ALUMNI OF PIR 12/29/2011 TG 06 — 10 Divisions (021–028, 904 & 906)

Good evenng all! MomsDivided - love your posts! Good thinking on your husbands part.  I am sure that helps with the transition from having kids at home to the EMPTYNEST!  I would've got one when our SR left too but we have two dogs! Min Schnuazer and a mut that someone dumped. LOVE LOVE LOVE them both dearly.

@ Betsy - Yes, I did.  A new GPS on Walmart.com.  Since it was going to cost me about $100 to upgrade mine (that I've only had for 3 years!) I bot a $349 one for $118 WITH FREE MAP UPGRADES FOR LIFE! 

@ ALL - have a wonderful week and praying our SR's are doing the BEST they can with all that is going on for them this week and next.

Ar Navy Mom, I also have a mini schnauzer....she is our lil doll, and our Sr's lil girl.  She sits in front of his door every night and goes to his door every morning.  We let her sleep with one of his shirts, ...she seems to be taking his absence even harder than we are....man's best friend right?  

Loving the doggie talk. Love mine too....but my big goofy lab had a young cat (feral cats in our neighborhood), cornered in the back yard today.  Awful!  He is 85 lbs and it took all of my strength to pull him back and pull him away on his leash.  Didn't help that I was sick with the stomach virus!  Of course, he had blood on his snout from where the cat got him.  He is a rescue and doesn't care for cats, but on our walks, he has gotten where they don't bother him.  But when they come into our yard...watch out!  Yes, yard is fenced but of course that means nothing to cats.  My catty corner backdoor neighbor is one of the feeders in the neighborhood and they just keep reproducing.  She is 80 now and said she is too old to trap them and fix them.  Even though others in the neighborhood offered to help her.  UGH!  This is the 3rd time my dog has gone after one...the last one jumped in the pool to escape him!  Thankfullly got out and my neighbor came and took him to the vet to be checked out. Awful....I have nothing against cats at all, but am not a fan of the feral ones that just keep reproducing.....

...by the way, the cat was fine...I went back out after putting the dogs in and it had left the yard...I hope never to return!



For all the sailors who are away from their families/loved ones.......

Sorry I have been MIA…down with stomach flu today. Man, haven’t had it this bad in years!

I am “vertical” for a little while though! Will read through to see how you all are doing!

Angie...that is a wonderful idea! I am not on FB but I did make sure to send a thank you for the Adopt a Sailor program at Thanksgiving directly to PAO. It really is wonderful of them. Will do it for Cristmas Adopt a Sailor and for this one too. They always answer my questions promptly!

Good morning. The new pup ( Martini) is a 1/2 sis to our other one(Tequila)( we just went with a fun theme- haha). They are both Schnauzers. They are so much fun. Personaity abounds! Took a few days for T to understand that the baby was a new playmate and she can be NICE to her. Whew I was a little worried for a day or so. Not much else going on. Received two letters yesterday. I think they were supposed to get here before Thanksgiving and didn't because of what he wrote, but it still was great. He just cracks me up. Upbeat and full of personality and I am sure his Chief will attest to that "personality". haha He is just that kid... you want to strangle and hug get mad at and laugh with all within a matter of minutes.

Ok- as we all head into the land of Christmas.. parties and get togethers- with co-workers and friends....

For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas.  Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home.  ~W.J. Ronald Tucker

Good morning to one and good morning to all! 

@ Angie, I am going to bring goodies for the fb team! I have been glued to that site (sad that both Trivia Tuesday and Wacky Wednesday are on hold until after the holidays...sure would've been sweet to have a quick glimse via photo of my kid and his division this time of year!).

@ Batmansmom - LOVE LOVE LOVE the poems! Saved them so when my SR is a Sailor I can pass out as prayer cards to my family and friends.

@ FTLW - missed you on here! praying you are on the mend!  it is never fun being sick!

@ Presleysmom - GREAT info.  Blue or black ink only!

@ Momshousedivided - SCHNAUZERS????  NO WAY!  We have a Min Schnauzer.  Gunther. He is our 2nd one in the past 20 years.  He is 6. Got him as a pup.  Personality is hilarious.  So dif from our first one Beau.  Love him! All 17 lbs of him.  Perfecft breed for those that love dogs but have terrible allergies b/c they NEVER shed!

@ ALL - Have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! We are almost in the 20's for days left...30 days and 3 hours until PIR...not that I'm counting or anything! lol

I have a feeling that PAO is going to have a lot of cookies :-)

I am going to go ahead and begin mailing the ribbon orders for this group in the next couple of days. If you have already ordered PIR ribbons to wear to support your Sailor be looking for those in the mail very soon. If you know your SR is having some problems and you want me to wait a couple more weeks to mail them just let me know.

We are under the 30 day mark!  WHOOHOO!

If you're at the 30 day mark, you ladies really need to think about a graduation gift.  It take about that long to decide, to order, and to receive whatever gift you decide.  

Maybe one of you ladies need to start a discussion about what you plan on getting them for their special day.  The veteran moms will hop in and give you recommendations, and I will give you ideas that will make you look like this:

Remember, they really don't have that much room in the barrack when they go to "A" school.  Here is some pictures of the barracks at Corry Station, Pensacola.  This is how much room they will have (ie not much)

Well here is my latest question to those who have gone before me.  Lord knows what I would do without your advice. 

My daughter has decided not to take leave after graduation.  She will be going to school in the GL.  Our plan is to stay there until Sunday evening and she can take liberty.  Can anyone explain how this will work?  Do we just pick her up every day and take her back.   Her RDC said she will most likely have some duties for a few hours each day them be able to leave. 

Ruth, after PIR she will move all her stuff to the base across the street. It takes about 4 or 5 hours to get moved and checked in. Then she will call you to come pick her up and you will have to have her back by the time she specifies. The next morning you will pick her up again and then take her back when specified. Same thing again the day after that. If she has watch or duty she will have to be back for that and then you pick her up again. Sometimes they have watch or duty in the middle of the night and it won't affect your time with her but it could be at any time.

RuthL i asked the same question because the same applies to us. The RTC told me that he will get a time that he can leave in the morning and we could pick him up, and then he would have to be back by 9. they will only be able to go so far, I asked if chicago would be ok they said yes. But my son will get that info when it gets closer. hope that helps.

Angie I so agree and really I don't think my son expects anything he has never mentioned anything about it. Specially with PR coming so soon after Christmas the expanse is alot.

The $400 we are spending to fly him home after PIR is a GREAT gift.  My SR will be super gracious with us just being there for the ceremony.  8-)

Yep, no graduation gift for my son either.  He just loved that we were there!  But he's like that...doesn't expect gifts...even at birthday time!  Of course he gets them, but always tells me he doesn't need anything (of course, he does!) and not to spend my money on him....sniff....

Angie - I'm not saying that people have to spend a bunch of money of a gift.  Yes, every sailor needs a laptop, but in today's economy, some people can't afford it.  I totally get that.  But at least get a nice token gift (something less than $25).  Show them the respect they deserve.  

 However, I do want the parents to know that their are some civilian businesses that really screw over these young sailors by selling them very expensive laptop computers.  Heck, even the NEX I think screws over these young sailors. Alot of you moms are told the NEX sells laptops and they are tax free.  What the heck does tax free mean when the NEX sells the most expensive laptops?  Where's the savings?  There isn't any.  You're better off just going to BestBuy and buying a cheap Acers or Gateway laptop for $300 than these expensive $850 NEX "tax free" ones.  Truly it just ticks me off that the NEX does this.  These young sailors don't need to incur a debt this early in their careers, but lets face it, the NEX has them trapped because they cannot go off base to buy stuff.

We didn't take a gift either, knew there wouldn't be much she would have been able to keep. So we let her pick out a few things that she needed at the mall and then we packed them and mailed them to her at A-school. We had bought her a really nice crucifix/anchor as a going away gift when she left for bootcamp because we knew it was the one thing she would be allowed to keep. But I know lots of parents have gotten a watch for them too which is also a very nice gift.

Craig:  I had no idea that the NEX stocked such expensive laptops.  That does stink!  I can see having some expensive ones, but then there should be some more reasonably priced ones too!  I think my son bought his off base...he opted for a cheap one...he doesn't need the bells and whistles he said...even buys cheap phones.  I guess he's CHEAP! :-)

@RuthL our son decided not to take leave either. He wants to save his days for after A school. He is going to Great Lakes for his A school for about 12 weeks. We plan to stay in Great Lakes and see him whenever we can. We don't have to be back home until 1/2/12.

I almost got out SR a pair of ear rings that we know she will love.  but I am not sure what she can wear.  this is such unknown territory.  We have not even discussed Christmas gifts.  What type of internet access do they have?  A Laptop my be the perfect chritsmas/grad gift! 

RuthL - Here is the Navy uniform rule book.  For earrings, go to 

Chapter 2, Section 2, para 6b

Note: Please note section 6c. which says:

" Additionally, body piercing is not authorized in civilian attire when in a duty status or while in/aboard any ship, craft, aircraft, or in any military vehicle or within any base or other place under military jurisdiction, or while participating in any organized military recreational activities."

I know being a wild and crazy school teacher, you probably have "additional body piercings", so you couldn't be in the Navy.  (just funnin' you)....

Navy_Uniform_Rule_Book

Craig@ that is me......piercings all over!  I think I am really leaning towards a lap top as a duel Grad/Christmas gift.

Bottom line on the laptop, buy an extremely cheap one.  Do not buy a gamers expensive one.  They will be shipping to various places and don't need one with all the "bells and whistles", just the absolute basis's.  These guys only need a way to get onto their facebook, to play a dvd movie,  and do official things like looking at their military stuff (see the discussion area about graduation gifts which explains it).

Remember, these sailors will end up buying a laptop.  Either they will immediately go into debt, or, they will get into trouble because they don't have an outlet and will find other ways (ie spice).  Yes, they do have computers on base, but you don't want to have to wait your turn, or get all uniformed up to go use them.  

Again, if a family cannot afford one, then make an agreement with your sailor that you will buy a cheap one and they will pay you back.  It's sooo much better that if you end up not being able to make a payment (because you can't afford it) that your credit gets screwed, instead of your sailors which will possibly end their careers for not paying a debt.  

Again, these are just my views...

Craig:  Wish they had stronger rules on tatoos like the body piercings....ugh!

Craig, I wish I had known you when we bought our son a $1200 gaming computer last Christmas    Well, at least we did buy it on Black Friday and got a good deal on it.      

We got our sailor a new camera for graduation, but it was only $150.  Our sailor graduated from BC a week before Christmas, so we didn't feel too obligated to buy him something, since Christmas was right around the corner.  He did upgrade his cell phone while we were in GL, but he paid for that himself.  

I totally agree about the NEX prices on electronics.  I have been to NEX's in 3 different states and their prices on electronics are very expensive.  We have never bought anything electronic at the NEX.  You can get better deals in the stores.  

Just a heads up on the ribbons you guys have been ordering to wear to PIR. All the ribbons that I have received payments for were shipped today. Please let me know what you think of them when they arrive. I know you will all wear them with pride when you see your Sailors. If anyone else would like more info on ordering the ribbons just send me a friend request on this site or an email to uniquememorymakers@yahoo.com   Thanks so much :-)

Hey y'all. I think I finally hit the "wall" after the holiday. I was so sleepy this Am that I went right back to bed after the hubby left for work and was rushing to get ready n out the door by 7 this morning. Draggin booty all day- now I am wide awake and wishing that I wasn't. haha! Hoping a little Pinot and some light jazz will slow my roll. chuckle chuckle. Praying that the kiddos that are going throught Hell week are kick'in hiney and making names for themselves in a great way. Just a few more days then our initial worry is over.

here ya go---

"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries."
W.J. Cameron.

I just added a questionnaire to the discussions above that has a very encouraging paragraph about battle stations. This will be a good time to send it. My Sailor is a girl so you may have to tweak it a little before you send it. I hope you like it :-)

momshousedivided2 - Love the quote!

momshousedivided.  I too love the quote.  Hope that you are wide eyed and busy tailed today!

Good morning, everyone!

Hotel reservations made for everyone by now, right?  If not, get to it!  Some hotels book up, especially those with the larger suites (like Residence Inn Waukegan). Liberal cancellation policies so no problem with changes/cancellations when you book direct.

@ diannep - YES!  We are actually staying at the Marriott Residence Inn for that reason - the suite.  I couln't believe how expensive car rental is in Chicago.  I rent thru Dollar for all my business travel nation wide but not for this - it was going to be $149 p/day for a mini-van. Rented thru Ace Rental.  Only $268 for 3 days.

@ all  - HAVE A WONDERFUL THURSDAY!  We are getting closer to 12/29.  Praying for you and your RC.

Good morning everyone,  we are booked at the Navy Lodge, however, still unsure if we are flying or driving. I'm deathly afraid to book a flight, then have it cancelled due to inclement weather and end up driving anyway...flights are getting more expensive....ay ay ay....what to do??

Ladies, when renting a car, don't forget about Priceline.  I have used them a lot and have never paid more than $12 a day.  You just put in what you want to pay and wait for them to approve or deny your request.  It has saved me a lot over the last couple of years.  

Batmansmom and everyone else, I would suggest if possible, to try to plan to arrive by Wed, instead of Thursday.   I know that sometimes with work/school schedules that it may not be possible, but for those who can do it, it's a good idea. It would give you at least one extra day for weather delays, whether you are driving out to GL or flying in.  

I have heard some say that they have taken the train from the airport to a car rental place and gotten a much cheaper rate. They are always more expensive at the airports so it may be worth checking into.

Sarge, I believe, is the one who said if you are going to rent a car, it is much cheaper in GL.  I guess that he would be the one to get you from the airport and back to the airport then!

Man, I was reading back about how you ladies were talking about dogs...  

All I can say about that is, Stay away from those Meth Lab's!!!!!...

Wow- I am so glad it is Friday! Much to do! I sure hope I have a lot more energy from now on than I did this week. Geez! Now where did I hide those vitamins? =) Y'all have a wonderful day and a fun weekend... aybe we will hear from the kids sometime this weekend.???? Hope Hell week is going smooth!  Craig- Love it!!!!! 

What is Christmas?  It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.  ~Agnes M. Pahro

Too funny, Craig. 

Good afternoon, everyone!

I think I will stick with my black lab, Poochie. No meth labs for me lol.