Well, ladies....the countdown is nearing the end for me. My husband will be home VERY soon!! I am excited and can't wait to have him back in my arms. It feels surreal to think that he will be home soon. After 8 months of him being gone, you get used to being alone. I feel like even with my mini breakdowns here and there, I did a great job getting through our first deployment. Attitude makes a huge difference in how things go. I tried to maintain a positive attitude no matter what. I have the theory that things can always be worse. If you see the good in everything, no matter how small, it makes life so much more enjoyable. For example, my husband will only be home for 8 months and then he will deploy to Afghanistan. I'm not thrilled about the location, however, I get 8 wonderful months with him. Not to mention when he returns from Afghan, he will have an 18 month homeport. Is the 6 months that he is there going to be torture, sure. But with the love and support of my friends and family I can get through it!!
I have also had the great pleasure of meeting some fantastic moms from our battalion (moms of my husband's friends). I thoroughly enjoy reaching out to people to make sure they are informed and feel like they are a part of their son's/daughter's experience. Many moms don't get the information they need when their kid is deployed and have many questions, hence, the reason for this site. I'm sure a lot of you can relate because you all love and miss your kids and worry about them while they're abroad. I would strongly recommend having your son/daughter find a good friend who has a wife or girlfriend at home that cares and is active in their significant other's military career. Add them on Facebook or get their phone number and keep in touch with them. They will provide you with information that you can't get from this site or the FRG sites due to OPSEC or other reasons. It may be tooting my own horn, but the mom's I have helped are definitely grateful because they were never out of the loop. Just a little insight from someone who cares! Have a great Veteran's Day weekend everyone :D
My daughter just graduated from A school and has come home for a few days, really glad to have her home. So far haven't spent much time together she is so busy visiting everyone else. Can't believe she has a schedule now and she sticks by it and expects everyone else to fall in line. Luv her anyway
My daughter is a CE... she will learn so many different things. I hope she is not afraid of climbing poles, lol. That is one thing they learn and seems to be a tricky one at that. They are real electricians for the Navy.. Word to the wise though
Your daughter will be a Seabee, they do not like to be referred to as Sailors. They have earned the right to be called Seabee's . No biggie right now, as we have all made that mistake.
Tobianne...thanks for the heads-up. I wouldn't want to slip up and call her a Sailor after she becomes a Seabee. As for climbing poles, I'm not sure how she'll be. I'll find out soon enough :-)
anyone watch Monday Night Football? My son had to call me last night to see if I saw this: a salute to Veterans and they showed the Seabee flag! (the Packers won, by the way) ~Linda from Wisconsin
a Belated Happy Veteran's Day to all in the Seabee Community! Jean C, you will always be a Navy Mom! Thank your son for his service and thank you for your service and support as well. SeabeeWife, so happy for your husband's soon to be homecoming!
quick question, if you want to put something in the news paper about your child graduating from boot camp and A school, what can you say and what can't you say. I know there is certain items you are not to say but I can't remember them. I don't want to get her into trouble or danger way. Also can I post her picture in the newspaper along with the article. And on Navy For Moms web site.
Robin- thank you for the advice. It is greatly appreciated. After watching some of my fellow wives adjust to their husbands coming home, I did have a bit of a freak out. Some didn't go so well.....cheating, clinginess, and anger were some of the problems they dealt with. A few others transitioned great though. My husband is very patient and allows me to feel the way I feel, regardless of how irrational it may be sometimes. He then calms me down and somehow turns my mood completely around, usually making me laugh. We are both going to take things slow and just get accustomed to each other's habits and routines all over again. I'm sure we will both get frustrated at some point, but we can work through it. Right now, I'm just preparing the house and myself for his return. It will be amazing to have him back in my arms again :D
Robin & Seabee Wife, you two are talking about what I have been trying to tell my son. He just recently got married and will be deployed when his first child is born. When I told him that I won't come down when he gets back, he joked that it was because I didn't love him now that he was married. I explained that he will need to take that time to get reacquanted with his wife and get to know his child. He doesn't need his mom there to stand in the way and put more pressure on him to spend time with all of us. BTW Seabee Wife, I will be in Bush, LA 12/8-12/11. I would love to try to meet up with you since you are a short distance away.
Kelleypin & Joanie - congrats to your guys. As Robin said, great to see advancement at this time.
I am hoping my son will do some recordings before he leaves. It is nice that he will be back about a month or two after the baby arrives, but his wife can still play those recordings while he is gone to kind of help herself so she doesn't get depressed. I think children's stories will be on the list of Christmas items for them.
The "Welcome Home" banner was hung today and preparations are being made in the house. It's getting MUCH closer :D I can hardly contain myself at this point. I haven't told anyone (except my photographer) what day he is coming home. You aren't supposed to anyway, but some people will tell their close relatives. I didn't want to risk them saying something to me on Facebook and messing things up for me and the rest of the battalion. "Loose lips sink ships" and even though my husband isn't on a ship, I like to say "Bombs blow-up planes".
Robin-you are more than welcome to get excited for me. Maybe you can help take away some of my anxiousness lol!!
Jaz-I'm not sure at the moment what I am doing that weekend. We were planning on doing Christmas parties before everyone left town for the holidays. I will also be finishing up my finals that week. However, I would still love to meet up even if for a short minute. Maybe we can find a halfway point and find a restaraunt or something to meet at. Let me know what you think and we can go from there!
SeabeeWife - I am excited for you too. I love those pictures I see of the homecomings on facebook. As the time gets closer for me to come down, I will send you a message to see how the time is going for you. In the mean time, get some reason because you will need it for the happy day and your finals. Good luck on all!
Denise, there are storage units close to where Steven lives, I can't remember the name of the street, but I will ask. And they did have a sign out there that they give military discounts. Sometimes, I ask about prices to see what the true price is then ask about military discounts to see if they are really giving them. Guess that is a trust issue for me. I hope all works out for him.
SeabeeWife - what great pics. Congrats on getting that hug! Joanie - I hope you got your too. Please make sure to tell them both "thank you". I hope you ALL have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you all very much. Went today to welcome home another friend. It was great to see him, and he was very happy to be home as well. Having several of the guys over tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Since they just got home, I of course want to give them a home-cooked meal and a spectacular Thanksgiving feast! My hubby is having a difficult time adjusting to the time difference. I have been keeping him busy during the day and not letting him sleep until "normal" bedtimes to adjust quicker. I think we are almost there. He thankfully doesn't have to report until next Monday, so he should be great by then. It's the most amazing gift to have them home. Even though I wasn't waiting for him today, I still got teary-eyed and couldn't help but be excited for our friend to arrive. There is nothing in this world like seeing those buses pull up. I did get to watch kids run to their parent's today (because I wasn't focused on them during my own homecoming) and it is SOOOOO emotional. They are so happy to see their daddy/mommy come home. I just felt so happy for them. As hard as this military life can be, I wouldn't trade these homecomings for the world. There is nothing better than having a loved one run into your arms and tell you how much they missed you. It gives you a new perspective on what's important in life. I feel very blessed ;-)
Joanie....we should have met up today since we were in the same place! Glad your son is home and that you were there to welcome him! I know you are so happy :D
Happy Thanksgiving to all our loved ones! Miss my daughter already, she just flew out this morning for her next training session. She said I couldn't cry until she boarded the plane, she got her wish but then after that the tears flow hard and long. The holidays are going to be extra hard for me this year not having most of my children with me and having a very ill sister beside. I know my daughter wants to continue her training and be the best Seabee that she can be, so I have to set her free and let her spread her wings even though it's hard on me.
So happy for all of you! Can't wait to see my son, soon! I think it would be awesome to see those buses but I won't this time. Enjoy your time together.
Sounds like a good Thanksgiving for us all. I didn't see mine again this year (second year) but will get to see him in 2 weeks. I can't wait. Unfortunately I won't see him this year for Christmas (second year) either or when they leave. It is ok, he is doing what he wants and needs to do. My son will be joining 11 when he comes back from his deployment.
We had a nice, Thanksgiving, but miss my daughter alot. My 16 year old son made the entire meal including the pumpkin pie. Then we spent a quiet afternoon together. Just heard from my gal tonight she is trying to adjust to next phrase of her training. Lots of studying so far. I know she will get it soon or later hopefully sooner than later though.
Enjoyed a Thanksgiving with our Seabee, Marine, Soldier, & daughter but had a blast watching our favorite football team win on Saturday with all of them plus our Firefighter who worked Thanksgiving. I am a blessed mother. The laughter that filled the air will always be cherished.
sad, but it can be. He should contact his squad leader. He can look and see how many actually have looked at it and approved it. Many that need to sign may have gone home over the holiday and may either still be gone or just returning.
It does happen, has happened to many that I know of. Plenty have had to have what is called a paper leave approval. This is where they walk it through and he does not see it on the computer, but is still able to leave. Sorry, hope he gets news soon. Have had to pay the high price also for mine to come home. Look on hot wire, they have what I call Mystery Flights!!! You do not actually know the airline or times of flight, but usually about 100-200 cheaper.
American Airlines, Southwest and I believe Delta, but I would call and ask what the price is first for regular. Sometimes it is not a real discount. If you go to Forfolk airport on line they have the same as all other airports or sites to check prices, but you can mark for military to see the prices.(I think it is Norfolk, can not remember)
Ann-Marie, have him ask Steven. He is moving near there this weekend with his wife and will be driving to & from there every day. I was going to suggest another airport. It was over $100 cheaper for us to fly into New Orleans than Gulfport.
Nick's chit was finally approved and I was able to get airfare! Phew. My daughter in law said they have a friend that loves New Orleans and won't mind driving them. I don't know why my son always makes everything an issue. I swear he just wants to get me going. Thanks everyone.
Ann-Marie glad everything worked out...you'll have them home soon! Too funny about him getting you going....mine knows my buttons too! They just like it when Mom figures things out for them.
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Veterans Day freebies and discounts:
http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/...
Nov 11, 2011
sonyadw1
Any mom's have Sailors that are CE's? My daughter PIR's next week from boot camp and is going to Texas for A school. She will be a CE.
Nov 11, 2011
sonyadw1
I want to learn more about what she'll be doing.
Nov 11, 2011
SeabeeWife20
Well, ladies....the countdown is nearing the end for me. My husband will be home VERY soon!! I am excited and can't wait to have him back in my arms. It feels surreal to think that he will be home soon. After 8 months of him being gone, you get used to being alone. I feel like even with my mini breakdowns here and there, I did a great job getting through our first deployment. Attitude makes a huge difference in how things go. I tried to maintain a positive attitude no matter what. I have the theory that things can always be worse. If you see the good in everything, no matter how small, it makes life so much more enjoyable. For example, my husband will only be home for 8 months and then he will deploy to Afghanistan. I'm not thrilled about the location, however, I get 8 wonderful months with him. Not to mention when he returns from Afghan, he will have an 18 month homeport. Is the 6 months that he is there going to be torture, sure. But with the love and support of my friends and family I can get through it!!
I have also had the great pleasure of meeting some fantastic moms from our battalion (moms of my husband's friends). I thoroughly enjoy reaching out to people to make sure they are informed and feel like they are a part of their son's/daughter's experience. Many moms don't get the information they need when their kid is deployed and have many questions, hence, the reason for this site. I'm sure a lot of you can relate because you all love and miss your kids and worry about them while they're abroad. I would strongly recommend having your son/daughter find a good friend who has a wife or girlfriend at home that cares and is active in their significant other's military career. Add them on Facebook or get their phone number and keep in touch with them. They will provide you with information that you can't get from this site or the FRG sites due to OPSEC or other reasons. It may be tooting my own horn, but the mom's I have helped are definitely grateful because they were never out of the loop. Just a little insight from someone who cares! Have a great Veteran's Day weekend everyone :D
Nov 12, 2011
mama bear
My daughter just graduated from A school and has come home for a few days, really glad to have her home. So far haven't spent much time together she is so busy visiting everyone else. Can't believe she has a schedule now and she sticks by it and expects everyone else to fall in line. Luv her anyway
Nov 12, 2011
Tobianne
My daughter is a CE... she will learn so many different things. I hope she is not afraid of climbing poles, lol. That is one thing they learn and seems to be a tricky one at that. They are real electricians for the Navy.. Word to the wise though
Your daughter will be a Seabee, they do not like to be referred to as Sailors. They have earned the right to be called Seabee's . No biggie right now, as we have all made that mistake.
Nov 14, 2011
sonyadw1
Tobianne...thanks for the heads-up. I wouldn't want to slip up and call her a Sailor after she becomes a Seabee. As for climbing poles, I'm not sure how she'll be. I'll find out soon enough :-)
Nov 15, 2011
mom2nw
Nov 15, 2011
mom2nw
a Belated Happy Veteran's Day to all in the Seabee Community! Jean C, you will always be a Navy Mom! Thank your son for his service and thank you for your service and support as well. SeabeeWife, so happy for your husband's soon to be homecoming!
Nov 15, 2011
Victoria Steven's Mom
ah Cool flag that is awesome
Nov 15, 2011
mama bear
quick question, if you want to put something in the news paper about your child graduating from boot camp and A school, what can you say and what can't you say. I know there is certain items you are not to say but I can't remember them. I don't want to get her into trouble or danger way. Also can I post her picture in the newspaper along with the article. And on Navy For Moms web site.
Thank You
Nov 16, 2011
SeabeeWife20
Jean C- thank you!
Robin- thank you for the advice. It is greatly appreciated. After watching some of my fellow wives adjust to their husbands coming home, I did have a bit of a freak out. Some didn't go so well.....cheating, clinginess, and anger were some of the problems they dealt with. A few others transitioned great though. My husband is very patient and allows me to feel the way I feel, regardless of how irrational it may be sometimes. He then calms me down and somehow turns my mood completely around, usually making me laugh. We are both going to take things slow and just get accustomed to each other's habits and routines all over again. I'm sure we will both get frustrated at some point, but we can work through it. Right now, I'm just preparing the house and myself for his return. It will be amazing to have him back in my arms again :D
Nov 16, 2011
Jaz04
Robin & Seabee Wife, you two are talking about what I have been trying to tell my son. He just recently got married and will be deployed when his first child is born. When I told him that I won't come down when he gets back, he joked that it was because I didn't love him now that he was married. I explained that he will need to take that time to get reacquanted with his wife and get to know his child. He doesn't need his mom there to stand in the way and put more pressure on him to spend time with all of us. BTW Seabee Wife, I will be in Bush, LA 12/8-12/11. I would love to try to meet up with you since you are a short distance away.
Nov 17, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Counting down the days until this deployment is over....It's been a long 8 months...Can't wait to have Tyler back close to home..
Nov 17, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Tyler made GM2 this cycle.....one proud mom!!!!
Nov 18, 2011
Kelleypen
Mark made Petty Officer 2nd class! YAY
Nov 18, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Kelleypen: Tell him congrats!
Nov 18, 2011
Kelleypen
Thank you. Congrats to Tyler too.
Nov 18, 2011
Jaz04
Kelleypin & Joanie - congrats to your guys. As Robin said, great to see advancement at this time.
I am hoping my son will do some recordings before he leaves. It is nice that he will be back about a month or two after the baby arrives, but his wife can still play those recordings while he is gone to kind of help herself so she doesn't get depressed. I think children's stories will be on the list of Christmas items for them.
Nov 18, 2011
SeabeeWife20
The "Welcome Home" banner was hung today and preparations are being made in the house. It's getting MUCH closer :D I can hardly contain myself at this point. I haven't told anyone (except my photographer) what day he is coming home. You aren't supposed to anyway, but some people will tell their close relatives. I didn't want to risk them saying something to me on Facebook and messing things up for me and the rest of the battalion. "Loose lips sink ships" and even though my husband isn't on a ship, I like to say "Bombs blow-up planes".
Robin-you are more than welcome to get excited for me. Maybe you can help take away some of my anxiousness lol!!
Jaz-I'm not sure at the moment what I am doing that weekend. We were planning on doing Christmas parties before everyone left town for the holidays. I will also be finishing up my finals that week. However, I would still love to meet up even if for a short minute. Maybe we can find a halfway point and find a restaraunt or something to meet at. Let me know what you think and we can go from there!
Nov 19, 2011
Terry'saproudmom(Ship02-Div936)
SeabeeWife20: So excited for you!!!
Nov 19, 2011
Jaz04
SeabeeWife - I am excited for you too. I love those pictures I see of the homecomings on facebook. As the time gets closer for me to come down, I will send you a message to see how the time is going for you. In the mean time, get some reason because you will need it for the happy day and your finals. Good luck on all!
Nov 20, 2011
Jaz04
Denise, there are storage units close to where Steven lives, I can't remember the name of the street, but I will ask. And they did have a sign out there that they give military discounts. Sometimes, I ask about prices to see what the true price is then ask about military discounts to see if they are really giving them. Guess that is a trust issue for me. I hope all works out for him.
Nov 21, 2011
SeabeeWife20
HE'S HOME!!!!!!
Nov 22, 2011
SeabeeWife20
P.S.-My hair looked so much better, but due to wind and humidity it was flat within an hour of waiting! I'm so happy my hubby is home :D
Nov 22, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Headed to Gulfport for homecoming....it's been a long 9 months....cannot wait...Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Nov 22, 2011
Jaz04
SeabeeWife - what great pics. Congrats on getting that hug! Joanie - I hope you got your too. Please make sure to tell them both "thank you". I hope you ALL have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Nov 23, 2011
Tobianne
Awe, awsome pics. So happy he is home. You may now resume life (or ease back into it) and feel like a complete circle once again.
Nov 23, 2011
SeabeeWife20
Thank you all very much. Went today to welcome home another friend. It was great to see him, and he was very happy to be home as well. Having several of the guys over tomorrow for Thanksgiving. Since they just got home, I of course want to give them a home-cooked meal and a spectacular Thanksgiving feast! My hubby is having a difficult time adjusting to the time difference. I have been keeping him busy during the day and not letting him sleep until "normal" bedtimes to adjust quicker. I think we are almost there. He thankfully doesn't have to report until next Monday, so he should be great by then. It's the most amazing gift to have them home. Even though I wasn't waiting for him today, I still got teary-eyed and couldn't help but be excited for our friend to arrive. There is nothing in this world like seeing those buses pull up. I did get to watch kids run to their parent's today (because I wasn't focused on them during my own homecoming) and it is SOOOOO emotional. They are so happy to see their daddy/mommy come home. I just felt so happy for them. As hard as this military life can be, I wouldn't trade these homecomings for the world. There is nothing better than having a loved one run into your arms and tell you how much they missed you. It gives you a new perspective on what's important in life. I feel very blessed ;-)
Joanie....we should have met up today since we were in the same place! Glad your son is home and that you were there to welcome him! I know you are so happy :D
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Nov 23, 2011
mama bear
Happy Thanksgiving to all our loved ones! Miss my daughter already, she just flew out this morning for her next training session. She said I couldn't cry until she boarded the plane, she got her wish but then after that the tears flow hard and long. The holidays are going to be extra hard for me this year not having most of my children with me and having a very ill sister beside. I know my daughter wants to continue her training and be the best Seabee that she can be, so I have to set her free and let her spread her wings even though it's hard on me.
Nov 24, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
I got some great hugs....so glad he's home
Nov 24, 2011
cindyrb
So happy for all of you! Can't wait to see my son, soon! I think it would be awesome to see those buses but I won't this time. Enjoy your time together.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Nov 24, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
So happy for all of you! My son is joining 133 when he gets back from Afghanistan.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Nov 24, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Ann-Marie: I'm sure your son will meet my son eventually...Tyler is one of the Gunner's Mates for 133.
Nov 24, 2011
Barbara C
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. My CM Seabee son surprised us by coming home for Thanksgiving. What a great surprise!
His next deployment will be to Afghanistan. That worries me. He insists he will be perfectly safe there.
Nov 24, 2011
Jaz04
Sounds like a good Thanksgiving for us all. I didn't see mine again this year (second year) but will get to see him in 2 weeks. I can't wait. Unfortunately I won't see him this year for Christmas (second year) either or when they leave. It is ok, he is doing what he wants and needs to do. My son will be joining 11 when he comes back from his deployment.
Nov 25, 2011
mama bear
We had a nice, Thanksgiving, but miss my daughter alot. My 16 year old son made the entire meal including the pumpkin pie. Then we spent a quiet afternoon together. Just heard from my gal tonight she is trying to adjust to next phrase of her training. Lots of studying so far. I know she will get it soon or later hopefully sooner than later though.
Nov 28, 2011
Momofahousefull
Enjoyed a Thanksgiving with our Seabee, Marine, Soldier, & daughter but had a blast watching our favorite football team win on Saturday with all of them plus our Firefighter who worked Thanksgiving. I am a blessed mother. The laughter that filled the air will always be cherished.
Nov 29, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Help! Nick put a chit in over 3 weeks ago for Dec 2-11. He still hasn't heard and airfare is now double. Is this normal?
Nov 30, 2011
Tobianne
sad, but it can be. He should contact his squad leader. He can look and see how many actually have looked at it and approved it. Many that need to sign may have gone home over the holiday and may either still be gone or just returning.
It does happen, has happened to many that I know of. Plenty have had to have what is called a paper leave approval. This is where they walk it through and he does not see it on the computer, but is still able to leave. Sorry, hope he gets news soon. Have had to pay the high price also for mine to come home. Look on hot wire, they have what I call Mystery Flights!!! You do not actually know the airline or times of flight, but usually about 100-200 cheaper.
Nov 30, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Thank you Tobianne, do you know if any one gives Military discounts?
Nov 30, 2011
Tobianne
American Airlines, Southwest and I believe Delta, but I would call and ask what the price is first for regular. Sometimes it is not a real discount. If you go to Forfolk airport on line they have the same as all other airports or sites to check prices, but you can mark for military to see the prices.(I think it is Norfolk, can not remember)
Nov 30, 2011
Tobianne
Most offer free luggage if no discount, that can save about 50-75 a trip as well.
Nov 30, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Thanks Denise
I know he's killing me it double in one day and I have to fly he new wife in too. Ugh!
Nov 30, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
He checks every morning and afternoon now. He said it is hard because they are not always around.
Does anyone know the cheapest was to get from base to the airport in New Orleans. Flight is much cheaper from there.
Nov 30, 2011
Jaz04
Ann-Marie, have him ask Steven. He is moving near there this weekend with his wife and will be driving to & from there every day. I was going to suggest another airport. It was over $100 cheaper for us to fly into New Orleans than Gulfport.
Nov 30, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Jaz That's what I need, transportation from Gulfport to New Orleans. Steven is going to be way to busy moving, but thanks anyway!
Nov 30, 2011
Kelleypen
Ann-Marie... greyhound. Nice ride. 35$ no problem
Nov 30, 2011
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Nick's chit was finally approved and I was able to get airfare! Phew. My daughter in law said they have a friend that loves New Orleans and won't mind driving them. I don't know why my son always makes everything an issue. I swear he just wants to get me going. Thanks everyone.
Dec 1, 2011
Terry'saproudmom(Ship02-Div936)
Ann-Marie glad everything worked out...you'll have them home soon! Too funny about him getting you going....mine knows my buttons too! They just like it when Mom figures things out for them.
Dec 2, 2011