Proud, congrats to you my dear friend!!!!!! I cant wait for you to hold that little Lorelei in your arms!!! woooow she was a big healthy baby!!!!! AWESOME
Congrats to proud Mama on her new granddaughter! I am leaving SD as I write this. Had a wonderful time visiting my Son n Daughter n law! Still thinking it will be a year more of training before those wings! Long, long pipeline and things are slowing down!
Melissa-Say hi to Elvis for me... in case you see him as you travel through Mississippi! and Yep... she seems to be about the size of a fily! Wish I could take a pic of them side by side!
Vita-Thanks!!! I feel GRAND! I'm sure my daughter is so relieved to have womb service over since she is a tiny 5ft 4 inches and to give birth to a 9lb 12 inch little girl....everything must seem a bit easier for her!
Nancy- thanks for sharing your joy and hugs! Right back at'cha! Your pm's meant the world to me!
Lydia- what would I have done without you? Your investigations regarding living arrangements, church attendance (and non attendance) have been sooooooo helpful! Thanks for everything!
sweetpea- Thanks! and so glad you enjoyed your time with your son and DIL...a bit scary for me to know that the pipeline is slowing down as my son is entering bc the beginning of August... Yikes! Hope there is room for him!
Thanks again all of you ladies for sharing your thoughts, well wishes, and prayers for my daughter... who is a Navy wife... It is so hard to be away from your adult children when you know they need you and you can't be there... You all stood in the gap for me- my heart is overflowing with thankfulness for you all! Your comments made me stop and smile! Thanks to all of you!
Arrived in Pensacola this afternoon and got to see my son first thing. He looks fantastic! Healthy, happy, tanned, and fit and more sure than ever that the Navy was the correct choice for him.
He received his orders and leaves the 21st for SERE in Cali and then will be in SanDiego. He also will be ranking to Petty Officer tomorrow at grad!
One of his high school friends is currently at Great Lakes and will finish on the 13th and is to arrive at Pensacola on the 15th; he is contracted for electrical engineering not Air Crew but they should have a chance to connect and visit.
Grad is tomorrow at 09:30 and I will meet MamaD's son then. Can't wait! I am so proud of our boys I'm practically bursting!
Proud... thank you and you are most welcome... just paying it forward as I know all us moms do and will do in the future... speaking of church...
Here is the link again to my sons church near the North island Base. He loves it... super laid back but lots of youth and very very active in the OB and PB community... I have known the Pastor (Steve Bombaci) since Bible College and his wife Karen is AWESOME.... if any of your boys are looking for a good fun laid back church... and they just stated a surf ministry!!!!!
Congrats to everyone in here, what a week of Awesomeness!! Grand babies, graduations, visits with our sailors!! I love it!!! This site is so amazing, I know I don't post often but I check it and love to hear the amazing achievements and hear about what is going on. My son is graduating A school today with Melissa's son and I can't wait to hear all about it, so grateful to have gotten connected with her through here. And our boys are next headed to San Diego so that is a 8 hour drive from where I am so I will get to head there when their schedule allows for that. Navy families ROCK!!!
Lydia- I'm going to try to go to that church..lim really interested! I am not sure I can get on or off base without my SIL as I don't have a military ID. Hope to work it out!
I'm leving for SD tomorrow! I'm a nervous Nellie on airplanes...but my daughter, SIL, and granddaughter are worth it! I'll be there for 16 days! Longest vacation I've had in 14 years!
Proudmama ~ have a safe trip! I can't help you about getting on the base without your SIL ~ every time I left was with my son. I spent 8 glorious days there...you will love it! Congratulations again on your new granddaughter, also will be fun to play with your grandson!
Wow, I go away for a week and everyone checks in. Congrats Proudmama on the birth of your new granddaughter. So glad that everything went well and wow, what a good size baby!! Congrats to all the graduating rescue swimmers and the mommas that were able to go visit with them. Hope everyone made it there and back safe and sound.
I got to spend 3 wonderful days with my son and one of his rescue swimmer buddies (who brought along his wife and super adorable baby girl). They drove up to stay at our friends house. They arrived just as the rain did but they still got to swim and ride the seadoos and relax. I haven't seen him since Christmas so the time I spent with him was special. I hated to see him go but unfortunately the Navy wants him back lol.
Hi all! I am here in San Diego at the beautiful Navy Lodge with my daughter and her family... you all are absolutely correct! It is so beautiful! I have been going out in the early morning and taking a walk along the beach listening to the sounds of the waves and enjoying the smells of the beach... feeling grateful for the good moments in our lives and praying about those not so good moments.... decompressing, getting refreshed and letting the world pass me by... I took one fairly long walk along the beach when I noticed this sign as I was returning toward the lodge...
DANGER! LIVE FIRING.. AREA OFF LIMITS
Yep, my walk took me right through the live firing range... lol. Of course there was no danger on this day as there was nobody around... but still- guess my "situational awareness" was more than lacking on this day! Moral of the story... don't forget that you are on a military base!
Proudmama and Vitamama, that's hilarious!!! Make sure you visit Point Loma and the light house. Great view and hike. Visit Robertos for good Mexican fast food and very cheap. I have to have my Robertos' fix each time I visit. I also enjoyed Balboa Park the rose garden is unbelievable!!!
Sounds like everyone is having a great summer!!!! I will be having a great one in one month.... my son got leave and we are meeting up and my daughter's place in Colorado!!!!! Two kids at one time.. for a week... Ill be in heaven for sure...!!! Then his is off on Delpoy for 8 months =(
Hey are there any newbies here with kids in NACCS or RSS right now... so many are not checking in these days??? I always worry when we don't hear anything.....
Checking in! WOW some of you ladies are getting to see their Sailors and that's just wonderful. I wish I could as well. Who knew he'd be in San Diego when I made vacation plans for this summer? Not us, so although I will be "out West" I will be on a "girlfriend vacation" to Reno. (It's 9 hours from SD - so that isn't going to happen) at least we will be on the same time zone! Will just have to wait for him to come home, which he plans to do after FRC is over. Hopefully that will work out, miss him!
I do love hearing all your stories about reuniting with your sons and daughters. Will live vicariously through your wonderful stories. Keep em comin.
It sounds like everyone is having a great summer.
Yes Lydia. Travelsalot and my son should graduate RSS this Friday.. YAY!! They are doing SAR jumps today. (I hope, otherwise our guys may be disappointed) I am driving over to Pensacola Thursday to watch graduation. I am so thankful to have all of you here to help me through this journey.
Lydia, have a gr8 time in Colorado! We had a great time last week in Norfolk. It was great how the FRG for IKE made things so easy for us. A big reception on the day before with food and decorated cupcakes, flags and fans for us to wave and sailors on hand to ask questions about the next day.. Then when we went to the base, there was a huge tent with tables of FREE snacks and foods and fruit and drinks from vendors. It was amazing to see that huge ship come in. They had 1200 TIGERS on board ( civilian family members that got to board in JAX and have a 2 day cruise with them. We couldn't this time, but if you have a chance, don't miss out!! ) We were at the very edge of the pier with our seats and had a huge sign with his name so he found us and took this picture from the flight deck. Drove down to North Carolina with him and got to spend the holidays with his big brother/wife and sweet nieces...and of course we were able to hear all about what they do as Airmen/Rescue Swimmer on an aircraft carrier. :) It sure made the holidays have a different ring to them with a sailor just come back from deployment to the Persian Gulf.
On another note, please pray for the family of the sailor from USS BOISE that fell off the sub in Norfolk this weekend. And for the shipmates. Tragic. They are all family, no matter what rank or ship,
Hi Lydia - I guess I am a newbie and am still here! I have been following each and every day and enjoying all the posts, stories and living vicariously through all of them while waiting patiently for my son to class up. Both of his roommates have but he is still waiting...patiently for now. Safe travels Lydia!
Heartstrings - safe travels and enjoy the graduation and time with your sailor. :)
Vitamama - I am so glad you had safe travels to and from Norfolk. Sounds like it was a great time of celebration. Just wondering why the civilians are called TIGERS? Assuming it is an acronym, what does it stand for? I know my husband can't wait to do that! Can moms too?
Proudmama - so glad you made it safely! Enjoy your walks!
And by the way ladies, the same thing happened to my husband the first time he was at the beach on Coronado for a business meeting except he was asked to show his credentials! Nope, he isn't military! :D
Checking in after our long drive back from Pensacola - it was so hard to leave! We had a great visit even though it rained on us every single day. We hit all the highlights with the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola N.A.S. lighthouse, Pensacola Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdito Bay and just visiting with my son. He was excited to tell us about what he is doing and how things are going and he and my Dad were in heaven talking ships and planes and fishing!
Congratulations to those of you with Sailors graduating RSS this week. And hope all of you visiting with family have as great a visit as we did.
Ask your Son. I would be there a hour early, I had difficulty finding the pool! I got sea sick watching the pool simulating waves and rough conditions!!!
I am headed to Pensacola this Thursday... My son and several others graduates from RSS on Friday July 12.
Melissa, I sure hope I dont endure rain ever day.. I want to go to the beach...!!!
Nancynature, hang in there.. I have no idea who what when why or how they class up.. My son said RSS is very difficult and if anyone blacks out in the water,they are automatically eliminated.. Not DOR just sent back to the starting gate for another chance. I asked my son if he ever "almost" blacked out and he said in a very matter of fact way, "every day". I asked how difficult the training is in comparison to BUDs and he said RSS training is very hard and intense but nothing like and not even close to BUDS.
I think I mentioned this before but, dor from BUDS isn't always a bad thing. It teaches and pushes these young men beyond their physical and mental limits. They know what their bodies and minds can take/do..
Jodi ~ how wonderful to spend time with your son and his family!
Proudmama ~ Glad you are enjoying SD! It is so lovely! Glad you are okay from your adventure on the firing range. :) I enjoyed watching the helos come and go...
Vitamama ~ you and proudmama are too funny! Quite the adventuresome spirits!
Sweetpea ~ Love Balboa Park - hopefully I can go to SD next summer and spend some time there, my sailor and I got there late one day, but we did quite a bit of walking around there...lovely - quite the treasure!
Lydia ~ Sounds wonderful to spend the time with your children in Colorado...lots of hugs to you and more hugs when he heads off to deployment...
Have a wonderful day everyone - good news here...sounds like Chantal is weakening! :)
Heartstrings ~ congratulations on graduation!!! When my son graduated, I was there a few days early and was able to take him a few of his buddies out to dinner. The day after graduation we went to Another Broken Egg for breakfast, Saturday he flew to SD, and started SERE that Monday! Enjoy time in P'cola and graduation, take lots of pictures, the service just flies by!
Vitamama ~ your trip to Norfolk sounds awesome..sound like the Navy did a great job for the families. Sorry to hear about the sailor who fell off his sub...prayers to him, his family and his Navy family.
Melissa ~ happy to hear about your wonderful visit to Pensacola ~ it's great when our children can share their stories with us and their grandparents.
Good Morning Aster, yes it was great to spend time with my son. The family that came with him was his buddy and his buddy's wife and daughter. I don't have any grandbabies yet so I practiced on her. I even changed a dirty diaper which was a new experience for me since I had 2 boys haha! But what an adorable little girl!
I have a "son" in Norfolk for subs and hadn't heard about the sailor falling overboard until we started on our way home as there was no reception where we were at. I immediately text him to make sure he was okay. He had just heard about it so he didn't have any details. I saw a picture of the sailor, not sure where though but it looked like he may have had a wife and a very young child. You just don't expect something like this to happen. It is just so sad.
Congrats to the mommas whose sailors are graduating school. The time sure flies by. My son left for bc July 3, 2012. It doesn't seem like a year has gone by already. He is supposed to class up for FRAC in early August. We hope to attend the graduation so hopefully we will get enough warning to get there.
Lydia - I am a newbie and I am still here, I have been following and enjoying all the posts everyday. My son has finished NACCS and is now on hold for RSS. He has been there for about 2-1/2 months now and is loving every minute he has been there.
Congrats fot all the moms whose sailors are graduating school.
Travelslot ~ safe journey today ~ Congratulations on your son's graduation! I love P'cola! Nice Navy Lodge, beach ~ take lots of pics, the service is very quick! They allow re-enactments! :)
Jodi ~ Practicing to be a grandma! That's so sweet...my sailor is my only child, 21, it will be awhile for me, if it ever happens....I love children (I teach middle school). My son classes up for FRAC 8/15, I am assuming we will get enough time to attend graduation. Mine said he doesn't want up to come to graduation for FRAC, since there are "only" 4 sailors in the group. He wants/needs us to come when he gets his "wings". Do you know anything about FRAC graduation? Of course, I want to go to all graduations, if it is economically feasible. :)
I wouldn't miss FrAC graduation. I loved what the officers said about the graduates and it WAS a big deal. There were 8 in his. Sonetimes they wait to have a bigger group of grads. We even got to tour and see the helo. They don't get their wings until they have finished the actual experience. My son and his squadron got theirs in a ceremony in their quarters on board ship in the middle of the Atlantic a couple weeks ago... So I wouldn't plan on being able to attend wings. :).
Vitamama, Frac graduation was really nice. Glad I didn't miss it my Son was the Honor Graduate for his class! As far a winging ceremony who knows. My Son has been in his squadron for a year now. Wings no where in sight. A lot more training to go! I will be at his winging if possible. So if you can go to any of the ceremonies go for it.
Mine told us there were only 2 in his class but my hubby said we will attend if we get enough warning, which being the Navy might not happen. I think he just wants a vacation from the cold since my son thinks its going to happen around February haha. I think my son said he will class up 8/12. He is a Bravo right now but the Navy is supposed to be fazing that out so he was told he may get to class and become a Romeo again or continue to train as a Bravo. I hope to be there when he gets his wings too but like you say it all depends on economics. I have enough vacation time so unless it lands on a pay week (and knowing my luck it will lol) I can go whenever I want. As far as what goes on at the graduation, I have no clue. Getting information from my son is like pulling teeth.
My son is only 19 so it had better be a while for me too, at least with him!! I have an older son but right now no mention has been made of kids, They live 7 hours away so I wouldn't see their kids much anyway. I did enjoy the little girl though. Once she got over her shyness she was a real sweetie. I love kids but I don't think I would have the patience to teach them, especially middle school kids. I admire you for taking that on!
Hi All, its been quite awhile since I have been on these boards, I thought I would pop in. My son just completed FRAC at Jax and is awaiting orders. I can't believe that this has all happened over the last two years. He was lucky and didn't really have too much wait time to class up, so I told him that his classmates and him finally have a wait. The did some SAR jumps the other day and they took pictures it was great.
I agree with anyone who can go to any of the graduations. We have been to each one, thankfully it has worked out that we can go. For those in RSS right now and then getting for SERE school. That was a tough time but they come back even stronger! I hope all is well for everyone and hope to chat more soon.
Vitamama, thank you for the information. My son drives me crazy...the only graduations he wanted us to attend were PIR and A school, of course, I ignored him and attended RSS, he did not tell us about grad for Air Crew... I am definitely going to try to budget and plan for FRAC. Thanks!!!
My son is ROMEO in San Diego...how long does FRAC training take, any estimates? I need to plan if it is during the school year. When he graduated A school, it was during FCAT (our state test) and my principal was very understanding and said family first! so much better than the previous principal! :) Flying to Cali is expensive, so when we go I hope we can spend about a week....
sweetpea, you must have posted at the same time I did because I didn't see the Honor Graduate post until aster mentioned it. Contratulations to your son. What a wonderful accomplishment!
crusinkitkat, my son is at Jax also. He's supposed to class up 8/12. How long was your son in FRAC and was he a Romeo, Sierra or a Bravo? I know that each class is different but if I can at least get an idea of how long it takes it would be nice.
Oh no! I've been praying and patiently waiting for my son to class up for air crew school and now after 1 month and a week it is finally going to happen starting Monday! I'm excited for him but now am nervous...BC feelings all over again! Here we go.....!
Sweetpea- Impressive! 'm so happy for your son's accomplishments!
Vitamama- I'm thrilled that your trip was an overwhelming success! Is your son settled into his new apartment? Also, I am so sorry for the loss of the soldier on the Boise... I'm at a loss for words.
Lydia-safe journey to you and your son as you meet your daughter in Colorado. Hope the fires there did not directly impact her....
My cover picture is of my replacement "baby" lol. We got him the year before my son left for bc. He is quite the handful. It took us months to get him over distroying everything when we left him alone but he is now over that, thank goodness. Since everyone suggested not using a picture of our sailors for security purposes I figured Caine was my next best choice haha.
Hey Ladies! I am asking for prayers for a safe journey home - my brother-in-law is returning from a year long tour in Afghanistan this week! He was supposed to be home in April but was extended until July. This has been his third active duty tour (and hopefully his last!) plus he also served in Desert Storm.
He and my sister are currently in DC, though his orders are for GA. Once he gets home they have about two weeks to move their daughter to OH, fly to GA to find a house, get the house in DC packed up and move before he begins his new command on 1 Aug. Should be a fun time.
I concur on the advice to attend graduations if possible. I wasn't able to attend RSS and I really wish I could have. The graduations are not fancy, but they are a wonderful opportunity to see your Sailor and meet some of his classmates and instructors and to see what he has been doing and where he has been living. I was very impressed with Pensacola N.A.S. I grew up outside a military base but the sheer size of Pensacola blew me away, plus you can't beat the ocean/bay views - especially if what you are accustomed to seeing is corn and wheat fields. =)
On the grandchild note - I currently have 3 grandsons (4,2, & 1 month) and number 4 is due in January. I highly recommend them - they are wonderfully fun to spoil!
Melissa - Congratulations on your brother-in-law coming home soon!! Lots of hugs! Wow he and his wife have a lot of work cut out for them, hope they get lots of help in packing and moving!
I am definitely going to start saving so my husband and I can fly and spend time in San Diego when my son graduates from FRAC! Thank you everyone for the input!
Prayers coming your way Melissa for your family, wow that is exhausting just reading what they have to accomplish in that short amount of time. I am hoping it all goes smoothly and better than expected.
Vitamama
Proudmama and now proudGRANDmama!!! What a joy!! Womb service is over for her; now the real world!!
Jul 1, 2013
nancynature
Proudmama! Yeah!!!!! Congratulations! Oh! I am so happy for you and your family! Happy, happy happy!!!! :D <O>>> (my form of a hug!) :0
Jul 1, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Proud, congrats to you my dear friend!!!!!! I cant wait for you to hold that little Lorelei in your arms!!! woooow she was a big healthy baby!!!!! AWESOME
Jul 2, 2013
sweetpea4
Jul 2, 2013
proudmama
Melissa-Say hi to Elvis for me... in case you see him as you travel through Mississippi! and Yep... she seems to be about the size of a fily! Wish I could take a pic of them side by side!
Vita-Thanks!!! I feel GRAND! I'm sure my daughter is so relieved to have womb service over since she is a tiny 5ft 4 inches and to give birth to a 9lb 12 inch little girl....everything must seem a bit easier for her!
Nancy- thanks for sharing your joy and hugs! Right back at'cha! Your pm's meant the world to me!
Lydia- what would I have done without you? Your investigations regarding living arrangements, church attendance (and non attendance) have been sooooooo helpful! Thanks for everything!
sweetpea- Thanks! and so glad you enjoyed your time with your son and DIL...a bit scary for me to know that the pipeline is slowing down as my son is entering bc the beginning of August... Yikes! Hope there is room for him!
Thanks again all of you ladies for sharing your thoughts, well wishes, and prayers for my daughter... who is a Navy wife... It is so hard to be away from your adult children when you know they need you and you can't be there... You all stood in the gap for me- my heart is overflowing with thankfulness for you all! Your comments made me stop and smile! Thanks to all of you!
Jul 2, 2013
Melissa
He received his orders and leaves the 21st for SERE in Cali and then will be in SanDiego. He also will be ranking to Petty Officer tomorrow at grad!
One of his high school friends is currently at Great Lakes and will finish on the 13th and is to arrive at Pensacola on the 15th; he is contracted for electrical engineering not Air Crew but they should have a chance to connect and visit.
Grad is tomorrow at 09:30 and I will meet MamaD's son then. Can't wait! I am so proud of our boys I'm practically bursting!
Jul 3, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Melissa... awesome!!!!! Very exciting times !!!!
Proud... thank you and you are most welcome... just paying it forward as I know all us moms do and will do in the future... speaking of church...
Here is the link again to my sons church near the North island Base. He loves it... super laid back but lots of youth and very very active in the OB and PB community... I have known the Pastor (Steve Bombaci) since Bible College and his wife Karen is AWESOME.... if any of your boys are looking for a good fun laid back church... and they just stated a surf ministry!!!!!
http://newbreak.org/pacific-beach
Jul 3, 2013
Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822
Congrats to everyone in here, what a week of Awesomeness!! Grand babies, graduations, visits with our sailors!! I love it!!! This site is so amazing, I know I don't post often but I check it and love to hear the amazing achievements and hear about what is going on. My son is graduating A school today with Melissa's son and I can't wait to hear all about it, so grateful to have gotten connected with her through here. And our boys are next headed to San Diego so that is a 8 hour drive from where I am so I will get to head there when their schedule allows for that. Navy families ROCK!!!
Jul 3, 2013
proudmama
I'm leving for SD tomorrow! I'm a nervous Nellie on airplanes...but my daughter, SIL, and granddaughter are worth it! I'll be there for 16 days! Longest vacation I've had in 14 years!
Jul 3, 2013
Travelsalot
Jul 4, 2013
aster
Proudmama ~ have a safe trip! I can't help you about getting on the base without your SIL ~ every time I left was with my son. I spent 8 glorious days there...you will love it! Congratulations again on your new granddaughter, also will be fun to play with your grandson!
Happy Fourth everyone!
Jul 4, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Wow, I go away for a week and everyone checks in. Congrats Proudmama on the birth of your new granddaughter. So glad that everything went well and wow, what a good size baby!! Congrats to all the graduating rescue swimmers and the mommas that were able to go visit with them. Hope everyone made it there and back safe and sound.
I got to spend 3 wonderful days with my son and one of his rescue swimmer buddies (who brought along his wife and super adorable baby girl). They drove up to stay at our friends house. They arrived just as the rain did but they still got to swim and ride the seadoos and relax. I haven't seen him since Christmas so the time I spent with him was special. I hated to see him go but unfortunately the Navy wants him back lol.
Jul 8, 2013
proudmama
Hi all! I am here in San Diego at the beautiful Navy Lodge with my daughter and her family... you all are absolutely correct! It is so beautiful! I have been going out in the early morning and taking a walk along the beach listening to the sounds of the waves and enjoying the smells of the beach... feeling grateful for the good moments in our lives and praying about those not so good moments.... decompressing, getting refreshed and letting the world pass me by... I took one fairly long walk along the beach when I noticed this sign as I was returning toward the lodge...
DANGER! LIVE FIRING.. AREA OFF LIMITS
Yep, my walk took me right through the live firing range... lol. Of course there was no danger on this day as there was nobody around... but still- guess my "situational awareness" was more than lacking on this day! Moral of the story... don't forget that you are on a military base!
Jul 8, 2013
Vitamama
Jul 8, 2013
sweetpea4
Proudmama and Vitamama, that's hilarious!!! Make sure you visit Point Loma and the light house. Great view and hike. Visit Robertos for good Mexican fast food and very cheap. I have to have my Robertos' fix each time I visit. I also enjoyed Balboa Park the rose garden is unbelievable!!!
Jul 8, 2013
proudmama
Jodi- So glad you were able to spend some much needed time together with your son- and his friends! Sounds like a fun time was had by all!
Vitamama- I laughed out loud when I read your comment! Yes, I think we are kindred spirits... it must be the Midwestern in us both!
sweetpea- I put those places on my "to do" list! My family concurred with your recommendation for good Mexican food! My favorite!
Aster- all I can say is wow! So glad you helped my daughter get into this Navy Lodge!
Jul 8, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
Proud... hahahah too funny
Sounds like everyone is having a great summer!!!! I will be having a great one in one month.... my son got leave and we are meeting up and my daughter's place in Colorado!!!!! Two kids at one time.. for a week... Ill be in heaven for sure...!!! Then his is off on Delpoy for 8 months =(
Hey are there any newbies here with kids in NACCS or RSS right now... so many are not checking in these days??? I always worry when we don't hear anything.....
Jul 9, 2013
GMom
Checking in! WOW some of you ladies are getting to see their Sailors and that's just wonderful. I wish I could as well. Who knew he'd be in San Diego when I made vacation plans for this summer? Not us, so although I will be "out West" I will be on a "girlfriend vacation" to Reno. (It's 9 hours from SD - so that isn't going to happen) at least we will be on the same time zone! Will just have to wait for him to come home, which he plans to do after FRC is over. Hopefully that will work out, miss him!
I do love hearing all your stories about reuniting with your sons and daughters. Will live vicariously through your wonderful stories. Keep em comin.
Jul 9, 2013
Tiffany
Yes Lydia. Travelsalot and my son should graduate RSS this Friday.. YAY!! They are doing SAR jumps today. (I hope, otherwise our guys may be disappointed) I am driving over to Pensacola Thursday to watch graduation. I am so thankful to have all of you here to help me through this journey.
Jul 9, 2013
Vitamama
Lydia, have a gr8 time in Colorado! We had a great time last week in Norfolk. It was great how the FRG for IKE made things so easy for us. A big reception on the day before with food and decorated cupcakes, flags and fans for us to wave and sailors on hand to ask questions about the next day.. Then when we went to the base, there was a huge tent with tables of FREE snacks and foods and fruit and drinks from vendors. It was amazing to see that huge ship come in. They had 1200 TIGERS on board ( civilian family members that got to board in JAX and have a 2 day cruise with them. We couldn't this time, but if you have a chance, don't miss out!! ) We were at the very edge of the pier with our seats and had a huge sign with his name so he found us and took this picture from the flight deck. Drove down to North Carolina with him and got to spend the holidays with his big brother/wife and sweet nieces...and of course we were able to hear all about what they do as Airmen/Rescue Swimmer on an aircraft carrier. :) It sure made the holidays have a different ring to them with a sailor just come back from deployment to the Persian Gulf.
On another note, please pray for the family of the sailor from USS BOISE that fell off the sub in Norfolk this weekend. And for the shipmates. Tragic. They are all family, no matter what rank or ship,
Jul 9, 2013
sweetpea4
heartstrings, make sure you arrive at graduation early so that you can take a tour of the training facility
Lydia, awesome that you will get to see both of your children!!!
Jul 9, 2013
Tiffany
I think graduation is at 11am Friday.
Jul 9, 2013
nancynature
Hi Lydia - I guess I am a newbie and am still here! I have been following each and every day and enjoying all the posts, stories and living vicariously through all of them while waiting patiently for my son to class up. Both of his roommates have but he is still waiting...patiently for now. Safe travels Lydia!
Heartstrings - safe travels and enjoy the graduation and time with your sailor. :)
Vitamama - I am so glad you had safe travels to and from Norfolk. Sounds like it was a great time of celebration. Just wondering why the civilians are called TIGERS? Assuming it is an acronym, what does it stand for? I know my husband can't wait to do that! Can moms too?
Proudmama - so glad you made it safely! Enjoy your walks!
And by the way ladies, the same thing happened to my husband the first time he was at the beach on Coronado for a business meeting except he was asked to show his credentials! Nope, he isn't military! :D
Jul 9, 2013
Melissa
Checking in after our long drive back from Pensacola - it was so hard to leave! We had a great visit even though it rained on us every single day. We hit all the highlights with the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola N.A.S. lighthouse, Pensacola Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdito Bay and just visiting with my son. He was excited to tell us about what he is doing and how things are going and he and my Dad were in heaven talking ships and planes and fishing!
Congratulations to those of you with Sailors graduating RSS this week. And hope all of you visiting with family have as great a visit as we did.
Jul 9, 2013
sweetpea4
Ask your Son. I would be there a hour early, I had difficulty finding the pool! I got sea sick watching the pool simulating waves and rough conditions!!!
Jul 9, 2013
Travelsalot
Melissa, I sure hope I dont endure rain ever day.. I want to go to the beach...!!!
Nancynature, hang in there.. I have no idea who what when why or how they class up.. My son said RSS is very difficult and if anyone blacks out in the water,they are automatically eliminated.. Not DOR just sent back to the starting gate for another chance. I asked my son if he ever "almost" blacked out and he said in a very matter of fact way, "every day". I asked how difficult the training is in comparison to BUDs and he said RSS training is very hard and intense but nothing like and not even close to BUDS.
I think I mentioned this before but, dor from BUDS isn't always a bad thing. It teaches and pushes these young men beyond their physical and mental limits. They know what their bodies and minds can take/do..
Jul 10, 2013
Travelsalot
Jul 10, 2013
aster
Jodi ~ how wonderful to spend time with your son and his family!
Proudmama ~ Glad you are enjoying SD! It is so lovely! Glad you are okay from your adventure on the firing range. :) I enjoyed watching the helos come and go...
Vitamama ~ you and proudmama are too funny! Quite the adventuresome spirits!
Sweetpea ~ Love Balboa Park - hopefully I can go to SD next summer and spend some time there, my sailor and I got there late one day, but we did quite a bit of walking around there...lovely - quite the treasure!
Lydia ~ Sounds wonderful to spend the time with your children in Colorado...lots of hugs to you and more hugs when he heads off to deployment...
Have a wonderful day everyone - good news here...sounds like Chantal is weakening! :)
Jul 10, 2013
aster
Heartstrings ~ congratulations on graduation!!! When my son graduated, I was there a few days early and was able to take him a few of his buddies out to dinner. The day after graduation we went to Another Broken Egg for breakfast, Saturday he flew to SD, and started SERE that Monday! Enjoy time in P'cola and graduation, take lots of pictures, the service just flies by!
Vitamama ~ your trip to Norfolk sounds awesome..sound like the Navy did a great job for the families. Sorry to hear about the sailor who fell off his sub...prayers to him, his family and his Navy family.
Melissa ~ happy to hear about your wonderful visit to Pensacola ~ it's great when our children can share their stories with us and their grandparents.
Jul 10, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Good Morning Aster, yes it was great to spend time with my son. The family that came with him was his buddy and his buddy's wife and daughter. I don't have any grandbabies yet so I practiced on her. I even changed a dirty diaper which was a new experience for me since I had 2 boys haha! But what an adorable little girl!
I have a "son" in Norfolk for subs and hadn't heard about the sailor falling overboard until we started on our way home as there was no reception where we were at. I immediately text him to make sure he was okay. He had just heard about it so he didn't have any details. I saw a picture of the sailor, not sure where though but it looked like he may have had a wife and a very young child. You just don't expect something like this to happen. It is just so sad.
Jul 10, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats to the mommas whose sailors are graduating school. The time sure flies by. My son left for bc July 3, 2012. It doesn't seem like a year has gone by already. He is supposed to class up for FRAC in early August. We hope to attend the graduation so hopefully we will get enough warning to get there.
Safe travels, Travelsalot.
Jul 10, 2013
oneproudmomca
Lydia - I am a newbie and I am still here, I have been following and enjoying all the posts everyday. My son has finished NACCS and is now on hold for RSS. He has been there for about 2-1/2 months now and is loving every minute he has been there.
Congrats fot all the moms whose sailors are graduating school.
Jul 11, 2013
aster
Travelslot ~ safe journey today ~ Congratulations on your son's graduation! I love P'cola! Nice Navy Lodge, beach ~ take lots of pics, the service is very quick! They allow re-enactments! :)
Jodi ~ Practicing to be a grandma! That's so sweet...my sailor is my only child, 21, it will be awhile for me, if it ever happens....I love children (I teach middle school). My son classes up for FRAC 8/15, I am assuming we will get enough time to attend graduation. Mine said he doesn't want up to come to graduation for FRAC, since there are "only" 4 sailors in the group. He wants/needs us to come when he gets his "wings". Do you know anything about FRAC graduation? Of course, I want to go to all graduations, if it is economically feasible. :)
Jul 11, 2013
Vitamama
Jul 11, 2013
sweetpea4
Vitamama, Frac graduation was really nice. Glad I didn't miss it my Son was the Honor Graduate for his class! As far a winging ceremony who knows. My Son has been in his squadron for a year now. Wings no where in sight. A lot more training to go! I will be at his winging if possible. So if you can go to any of the ceremonies go for it.
Jul 11, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Mine told us there were only 2 in his class but my hubby said we will attend if we get enough warning, which being the Navy might not happen. I think he just wants a vacation from the cold since my son thinks its going to happen around February haha. I think my son said he will class up 8/12. He is a Bravo right now but the Navy is supposed to be fazing that out so he was told he may get to class and become a Romeo again or continue to train as a Bravo. I hope to be there when he gets his wings too but like you say it all depends on economics. I have enough vacation time so unless it lands on a pay week (and knowing my luck it will lol) I can go whenever I want. As far as what goes on at the graduation, I have no clue. Getting information from my son is like pulling teeth.
My son is only 19 so it had better be a while for me too, at least with him!! I have an older son but right now no mention has been made of kids, They live 7 hours away so I wouldn't see their kids much anyway. I did enjoy the little girl though. Once she got over her shyness she was a real sweetie. I love kids but I don't think I would have the patience to teach them, especially middle school kids. I admire you for taking that on!
Jul 11, 2013
Lydia (For B - The Sea is Ours)
oneproudmamma..... thank you for checking in with us.... well, Im sure he is spending his time preparing for what is to come... keep us posted!!!!!
I agree... go to any ceremonies that you can... yes most of them are last minute.
Hi everyone!!! Hi sweetpea, always great to see you on here sista!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 11, 2013
cruisinkitkat(Ship 04/Div 812)
Hi All, its been quite awhile since I have been on these boards, I thought I would pop in. My son just completed FRAC at Jax and is awaiting orders. I can't believe that this has all happened over the last two years. He was lucky and didn't really have too much wait time to class up, so I told him that his classmates and him finally have a wait. The did some SAR jumps the other day and they took pictures it was great.
I agree with anyone who can go to any of the graduations. We have been to each one, thankfully it has worked out that we can go. For those in RSS right now and then getting for SERE school. That was a tough time but they come back even stronger! I hope all is well for everyone and hope to chat more soon.
Jul 11, 2013
aster
Vitamama, thank you for the information. My son drives me crazy...the only graduations he wanted us to attend were PIR and A school, of course, I ignored him and attended RSS, he did not tell us about grad for Air Crew... I am definitely going to try to budget and plan for FRAC. Thanks!!!
My son is ROMEO in San Diego...how long does FRAC training take, any estimates? I need to plan if it is during the school year. When he graduated A school, it was during FCAT (our state test) and my principal was very understanding and said family first! so much better than the previous principal! :) Flying to Cali is expensive, so when we go I hope we can spend about a week....
Jul 11, 2013
aster
Wow Honor Graduate - totally awesome - you must be super proud!!! Congratulations! Thank you, all of you! Am definitely going to try to attend.
Jul 11, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
sweetpea, you must have posted at the same time I did because I didn't see the Honor Graduate post until aster mentioned it. Contratulations to your son. What a wonderful accomplishment!
crusinkitkat, my son is at Jax also. He's supposed to class up 8/12. How long was your son in FRAC and was he a Romeo, Sierra or a Bravo? I know that each class is different but if I can at least get an idea of how long it takes it would be nice.
Jul 11, 2013
nancynature
Oh no! I've been praying and patiently waiting for my son to class up for air crew school and now after 1 month and a week it is finally going to happen starting Monday! I'm excited for him but now am nervous...BC feelings all over again! Here we go.....!
Jul 11, 2013
nancynature
Oh and congratulations to all who have had sailors pass recently, and with honors! Very cool!
Jul 11, 2013
proudmama
Sweetpea- Impressive! 'm so happy for your son's accomplishments!
Vitamama- I'm thrilled that your trip was an overwhelming success! Is your son settled into his new apartment? Also, I am so sorry for the loss of the soldier on the Boise... I'm at a loss for words.
Lydia-safe journey to you and your son as you meet your daughter in Colorado. Hope the fires there did not directly impact her....
Jul 12, 2013
proudmama
Jodi-I pray that you will be able to get away to see your son's graduation!
BTW- did I ever ask you about your cover pic? German Sheppard? I have a Japanese Akita... thinking about putting his pic up as my cover pic!
Jul 12, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
My cover picture is of my replacement "baby" lol. We got him the year before my son left for bc. He is quite the handful. It took us months to get him over distroying everything when we left him alone but he is now over that, thank goodness. Since everyone suggested not using a picture of our sailors for security purposes I figured Caine was my next best choice haha.
Jul 12, 2013
Melissa
Hey Ladies! I am asking for prayers for a safe journey home - my brother-in-law is returning from a year long tour in Afghanistan this week! He was supposed to be home in April but was extended until July. This has been his third active duty tour (and hopefully his last!) plus he also served in Desert Storm.
He and my sister are currently in DC, though his orders are for GA. Once he gets home they have about two weeks to move their daughter to OH, fly to GA to find a house, get the house in DC packed up and move before he begins his new command on 1 Aug. Should be a fun time.
I concur on the advice to attend graduations if possible. I wasn't able to attend RSS and I really wish I could have. The graduations are not fancy, but they are a wonderful opportunity to see your Sailor and meet some of his classmates and instructors and to see what he has been doing and where he has been living. I was very impressed with Pensacola N.A.S. I grew up outside a military base but the sheer size of Pensacola blew me away, plus you can't beat the ocean/bay views - especially if what you are accustomed to seeing is corn and wheat fields. =)
On the grandchild note - I currently have 3 grandsons (4,2, & 1 month) and number 4 is due in January. I highly recommend them - they are wonderfully fun to spoil!
Jul 14, 2013
aster
Melissa - Congratulations on your brother-in-law coming home soon!! Lots of hugs! Wow he and his wife have a lot of work cut out for them, hope they get lots of help in packing and moving!
I am definitely going to start saving so my husband and I can fly and spend time in San Diego when my son graduates from FRAC! Thank you everyone for the input!
Jul 14, 2013
Mama~D Ship 4 Div 822
Prayers coming your way Melissa for your family, wow that is exhausting just reading what they have to accomplish in that short amount of time. I am hoping it all goes smoothly and better than expected.
Jul 14, 2013
Jodi-alumni Ship 4
Congrats on you brother-in-law's return home. Wishing him a safe trip.
Jul 15, 2013