolk he always took me to one of the cinema cafes which are so cool...great movies and delicious food!
In addition to all the great ideas shared here I've also sent car deodorizers as you can pack several and they can be hung in there ship lockers or apts.
Aug 3, 2013
Helomom
Aug 10, 2013
M's mom
Helomom: I see that Tukwila, WA is near Seattle. My son is stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, which is north of there. He says it's beautiful, so we are looking forward to visiting him & his wife there next spring/summer. We live in the Midwest, so it's pretty far away, but we're thankful that his first duty assignment as an Ensign was located within the United States!
Aug 11, 2013
LindaB
Ours earned his while on deployment also, and the captain waited until the Tiger Cruise to award it, so my husband and I got to be there.
Aug 12, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Denise F, congrats to you and your son! I didn't get to see my son get pinned as a SWO or promoted to Lt JG either but it's still a great accomplishment. Sure would have loved to have been there as no pics were taken which knowing my son he probably requested that!
Aug 12, 2013
OkSuzy
Our son went to the dental clinic today and they looked at his teeth and said they're good. He asked for a cleaning and they said they don't do that. Is it maybe some bases have limited care, or does the Navy just not clean teeth? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Aug 12, 2013
Helomom
Aug 12, 2013
TapperMom
My son is a dentist stationed at Parris Island, and he said it depends on the base. The base he is at has hygenists to clean teeth for recruits and active duty.
Aug 12, 2013
Helomom
Aug 12, 2013
Helomom
Aug 12, 2013
Anna
OK Suzy,
I just asked my daughter (who happens to be visiting this weekend!!) and she said she went for a check up in Pensacola and they just poked around and scraped her teeth a bit but that was it!!! Nothing like the civilian cleanings she used to get twice a year!!!!
Aug 12, 2013
susank
Aug 12, 2013
ChrisyDVM(Chris'sMom)
Helomom, that's awesome that you've been able to witness so many events. I at least go to pin his shoulder boards on when he graduated from NROTC and was commissioned as an Ensign. I didn't know I was going to be doing it until right before he handed them to me. That is the last picture I have of him in his dress whites. I sooo want a new updated one!
Aug 12, 2013
Dawn
Aug 12, 2013
OkSuzy
Thanks for the teeth cleaning answers. I pretty much assumed it would depend on which services are offered at certain bases. He'll be on orders again in Nvember so hopefully the next base will be large enough to have a hygienist or two!
Aug 13, 2013
Paymaster
Meet and Greet - Pillowcase project for Wound Warriors
September 21, 2013 from 9am to 2pm – St. Marks Lutheran Church Annual Wound Warrior Pillowcase Service Project Hosted by Jody Groves Several years ago a number of us Navy Mom’s got together to make pillowcases, to be sent out to sailors deployed at sea over the…Organized by Paymaster | Type: service, project, to, benefit, wound, warriosYou are attending.
Aug 27, 2013
Paymaster
Welcome TThatch.
Sep 4, 2013
Paymaster
Welcome Marmie!
Sep 9, 2013
Paymaster
Welcome Gurglefish!
Looks like we have several new mom's tell us what is going on with you?
Sep 9, 2013
Marmie
My son is waiting on his paperwork to get assigned to a class at Newport. He has been accepted for Naval Flight Officer. We are thrilled for him - both my husband and I are military kids, just no Navy until now.
Sep 9, 2013