Alumni PIR 12/17/10 & 12/22/10

Well got some not so good news yesterday.My A got put back to phase one due to not locking something up @class.So now I won't see him onSunday when I get to Myrtle Beach and wont get to see him til the following Saturday.I told him to be a leader not a follower.Glad to see everyones sailors are doing good!!My sailor will be graduating A school the 22nd (hopefully no more trouble so he can get phase 3 and come home for leave).Well gotta go get ready for work(last day for a week).

Hope everyon has a Great and warm weekend!!!

Hi - Glad everyone is doing so well!... wanted to share our big day,    3rd Class Petty Officer Gaynor will be graduating A school at NNPTC this morning, then heading home for a 10 day leave  Yay!.

 This evening my daughter will be going to her Jr. Prom, she said last night I cant believe its finally my turn, she's so excited!  My husband and I had to split up for the Day, he is in S. Carolina for the Graduation and I'm in NY for the Prom, but he did promise to video the entire ceremony for me.  cant wait to see my boy in his whites!

Terry Oh no! ((hugs))  I'm sorry that you won't be able to see your sailor this weekend.  :(   My A went back to Phase I for 2 weeks, because he didn't pass one part of a multiple part test.  He just retook that test on Tuesday and got a 96.  He has another test today and if he gets between an 87 to 99, he will go to Phase II, but if he gets a 100 on it, he will automatically go back to Phase III. My fingers and toes are crossed here.     

Patti, Awesome!  Woohoo!  Lots of exciting things going on in your family now.  :)

 

Betsy good luck to your sailor!!My A said that he will not go to phase 2 again cuz,he only has 2 weeks til he graduates instead he will go to phase 3 if no trouble.It's just one of those life lessons we have to learn!!Hopefully he did!!LOL!Prayers to you and your son

Thank you, Terry.  Prayers to both of you as well.  ((hugs))  Wow, only 2 more weeks left, that's so great!  I bet he is excited!

My son's A school will continue until the end of June or beginning of July, then he thinks that he will go to C school for a couple of months.  

Well ladies,I will not be on after today as I am going on vacation for a week (Myrtle Beach).

Betsy-I will be able to see my A if we drive there, which is only 2 hours from where we will be.We are still spending Saturday with him though.

So if you all don't here from me have a great weekend and good luck to everyones Sailors in anything they are working towards!!!

Terry, safe travels to you and enjoy your time with your sailor ((hugs))

 

Hi everyone...I haven't been on here for a really long time. I think I have just had a hard time missing H.  She is graduating April 29 and will go to New Oreleans to have her car shipped. She will be home on the 30th for 3 weeks then off to Hawaii for the next 3 years.

Wendi ((hugs)) I've missed you!  Wow, Hawaii!  Please tell her Congratulations on her graduation.  Enjoy your 3 weeks with your beautiful girl.  Maybe we could meet up there for a visit?  My daughter is moving there for a year, after her college graduation, to be with her Navy bf (soon to be fiance')  I know what emotions you are going through now.  ((hugs))  Maybe we could plan a trip there to see them at the same time, wouldn't that be cool?

I will be going this summer some time

Wendi, That is great!  I think I will probably have to wait until at the fall or winter. 

My countdown begins to see my sailor!  Only 12 more days!  Woohoo!  I miss him so much  :( 

I have 20 days

Awesome, Wendi.

I just got home after visiting with CJ. I was in GL from Thursday until Sunday. He ate with us Thursday evening and then stayed at the motel from Friday til Sunday. It was great to watch him sleep.  Stupid I know. He is now 19 years old.

We had a great time. He said there is no Phase three at their base right now because of the under age drinking and the 4 DUI's already this year. So he will remain phase two.

Today I got my call from him saying he had good news and bad news.  So i got the good news first. He graduates on Wednesday  (wierd he told me that on the weekend) So I asked for the bad news. He leaves for Japan immediately. He will ship out either thursday or Friday and will spend the next four years on his ship the Gorage Washington. He said he has decided only to do four years and the rest reserves as he wants to have a family.

He did purpose to his girlfriend and they are planning a wedding in two years. Then she will go to Japan with him. I hope he will reconsider and plan to stay in longer.

Time will tell.

I want to cry and be proud all at the same time. Sad and happy. I hate all these emotions

 

Japan...wow...I can only imagine what emotions must be going through you right now...((hugs!)) N came home this weekend and he went back this morning after I left for school and I got into school and broke down...I know it is is stupid, but I swear it is getting harder and harder to say goodbye to him! I have been really spoiled I have had him home 4 times since PIR and I've gone to visit him in Groton, but I think that is just going to make it worse when I hear his orders...because then he won't be just a short drive away! That is what hit me today...every time he leaves, he is that much closer to be shipped off.

I will lift you and CJ up in prayer....

Groton Penny

Thanks Groton Penny - I appreciate it....

 

Downside of all this past weekend - the young lady who I have mentored for three years is extremely made at me. She said I was mean and rude to her this weekend. Not sure exactly what I do but she is so made she removed me from facebook and deleated me from her phone. Oh well... Guess I should have expected it to blow up. She is only 19 but behaves most of the time like she is 15.

Penny, ((hugs)) to you.  Wow, so much going on in Cj's life now.  I'm glad that you had a good weekend with him.  

Penny, ((hugs)) to you too.  I can imagine how hard it is to say goodbye.  I'm already dreading my goodbye to Adam at Easter, and I haven't even seen him yet.  :( 

Please keep A is your prayers.  He is struggling at A school.  His A school training is extremely hard and technical and he may have to be re-classified. He met with his instructors yesterday and two of them think he should continue with his current training, but the 3rd instructor (and highest rank) thinks he should re-classify.  :( He would still be in Aviation and working on planes, but not in the job that he really wanted.  I think it will be ok either way it pans out, but he's pretty bummed about it right now.  :(  He's hoping to have a decision by the end of the week.  

OK guys!!! It's hard to read the post's with tears in my eyes.  As always I keep all of you in my prayers.

Well, A met with the Master Chief today and they are going to reclass him  :(  *tears.  I feel just heartbroken for him.  He wanted to continue so badly as an ATI.  He doesn't even know if they will reclass him in Aviation.  :(  He says that he isn't even sure that he will still be in Pensacola next week, which is when I am supposed to go see him.  *tears.  Please keep him in your prayers, as he is really down right now.  I so wish I could hug him.

Betsy ((hugs)) ...

Phoebe...thanks....

Penny...don't give up on her!

Love to all of you...

Groton Penny

Betsy, its so hard to be a mom at times like this. Hugs and prayers to you and A.

I hope he gets something he is happy with and he feels better soon.

 

Moura 

Betsy - I am sorry to hear this!!! Hugs to you!!! This is so hard. Keep us posted. I know CJ was saying they had a huge influx of guys who had to be re-classified from the Nuke program. Anyway it is always discouraging/

 

On the girl I mentor - I recieved a text from her today asking if she could still use the church for her wedding. I told her it depended on the final date and if the church was okay with it. So we will see if she gets over this.

 

NEWS - CJ's flight for Japan is at 1:25 am and I am nervous for him but he is okay and in good hands.

Thank you, Penny.  ((hugs)) and prayers to (and you) Cj from me.  

I hope your young friend comes around soon.  You have been such a great friend to her and she's lucky to have you.  

 

oh, Betsy! I'm so sorry for A. My ex had to get reclassified back in the 80's ... he went from Nuke to QOL, which is a major step down. I will say, my ex still loved his time in the Navy even so. I'm sure regardless of what happens, your son will find something to like about his new rate, even if he doesn't think so just yet.

Prayer Request: J is leaving for Roda Spain tomorrow then on to Lybia. Please pray for his safety and my sanity. Gosh this is so hard. He just got assigned a job yesterday then he got a call today saying get packed and be ready in 24 hours, you're heading out. No warning at all. So upset about this. How do we handle this?

Jacque, Oh wow!  ((hugs)) to you. You are very strong and you have raised an awesome sailor.  Our prayers will be with him

Sharon, thank you.  I'm hoping that it will turn out ok for him.  I just wish they would reclass him soon.

Betsy are they thinking he will go back to Great Lakes for his reclassification? Keep us posted on this and if you do go that way let me know. 

@ Jacque - make sure you get us J's address as soon as you can so we can write him.

 

All mom's, Wives & girlfriends - Our church has a bulletin board for our military personel. If you would like our church to pray for your son send me a personal message with his name and address and if you can attach  a picture and I will print them and put on our board for cards and letters. 

Penny, I don't know, he has to meet with some woman.  I think it's in Pensacola though.  If you can add A to your prayer list, that would be great.  Thanks!  I will send you a picture of him over FB.

 

 

Well, I found out today, through my husband, (he has a friend who is a retired Master Chief) that being reclassed is actually a good thing.  He told my husband that the Navy sees some skills in my son that the Navy likes and can use.  They will reclassify him according to the strengths that they see according to ASVAB scores.  His scores were pretty good   :)  He said that otherwise, they would have just put him out in the fleet as undesignated and he could have been put in any job at all.  That makes me feel better.  I hope to tell Adam that today.

jacquec...oh my goodness....prayers and hugs to you and your sailor...wow. It is so hard to think about the fact that they can be told to pack up in a moment's notice...no warning!

Love and prayers to all of you...

Groton Penny

Thank you Penny. I must admit I'm nervous but he and all of our sailors are in Gods mighty hands. There is comfort in that. I hope I at least hear that he arrives safely.

Hi moms...I feel like I have been gone for so long...I have been trying to read all the posts and update myself on the comings and goings of everyone and their Sailors...wow there is a lot happening.  I think I feel into a bad case of the "blues" after visiting my Sailor in March...I miss him so much it feels like someone has taken my breath away.  Sometimes I'm giddy, excited and proud with my Sailor's choice and sometimes I get angry kind of feels like the Navy took my boy...sort of silly but I still feel like I'm on the emotional roller coaster...deep down I truly know this is an amazing journey and a great experience for my Sailor along with all of your Sailors.

 

I read about some of the Sailor's getting their official orders, once again mixed bag of emotions....I'm excited when I think of the journey they are all beginning but at the same time I am a mom through and through and can only imagine what some of your are experiencing....I think about you all and hope that you will find peace in the next phase of your Sailor's journey.

 

Betsy - I ready your post on A, my heart just breaks for you and especially for him...I found a quote a while back and sent it to my Sailor while he was in bootcamp...now I am going to pass this to you for A..."When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you but merely opening your hands to receive something better....I hope you will keep us updated on him and let him know that I am wishing him the best.

 

Thanks to everyone for always giving me a safe place to share my feelings and emotions...good, bad or otherwise...Thank goodness the weekend is almost here :o)  Love to all.

 

Well I hope everyone is doing well

Hi everyone,  wow  I have missed so much!  Ditto to what Phoebe posted. Prayers to you all!  I was recently talked into joining facebook sadly I have spent more time there but I always find myself thinking  of you guys.   My son had his first drill this past wknd  & he was disappointed. He hasn't shared much but said they didn't do anything.   He did get a job back w/the company he worked for but it's where he started 4 yrs ago & he had to go through a re-hiring process.  Right now he has been excepted back into college, I think he starts in June, hopefully he will be able to finish college & get his degree. 

CJ's mom,   wow  Japan   I bet you have mixed emotions, so proud & sad at the same time.  I am so sorry for your young friend, girls are so hard to understand at times.  praying for you. 

Betsy   as always  prayers to you & A.   What is going w/moving, house situation?  Not sure what all I have missed.    I hope everyone has a great day & a great wknd!

Elizabeth, thank you for the quote, I will pass that on to A.  I actually found some very similar to that and put it on his FB last week.  :)  He seems to be doing a little better.  Today they reinstated his Phase III, so he was out this afternoon with some buddies.  Now, he is talking about buying a car, but I'm hoping to convince him to hold off on that until he finds out where his station will be, after A school.   I'm supposed to go see him in FL next week, and now our fingers are crossed that he will still be there.  

nanny2, so sorry to hear that your son had to start over in his job.  :(  But, wow that is so awesome that he wants to go back to college.  Woohoo!  Good luck to him.  

Ladies, I think of all of you every single day and pray for all of your sailors.  Our connection on here is one that we will always have no matter where out lives take us and our sailors. I probably don't say it enough on here, but I do want to thank you for all your kind and supportive words and please know that I love you all.  ((hugs))   

Well CJ arrived safely. He will be on the base for at least 3 weeks processing and such. Then he will board his ship the George Washington. He said he is not able to have his phone. But he can skype. So this will be his major communication for a few years. I look forward to his address and will post it later. THanks everyone.

Penny, so glad to hear that Cj arrived safely.  Keep us posted on his progress.  I would be it's a good thing he can't have his phone, especially with having a gf.  I would bet that those international calls could probably cost a fortune.  

How is mom handling all this?  ((hugs)) from me.  

 

Hello Navy Mom's!!! Sorry I haven't checked in for a while, its all I can do to keep up with FB & have the same feelings as you Nanny (sorry guys)! I do think and pray for all of you and your sailors daily. I am going through some personal life/marriage challenges and good changes, so busy, and emotionally spent by the end of the day...but no excuse to stay away from this awesome support life line!!

It's an emotional day for me...so couldn't think of a better way to spend it than coming here. I promised myself today I was going to update myself on all these posts..and goodness sakes I am so glad I did! I was highly emotional to begin with, and after reading posts I am once again comforted that we are ALL in the same BOAT, and have the same ups and downs!!!

@Betsy, Prayers are with you and "A" so sorry he got that kind of news, and hope by the time you read this that he has gotten way better news on where they need his skills the most. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and perhaps he will be a captain of a ship one day! I love Elizabeth's Quote...tell A I am pulling for him, and not to be discouraged! He should stand proud and tall, no matter what his job will be, he is still doing a great thing with his life, and NOTHING to be ashamed of!!!

 

@ Elizabeth...I was the same way after E left in March, after his 9 day leave! Boy what a range of emotions. We had a wonderful time while he was home...and was sad to see him leave. Happy and proud that he is enjoying himself, and loving his life as a United States Sailor...but sad, I no longer have my wonderful little boy...but now have a wonderful man, I am proud to call my son!! He informed me when he was home on leave, that he will do 20 years in the Navy!! Perhaps this will change if he meets a woman and gets married with kids...dunno, but that for now, is what he has decided! He also found out that as of January 30th, 2012 The USS Ronald Reagan's home base will be in the State of Washington and not San Diego. He wasn't too thrilled, but takes it all with a stride.

@ Wendy! YEA!! For Hawaii, I wanted E to get Hawaii! Maybe we all should do a 'reunion' in Hawaii? :)

@CJ's Mom...SO Glad CJ Arrived safely...you know this, but I am always a call away, and WOW about your mentor, she will come around and perhaps has by the time you read this!

@Jacque, Your in my prayers and god bless your sailor and hope Libya isn't where they end up! Thanks for always listening.

 

OK, as I type this my E is on a plane, leaving San Diego... first stop Korea, 2nd stop Fukuoka Japan to meet the CNV 76 USS Ronald Reagan for their Tour of Duty...where headed, he didn't know....but leaving Japan. Mixed emotions today...he is excited, but not looking forward to the 13 hour flight! He is traveling with a good buddy that has been with him since boot-camp, so as a mom, that makes me feel a little better! He had his Cell phone Carrier turn off his cell phone as of midnight tonight (since he can't use it on the ship for 6-8 months anyway). So, very limited contact for this mom now :( !

 

Well, I guess that's my update! Always thinking of all of you! This is a true life line...and as my life changes, I am glad the support of all of you is the only 'constant' thing I can count on!!

 

Love you all...

 

Cindy

 

 

 

Hi Everyone !! It has been so long since I have checked in !! I have been reading up on the posts, and wow have our Sailors been busy. Congrats to all of those that have moved onto their new posts. Looks like many are getting thru schooling and will soon be into new jobs also. My S, is still in school at Pensacola. We are leaving Wed to drive down and spend some time with him. Not working out as planned. He has duty on Sun from 7am til 7am Mon. We had hoped to stay there Thurs til Sun. Now I guess I have to be content with dinner Thurs evening, then seeing him bout 5 Fri, spending the night with us, then he will have to go back about 9 Sat evening to get rested for his watch. In all maybe 24hr visit. Prob 40hrs total drive time !! Oh well, havent seen him since Dec 27th, so I will take what I can get.Now I have to decide where to stay !! His school has been very intense. Testing daily. He said that their have been Sailors pulled almost daily and put in the fleet without the jobs they were hoping for. Told me your test scores have to stay high to continue in the program. He has 2 certifications done, the class he is in now doesnt have a certification. So we hope he continues to C school and graduates in Sept. I keep hoping that the emptiness of not having him home, will lessen up some. It never seems to. I get thru my day , but if I talk to someone about him very much, I become very emotional. He probably gets tired of my text messages saying " I'm really missing you today", "today has been really tough without you", "dont forget I love you".He always answers "I love you  Mom".  He does the comforting to me, instead of the other way around !!

Betsy..have you made it back to Maryland yet ?? !!

Cindy, I have been keeping you in my prayers.  ((hugs))  I can imagine how proud you are of E, now that he has started his new journey.  We will be here for you through everything.  

Donna, OMG, I was actually thinking about you today.  :)  (Btw, a couple of the moms on the Maryland Moms group are planning to get together for lunch in June at PF Changs in Columbia, MD. Maybe, if we give you a head's up on the date, you could come?)  I'm so glad to see you on here.  I'm sorry that you won't get as much time with S as you expected.  I am also driving from NM to Pensacola on Wed.  I will arrive there on Friday.  :)  Where are you staying?  I am staying at the Quality Inn.  A really needs me there now, as he is being re-classed soon.  He's hoping to stay in Aviation, but who knows?  I am still living in NM, but only for 29 more days, then it's off to MD for me.  :)  Our house is sold and I am leaving here after my daughter graduates from college in mid May.  

I understand how you feel when you talk about S.  I tear up a lot whenever I talk about A.  Sometimes I still cry just when I just think about him.  I really don't think that we will ever "get used" to them being gone.  I have actually had people say that to me, that "I guess you get used to it"  Ugh!  You never get used to it.  

http://http://www.officialsponsor.com/applications/view/13837

 

Hi Moms...Molly's Adopt a Sailor is trying to win a sponsorship through Prilosec OTC to help fund their shipping of care packages to deployed troops....please register on the official sponsor page to vote for Molly's Adopt a Sailor...its a cause truly near and dear to me...its easy to register..and then you vote once a day...XOXO

 

Thanks Cindy for the heads up! I am so excited for you and your new opportunities and future. E will be so excited and happy for you. Sorry the Ronald Regan is moving to Washington. The base there is nice according to my cousin. He was there with a sub for a few years. It is so great to hear and see where everyone is going. I talked with a mom at my office today whose 19 year old son is leaving for boot camp in June. I probably will be a support person for her as I will be working with her other son as a client. It is amazing how God puts people together at a particular time in which we need them. Thank you all for being my friend and support group. 

Betsy, keep me posted about the meet in Columbia. That sounds like fun. If it's on a weekend, I can probably get my sister to come along. I still have not made reservations yet !! I think the Quality Inn is where we are going to be though !! We will have to catch up !!

Donna, that would be great if we could meet up this weekend.  I'll pm you my phone number and you can pm me your's.  Mine is a 505 area code, so if you see that on your phone, you can answer it.  lol  Maybe we could plan to have lunch with our sailors together?  I will definitely keep you up to date on the lunch plans in June and I would love to meet your sister.  Do you know Cindy and Lori on the Maryland Moms group?  They are coming to lunch too.    

Penny, that is so awesome that you will be helping another recruit.  You are such a sweetheart to be there for your clients.  

Well, my A got really good news today and what a difference a few days can make in his life.  He was given a quite extensive list of new opportunities.  Geez, my baby boy even qualifies to go into the SEAL program if he wanted too, (but he doesn't want too, thank goodness).  He has until Monday the 25th to decide on a new job, so my plans to go to Pensacola are right on track.  Woohoo!  I'm so close to seeing him now that I can almost smell that Gulf of Mexico.   :)   I can even help him with his decision about the new training.  He was given about 50 different rates that he could do, which is wayyyyy more than the 3 that his recruiter offered him.  He's so happy with all of the new potential opportunities.  So even though things didn't go as planned for him, things are actually even better now.  :)    I'm so glad to be able to report good news tonight.  

 

Ladies- I have been reading, but not taking the time to sit down and type, so am trying to rectify that situation tonight.

The news for my sailor is smooth sailing (so far!). He is waiting to class up for the ATT class. He earned 72 hours leave, I can't tell you how much I wish I were closer so that I could see him and his free time!! So far he was pretty familiar with what he has been studying, but he says the ATT stuff will all be new. I imagine he is gonna have to work a little harder.

Betsy- WHAT a huge relief!! So glad that A has lots of choices, always makes it easier to change when you have some control over where you are going. Happy for you that he is not choosing SEALS LOL, but wow!! 50 different ratings huh?? Have an excellent time down in Florida. I know you will enjoy seeing your sailor!!!

Penny-you will be an absolute asset to this mom. Can you imagine having had someone around to actually talk to when you were going through all the new, scary stuff? Our group is awesome, but one on one is pretty nice. Get her on our group too and we can all help her.

Cindy-wow! lots of changes. I think we have all been spoiled by how easy it has been to stay in contact with the kids while they have been in school. As they deploy, things are gonna change. Kinda good that the RR is leaving the Japan area, and if he gets somewhere to stay in Washington it is really beautiful up there, excellent place to visit with lots to do!

Elizabeth-I will get right onto the Molly site! It's awesome that you have gotten so involved in her project. I need to look into it, but I need another outlet like I need a hole in my head. I think my hubby would not be happy with another commitment.

you all keep safe and happy. I will try to get on here more often!!

 

 

Nancy....your sailor will be so mad at you if he knows that you are sending him back to start ATT for a second time.  LOL  They (my sailor and Nancy sailor) are waiting to start TECNO.

 

Betsy....glad to hear everything is working for your son.  God have the control of everything.  I know your getting ready to start your trip.  Have a nice and safe trip!

Thank you, Rose.   

Nancy, thank you and good luck to I in his new classes.  

Hope to be on the road to Pensacola by 1:30 tomorrow !!  So excited and tons of stuff to do. Driving til tired tomorrow, which I hope doesnt happen to soon !! I am up at 4am for school bus, so I hit the sack pretty early. Hubby better sleep good tonite. I want to wish all of you wonderful ladies and very Blessed Easter. Even though all of us will not get to spend the holiday with our Sailors, we still have so many blessings to be thankful for.

Betsy, I have finally booked the room, Quality Inn ,Warrington RD. I will send you my number too !!  In case you forget, I am 301 area code !! So happy for A's news !!

Donna, that is the one where I am staying too.    :)  Yay! I did get your number.  I really hope we can get find time to get together this weekend.  Safe travels to you.

I am so jealoius of those going to Pensacola. I really wanted to be there this week. It is my spring break, but couldn't afford it. I will see H in 11 days.

It brings tears to my eyes reading about your boys being sent to Japan and Libya.  I know it wil be hard when H gets to Hawaii. Eventhough it is "Hawaii", she is there for 3 years and I will only get to see her twice a year most likely. I am going to take advantage of my 3 weeks with her and spend as much time with her as I can.