Hi all, it has been a rough year pain wise so I have not been around but I do read all the email notifications to keep in the loop. Good this is there is a fairly new drug my doctor finally gave me that has taken 50% of the pain away as long as I take it every 4 hours and don't work hard but before I would be crying just from sitting still so this is HUGE I take the dogs out,, go for lunch take a drive in the convertible even went to a wedding which I was so worried about and stayed until 10 pm...lol.
My son is doing great back from deployment which I found out he did numerous missions with the seals, he was their RHIB boat captain. Made allot of friends and they are trying to get him to go into the SWCC program but he has been doing several further VBSS training camps and loves that. He will be reenlisting in Oct for 6 more years and the best news is I will be a GRANDMA for the first time in the end of January!!! She is in the Navy and was raised in Japan while her dad was a Marine his whole life just retiring about a year ago so I hope she will be ok with the long deployment and I plan on driving down often to give her a break when needed plus her parents are in Ohio now and they are really great from what I have heard. She is very sweet and I know I am lucky because when I talk to her I forget she's not my daughter we talk allot and I have been sending a few baby things I can't wait to meet the baby though!!!
Take care!!!
Hi Becky- I'd love to hear about your son's experience in Lemoore. My son likes it except for the crazy heat! Sorry, can't make it on the 19th though. Maybe next time!
I enjoyed meeting everybody today at the packing party:) Thanks to all of you for being so kind and friendly! You are a great group of ladies and I look forward to meeting you again sometime in the near future!
Hope you all enjoyed your time together on Tuesday! Wish my work didn't get in the way of N4m gatherings! I hope to see you all again soon!
I am on the bootcamp for moms site and some questions about what to do in the area for PIR weekend October 11th for those remaining in GL for A school). Wondered what you would recommend to out of towners? I recommended the usual... Navy Pier, Willis Tower, but wondered what you have experienced and thought about for those just finishing bootcamp- what are the preferred activities for those in uniform? Thought I would pass on your recommendations to that site...
Hi Moms, Final update on Welcome Home All Veterans, Sept. 28, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton. Gates open at 9AM, Opening Ceremony at 9:30AM.
Remembrance Table Ceremony at 10:30AM. If you have never seen this, it is very moving.
Fly-over at 12:30PM.
When you enter Cantigny, tell the person at the gate that you are a volunteer and follow the signs to park in the North Lot.
If you have any type "Navy" or "Molly's Adopt A Sailor" shirt, please wear it.
Any questions, LMK. Big thanks and hugs to all. Pat
Hi Moms, More fun! Packing 200 Christmas stockings on Nov. 16 at 1:00PM at my house. (Please PM me for the address.) I have the stockings, boxes, tape, and a good start on things to fill the stockings. If you would be so kind, please bring some goodies for the stockings.
Hi Moms! Another fun thing for us to do! The Antioch VFW is serving Christmas dinner to 300 Sailors from Great Lakes and 25 Veterans on Dec. 7 from 4PM to 8PM. They need help serving dinner so let me know if you are interested.
Also don't forget, we are filling Christmas stockings at my house on Sat. at 1PM.
Hi Pat, thanks for the quick response! Do you know how I would go about volunteering for the Villa Park VFW Thanksgiving dinner? Would I just contact the VFW & let them know that I'm interested in helping out in some way? Antioch is too far of a drive for me. I don't like driving at night in unfamiliar areas because I have difficulty seeing at night.
Susan, You just have to show up on Thanksgiving Day and tell them you want to volunteer. The buses arrive around 9AM and that is a really fun thing to witness.
Thank you,Pat. I've never done this before. My family made other plans (without telling me) I went with you to a few Molly's packing parties a few years ago, then I started working, which left me no time for Molly's. My mom died last August & I've just kind of been drifting along since.I remember how good I felt when I helped at the packing parties & I want that feeling again.
Susan, Probably it wouldn't be a good idea to send the afghans to the deployed kids. BUT there are several women from the VFW who go to Hines VA hospital every week. Maybe that would be a good place for the afghans to go??? What do you think??
I'll be going to her house on Thursday, when I can count how many afghans there actually are. Wouldn't it cause problems if not everyone were able to get one? Depending on how many there are, I'm willing to donate a few, but I also want to sell some of them so I can add to the funds in the estate account.
From the bottom of my heart I will like to thank all the volunteers at VFW for all of your hard work my recruit was part of the Christmas day celebration thank you so much Merry Christmas and God Bless ♥♥
Hi Moms, I have another fun thing to do! "Sarge" has a Meet & Greet every Thursday for the families of the recruits who will PIR on Fridays. It is at Sundance Saloon, 300 Lakehurst, Waukegan, from 5:30PM to 9PM. On January 9, he will showcase Molly's Adopt A Sailor!!! This is a really fun event and anyone who wants to come support Molly's will be welcomed with open arms!!!
Hi Pat!! Thanks again so much for taking time out of your day to meet with me! So glad that we finally connected. I had a great time chatting with you! I can't wait to meet the rest of the moms!
Laura, It is anybody's guess when this new granddaughter will make her appearance! Mommy's blood pressure is under control right now but who knows??? Ultrasound last week showed she is 3 lbs. 12 oz. now. So don't make any plans around me. If I can be there, you KNOW I will!
Hey Moms, Could REALLY use some help at the Villa Park VFW for Welcome Home Veterans on Sept. 27. Any time you could volunteer would be sincerely appreciated!!! (39 E. St. Charles Rd, Villa Park, 9AM to 9PM. You can park at Willowbrook High School and take the shuttle, too)
Theresa, We seem to be pretty much in the same boat!! (pun intended) In the spring, my sailor will most likely be going to Guam for 2 years. Told him he better plan on using Skype!!
Not to worry, we will all be just fine, if not a little bummed at times. This is EXACTLY why we have our Navy Sisters to support us!
MOMS! We have a new way to help raise funds for Molly's Adopt A Sailor! Go to igive.com and choose Molly's Adopt A Sailor as your charity. Over 1500 stores to choose from and a % comes to Molly's
Get your holiday shopping done and support Molly's! WIN-WIN!!! Thank you!!
just wanted to share with you the great news that we will be going to Norfolk to see our Sailor! I am having the same feelings I had the weeks leading up to PIR!! So anxious and excited!
We will be there for Family Fleet day on Oct. 18th!!
Almost time for the annual packing party to fill Christmas stockings at my house in Carol Stream. November 15 at 10:00AM. Please bring some goodies that will fit in a 16" stocking. Send me a message for address and any questions you may have. Thank you! Pat
MissMySailor
My son is doing great back from deployment which I found out he did numerous missions with the seals, he was their RHIB boat captain. Made allot of friends and they are trying to get him to go into the SWCC program but he has been doing several further VBSS training camps and loves that. He will be reenlisting in Oct for 6 more years and the best news is I will be a GRANDMA for the first time in the end of January!!! She is in the Navy and was raised in Japan while her dad was a Marine his whole life just retiring about a year ago so I hope she will be ok with the long deployment and I plan on driving down often to give her a break when needed plus her parents are in Ohio now and they are really great from what I have heard. She is very sweet and I know I am lucky because when I talk to her I forget she's not my daughter we talk allot and I have been sending a few baby things I can't wait to meet the baby though!!!
Take care!!!
Jul 27, 2013
Pat L. in IL
MissMySailor, So nice to hear from you!! Glad you are doing better!
Jul 27, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Coco, Thanks for helping on 9/28!! Hope to see you before then though!! LOL!
Jul 27, 2013
sandi8
Jul 30, 2013
Laura
I will be there with a +1, maybe a +2. I will keep you posted.
What snacky things or drinks would you like me to bring?
Aug 5, 2013
Pat L. in IL
I'll be there!!
Aug 7, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Mary, Do you want to ride with me? Going up there a little early though. LMK!
Aug 13, 2013
proudmama
I enjoyed meeting everybody today at the packing party:) Thanks to all of you for being so kind and friendly! You are a great group of ladies and I look forward to meeting you again sometime in the near future!
Aug 18, 2013
becky m
date change for the dinner in Naperville....it has been changed to tues 8/20 aat connies in Naperville...who all is still coming?
Aug 18, 2013
becky m
had a good time at the packing party today thanks sally for everything...:)
Aug 18, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Sally, Thank you for hosting the packing party AND the delicious food!
Big thanks to all who attended and worked so hard to pack all those boxes for our heroes!
proudmama, So very nice to meet you and we hope you had a good time!
Aug 19, 2013
becky m
connies pizza 1170 e Iroquois ave napervile around 6
Aug 19, 2013
proudmama
Hope you all enjoyed your time together on Tuesday! Wish my work didn't get in the way of N4m gatherings! I hope to see you all again soon!
I am on the bootcamp for moms site and some questions about what to do in the area for PIR weekend October 11th for those remaining in GL for A school). Wondered what you would recommend to out of towners? I recommended the usual... Navy Pier, Willis Tower, but wondered what you have experienced and thought about for those just finishing bootcamp- what are the preferred activities for those in uniform? Thought I would pass on your recommendations to that site...
Aug 23, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Congratulations Annie! I still have 3 more years minimum!
Sep 4, 2013
Debbie (Stephen's mom)
Annie, I am so happy for you. I can tell you it is great to have them home. How have you been???
Sep 5, 2013
chblinks
Sep 6, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Hi Moms, Final update on Welcome Home All Veterans, Sept. 28, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton. Gates open at 9AM, Opening Ceremony at 9:30AM.
Remembrance Table Ceremony at 10:30AM. If you have never seen this, it is very moving.
Fly-over at 12:30PM.
When you enter Cantigny, tell the person at the gate that you are a volunteer and follow the signs to park in the North Lot.
If you have any type "Navy" or "Molly's Adopt A Sailor" shirt, please wear it.
Any questions, LMK. Big thanks and hugs to all. Pat
Sep 25, 2013
Pat L. in IL
THANK YOU to all of you who came to the Cantigny Event today. Also thanks for the moral support by coming up on the stage with me! Love you all!
Sep 28, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Hi Moms, More fun! Packing 200 Christmas stockings on Nov. 16 at 1:00PM at my house. (Please PM me for the address.) I have the stockings, boxes, tape, and a good start on things to fill the stockings. If you would be so kind, please bring some goodies for the stockings.
Oct 27, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Hi Moms! Another fun thing for us to do! The Antioch VFW is serving Christmas dinner to 300 Sailors from Great Lakes and 25 Veterans on Dec. 7 from 4PM to 8PM. They need help serving dinner so let me know if you are interested.
Also don't forget, we are filling Christmas stockings at my house on Sat. at 1PM.
Nov 11, 2013
SusanG in IL
Does anyone know of any local VFW's hosting military for Thanksgiving? (Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Addison, Elk Grove Village)
Nov 17, 2013
SusanG in IL
Pat L, how do you find out what events are being held for active duty military?
Nov 17, 2013
Pat L. in IL
SusanG, Sorry for the delay in replying but the storm today knocked out my server!
Villa Park VFW will be hosting 200 recruits for Thanksgiving dinner. The recruits will arrive about 9AM.
The Antioch VFW will be hosting 300 Great Lakes A-School sailors for a Christmas dinner on Dec. 7. They need volunteers to help serve.
I find out about events through the contacts that I have made through Molly's Adopt A Sailor.
Nov 18, 2013
SusanG in IL
Hi Pat, thanks for the quick response! Do you know how I would go about volunteering for the Villa Park VFW Thanksgiving dinner? Would I just contact the VFW & let them know that I'm interested in helping out in some way? Antioch is too far of a drive for me. I don't like driving at night in unfamiliar areas because I have difficulty seeing at night.
Nov 18, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Susan, You just have to show up on Thanksgiving Day and tell them you want to volunteer. The buses arrive around 9AM and that is a really fun thing to witness.
Nov 18, 2013
SusanG in IL
Thank you,Pat. I've never done this before. My family made other plans (without telling me) I went with you to a few Molly's packing parties a few years ago, then I started working, which left me no time for Molly's. My mom died last August & I've just kind of been drifting along since.I remember how good I felt when I helped at the packing parties & I want that feeling again.
Nov 18, 2013
SusanG in IL
When my mom died she left quite a few crocheted afghans that she'd made herself. Would something like this be good to send to deployed personnel?
Nov 18, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Susan, Probably it wouldn't be a good idea to send the afghans to the deployed kids. BUT there are several women from the VFW who go to Hines VA hospital every week. Maybe that would be a good place for the afghans to go??? What do you think??
Nov 19, 2013
SusanG in IL
I'll be going to her house on Thursday, when I can count how many afghans there actually are. Wouldn't it cause problems if not everyone were able to get one? Depending on how many there are, I'm willing to donate a few, but I also want to sell some of them so I can add to the funds in the estate account.
Nov 19, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Reminder Mamas! Antioch VFW (75 North Ave, Antioch) needs volunteers to help feed 300 A-school sailors and 25 Veterans on Saturday from 4-8PM.
I hope you saw what a GREAT time we had on Thanksgiving......this should be a great time, too!!!!!
Dec 3, 2013
karlamissingmybabyboy
Dec 25, 2013
sandi8
For those of you who did not get to see your sailors for Christmas I hope you at least had phone calls and that visits are in the near future for you.
Happy New Year to all our Navy families!
Dec 29, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Hi Moms, I have another fun thing to do! "Sarge" has a Meet & Greet every Thursday for the families of the recruits who will PIR on Fridays. It is at Sundance Saloon, 300 Lakehurst, Waukegan, from 5:30PM to 9PM. On January 9, he will showcase Molly's Adopt A Sailor!!! This is a really fun event and anyone who wants to come support Molly's will be welcomed with open arms!!!
Dec 30, 2013
Pat L. in IL
Don't Forget! Brunch at the Villa Park VFW on Sunday, March 23 at 10:00AM. LMK if anyone needs the address!
Mar 19, 2014
Pat L. in IL
If you missed the great food at the Villa Park VFW Brunch, you have another chance!! April 27 between 11:30 and !2
Join us!!!!!
Apr 18, 2014
Leach73
Hello! New to this group after discovering the Illinois moms group.
Hi Pat L. - it is so awesome to see that you are very involved in lots of activities! I will be PM'ing you soon :)
Jul 22, 2014
kaymarie
Hi all! We live in the far west suburbs and our Sailor is on the USS Sampson.
Sep 6, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Hi kaymarie! USS Sampson is a destroyer, right? Is he deployed now? My son is on the sub USS Pasadena homeport in San Diego!
Sep 6, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Had coffee with "Leach73" Saturday morning! She is a fabulous mom and a new BFF for us! You guys are gonna love her!!!
Sep 15, 2014
Leach73
Hi Pat!! Thanks again so much for taking time out of your day to meet with me! So glad that we finally connected. I had a great time chatting with you! I can't wait to meet the rest of the moms!
Take care!!
Sep 15, 2014
Laura
Hello all,
It looks like I'm going to have to host another "Best Part of the Party", party. Appetizers and desserts only! I live in Lake Zurich.
I have to get in as many parties as I can. Pat, you are going to have a crazy timetable soon, with the much awaited arrival of the grandbaby.
When is a good time for everyone? Before the snow hits? Before the holiday craziness?
Sep 16, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Laura, It is anybody's guess when this new granddaughter will make her appearance! Mommy's blood pressure is under control right now but who knows??? Ultrasound last week showed she is 3 lbs. 12 oz. now. So don't make any plans around me. If I can be there, you KNOW I will!
Sep 16, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Hey Moms, Could REALLY use some help at the Villa Park VFW for Welcome Home Veterans on Sept. 27. Any time you could volunteer would be sincerely appreciated!!! (39 E. St. Charles Rd, Villa Park, 9AM to 9PM. You can park at Willowbrook High School and take the shuttle, too)
Sep 19, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Theresa, We seem to be pretty much in the same boat!! (pun intended) In the spring, my sailor will most likely be going to Guam for 2 years. Told him he better plan on using Skype!!
Not to worry, we will all be just fine, if not a little bummed at times. This is EXACTLY why we have our Navy Sisters to support us!
Sep 19, 2014
Pat L. in IL
MOMS! We have a new way to help raise funds for Molly's Adopt A Sailor! Go to igive.com and choose Molly's Adopt A Sailor as your charity. Over 1500 stores to choose from and a % comes to Molly's
Get your holiday shopping done and support Molly's! WIN-WIN!!! Thank you!!
Sep 29, 2014
Leach73
Pat L.
just wanted to share with you the great news that we will be going to Norfolk to see our Sailor! I am having the same feelings I had the weeks leading up to PIR!! So anxious and excited!
We will be there for Family Fleet day on Oct. 18th!!
HOOYAH!!!
Oct 3, 2014
Theresa
Wish my daughter was in Norfolk! So much closer! Next Sept she'll be stationed in Japan!! So not happy about that!!! :(
Oct 3, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Leach73, Oh geez, am I jealous!!! Have a great time!
BTW, mark Nov. 15 on your calendar! Navy Moms packing Christmas stockings at my house! More details later!
Oct 4, 2014
Pat L. in IL
Almost time for the annual packing party to fill Christmas stockings at my house in Carol Stream. November 15 at 10:00AM. Please bring some goodies that will fit in a 16" stocking. Send me a message for address and any questions you may have. Thank you! Pat
Oct 27, 2014
Pat L. in IL
HOLIDAY SHOPPING! If you do any online shopping, please consider joining these groups and designating Molly's Adopt A Sailor as your charity:
#1 - smile.amazon.com - They donate 0.5% of your purchase back to Molly's.
#2 - igive.com - This site has 100's of stores to shop. Each store will donate a different % back to Molly's.
Get your Christmas shopping done and Molly's gets a donation. WIN-WIN situation!
Thank you!
Nov 8, 2014