Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

Load Previous Comments
  • Anti M

    Sending love, and warm healing thoughts, maggs.  

  • Blondie

    I'm back!  

    Maggs, Hugs and Prayers coming your way.

    LOVE the pictures!

    Life is crazy as ever here.  Work is BUSY, Working 11-12 hour days again, helpers been here a year and still makes mistakes you expect from only a month.  Jan-Feb. daughter (ex-sailor) will be doing her Internship in our office which means Tahlia and her will be living with us for another 2 months!!!  Can't tell you how HAPPY this makes us.  Tahlia gained 3 pounds while at Nana's house this last time (5 weeks)  see her Ped. GI Doctor yesterday and no blood in the stool samples. YEAH!!!  what a relief.  4 more months of dairy and beef free diet then we will interduce it back in for Tahlia but Mama will remain "free" so her milk supple is clean just in case Tahlia has another reaction.  Tahlia is 8 months old tomorrow and has 5 teeth and you can see 2 more.  She loves to eat real food but we had to take everything away from her except Mama till they figured the health issues out. so can't wait to feed her again.  Dairy free is more difficult then you think!  LOL

    Conor was in hospital for 103 fever and terrible cough.  Son told Connor's mom to take him to ER she didn't, said she was trying to save money!  My son carries ins. on him and she has Medicaid no reason for it!  He missed 3 days of school and laid around on her couch before she even told us!!!  Son took him and got his meds......he was released to return to school this past Monday when we took him to his mom's we went to give them his meds. and schedule and  when we gave them to him last his Stepdad said, you don't have to do that?  Do you have his meds. here?  No. then yes, you MUST take these and make sure he gets them or he'll be back in hospital.  Stupid parents.  his school is a hour and 20 min. drive from our house or I would have kept him!  Sure wish we were retired.

    I'll try to post some pictures later.  Gotta run. phones ringing and patients need help. 

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Gentle hugs Maggs. Keep us posted please. Sending Reiki Energy.

    OH Blondie !!!

    Sorry about work and I agree - wish you were retired too!!!!!  Nana's love, good food and being at Nana's and having a great Mommy is what is making Tahlia healthy!!! Fingers crossed that ll goes well. Even at work.

    Poor Conor! So glad your son was there to get him to the hospital. Please keep us posted on how both those sweet ones are.

    I received a message at 1:00 pm central time. Sailor said: I just landed in San Diego."  I was so happy and then sad too. He is home for the holidays and can relax, But he is still 4 hours away from me by plane. At least phone chats will be at better hours.

    Wish all a great weekend and week hugs

  • maggs

    Breakfast with Kim was awesome.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Merry Christmas.

    So glad you two got together. Hope you had a good visit.

    I got an unexpected gift - a cold. So I am bundle up with hot tea.

    And it finally snowed on Christmas Eve. Not mush - but - enough to shovel teh driveway.

    other news - My sailor is in the states. Visiting with his fiance.

    Last Tuesday - teh 19th - received a call from sailor. He said he adn fiance didn't share their hopes - because they were not sure all teh paper work would be done in time.  BUt the navy came through and on December 21, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    My sailor married his fiance. Yes, I was surprised - but not really. I had a feeling. And - HONEST - I was a good Navy Mom. I did not cry when he told me. I told him I understood and that Dad and Mom would be with him - in his heart.  After I hung up - yes i cried. both joy and sad.

    So please celebrate teh marriage of my sailor and new daughter n law .

    Wish all a good day and week.

  • T-Lynn

    Teh happy couple. December 21, 2017

  • T-Lynn

    The terrible wait to open presents!

  • T-Lynn

    Can you pick out teh REAL Ham?

  • T-Lynn

    Shoveling snow with Daddy

  • NavyMum

    congratulations to sailor and new sailor-wife!

    My sailor was away for the 3rd Christmas in a row (first in bootcamp, then this is the second overseas - don't expect him home next year either). I did get to call and talk to him last night - he sounded great!  He recently moved out of the barracks and into a flat - he was pleased about that, he's missed cooking - 20 months of eating from a microwave gets old...

    Merry Christmas to all!

  • Blondie

    LOVE the pictures!  T-Lynn, celebrating with you.  Hugs.  Hope you feel better.

    Maggs, so Jealous of you and Kim !  but glad you got to enjoy yourselves.   Plenty of Navy Mom hugs I hope.

    NavyMum, Hugs we all have been there.  I had to go to Japan to see my daughter. I couldn't take it anymore.  She's been in the states for 51/2 years and still no Christmas. BUT we get her for and family for New Years!!!!

    Not much to report here, just the usual, Hoping to get Navy hugs Friday!!!!  although they are driving separate and days apart...Grrr  thought I was gonna have to take off work to fly out and drive back with the girls. Thankfully one of our adopted girls off work so she is flying right now and they'll have a girls road trip!  God always provides. 

    Hope everyone has a Safe and HAPPY New Years, I'll be thinking of you.

  • Blondie

  • Blondie

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Blondie. Kiss those sweet cheeks for me!  And Conor is so handsome! And Big!  Nice looking couple too. Have a wonderful New Year with family.

    And I agree - was happy that Kim and Maggs got together. I know they shared hugs from al of us.

    Thank you for the well wishes for my sailor and new daughter n law. As I stated, it was nice to see the video of the wedding. I still cried. Both - happy and sad. Wish I had some news from sailor, but he has been quiet.

    And about missing Christmas' - hugs NavyMum. We all been there and you are so right - hearing their voices and hearing that they are ok - happy - makes things easier.

    Well, tonight and into the New Year Day - hubby and I will be celebrating alone!!!!! OUr kids have invited over to friends for a New Year's Eve sleep over celebration.  So soon, hubby and  I are making some snacks and listing movies we want to watch. Wish all here a great New year's Eve and New Year'sDay 

    Oh have to get - laundry fairy is still here.

    hugs.

  • T-Lynn

    It's time to Celebrate ... for that change of time is here.

    The Old leaves - the New arrives.

    Oh - how time flies.

    Just like that moment in time - we held their hands to help them stand.

    Then the time that we let go to wave our Sailors good bye as they marched ever so proud, to the beat of the Navy Band.

    AS I stated earlier - Out with the Old and Hello to the New.

    But so glad one things stays the same, so I am not so blue.

    Having this place to come to share my heart with all of You.

    Thank You

    Happy New Year Pan Navy Moms Hugs !!!!!!!

  • maggs

    Funny Christmas story.  I had always followed code, and not wrapped sailors Christmas gifts (Customs frowns on unwrapping the boxes they choose to search). So one year I decided to wrap them anyway. Box arrived and sailor skyped me on his christamas. so I could see him open his gifts. Now, he took his computer to a quiet, out of the way area, and found a cubby.    We were half way through, and I heard some one say.. "Sailor, what are you watching in that area?" Off goes son, to explain he wanted quiet time to skype with his Mum. The officer wanted to know why, and how he could prove it., Son was tongue tied. The Officer said "I trust you at this time, Dont know why, but I do" Son returned, to me at the computer, and I just started laughing, and said you should have just uncovered (remove cap), as I had put mini sticky bows on each gift, son he placed the bows on the bill of his cap as he opened each present. The officer, seeing the bows decided to tease him .. LOL.

  • Christina

    Did any of your kids have to have a passport or did there paper work ,work as a passport he said they told him his orders are his pass port , 

  • Anti M

    Christina, for Japan, all they need is their orders and their ID card.  However, if they want to do any leisure travel not on orders, they will need a civilian passport.  If there is an emergency, and they need to use a commercial flight, they would need a passport.  It is always a good idea to have one.  You too.  You never know if you may need to go to him.

  • T-Lynn

    HI all,

    Finally our family is saying good bye to the flu. Knock on wood that non of you get it! I even took the medication to help move that flu out of your system and only got sicker using that medication. I think if i suck with rum and coke and i would have gotten better sooner.

    Hey - update on my sailor's run away Halloween package. It finally arrived to his ship - just 3 months to teh day that it was mailed!  Sailor said that package was beaten up and had several holes in it. Plus it had been raining that day - so it was soaked too. He opened it out on deck because he remembered I said - I mailed him a real pumpkin. He and his fellow ship mates were rolling with laughter. Sailor said when he removed teh sip lock bag of liquid pumpkin - everyone lost it. I was just happy he got it!. And to learn that nothing was damaged or misssing - well sorry about his Halloween pumpkin. But everything else - ok.  Thought you all like a good laugh. I plan on sending a message to the Zip Lock company to thank them for a great product.

    Now just in planning stage of Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts and getting ready for grandson's third birthday.

    wish you all a good weekend. And stay warm and WELL ! hugs

  • Anti M

    LOL, T-Lynn, that is hilarious!  So glad you did the zip-loc bag thing, and I am sure many others are too!

  • T-Lynn

    So was he!  I had to promise NOT to send anything else I grow.

    So now getting a package ready for him - Mrs. Fisher's Potato Chips! No problem there. Unless that package gets lost.

    Wish all good health. Fingers crossed that the Flu bug stays FAR away!

    hugs all

  • Blondie

    Where does the time go?  Trust everyone had a safe new year. We got to ring it in with family!  What a warm fuzzy feeling.  A few were missing but Enjoyed who we had.

    Ex-Sailor and grandbaby (Tahlia) is here with us until the end of Feb. so time is Really moving fast!  Enjoying every minute but exhausted most of the time. (Weather doesn't help.) Daughter is doing internship at my office, and when I'm not working or training her, I'm babysitting.  Tahlia has had some more allergic reactions, and as you all know Military Ins. is tricky.  They had to change to a different insurance plan, change her home address to ours....get preapproved to go, then they sent them to ER they had 4 hours to get there and be seen.  From where we live!  Then they had to get a new PCP, on in Ohio....UGG  Luckily it didn't affect her breathing and wasn't life threatening.  

    Thanks for the laugh Maggs, I LOVE hearing stories of our families.

    T-Lynn glad you're feeling better. Hahaha Thanks for the laugh.

  • Blondie

    Talk about time passing.....9 Months!

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Glad the little darling is ok. Oh her smile - makes anything wrong - right. Keep spoiling Grandma Blondie

    Weather here too is something. We are expecting more snow again. Heads up states east of me - I am Illinois

    No news from my sailor. So every time I get on here and say that - he calls :) Let you know what  funny he has to share

     Wish all a great weekend. Stay warm and WELL! hugs

  • maggs

    Hi ladies... I have been busy. so heres the story. Hubby was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer over 2 years ago. They were not hopeful he would survive over 6 months. But he did. However he is not doing well anymore. Now we need all the positivity everyone can muster for Thursday.

  • Anti M

    Sending love and light and some cyber-hugs, Maggs.  I am so sorry to hear he isn't doing well.  

  • Chris, Forever Ray's Proud Mom

    Don't get on here often, but follow thru all's posts--Maggs, hugs and prayers sent your way.

    Blondie, enjoy your granddaughter for the few last weeks!

    My son is enjoying his time in Japan, doing a lot of traveling adn headed to the Olympics! I'm so jealous! Planning a trip over next year to see him.

    Anti M, thanks for being the rock that everyone can count on when answers are needed. I've been appreciative of your involvement since I found this site when my son joined the Navy.

  • Blondie

    Prayers and everything positive coming your way Maggs.  HUGS

    Our war on doctors/hospitals and insurance continues.  But I must include now daughter and myself are butting heads. Then her Hubby gets involved (long distance) and I know he's stressed and worried....so I just walk away, their child, their problem. 

  • Mississippi Mom

    Maggs, lots of prayers of your husband and you.   Sending you big hugs.  

    Blondie, hang in there girl... sending prayers for you and your family and hugs to you as well.  

    Sometimes, we do wonder why life has to be so tough.  Just know we are pulling for each one that needs extra support. Cause that is what "Pan Moms" do.

      Lots of love to you all.  

  • Mississippi Mom

    **for your husband and you***

  • Kim

    Maggs, big hugs.  Prayers are coming your way.  Let me know if I can do anything.

    My youngest is on chemo round 4 this weekend (5 days).  It was supposed to be last weekend but his platlets where too low.  That allowed him to travel 3 hours home to watch his favorite team win the super bowl with friends.  He made the trip again to see the parade last Thursday and started the round Friday.  It will be a rough week for him at work.

    My Sailor is on a very long deployment.  I was able to talk to him last week for the first time since Oct. 1.  Thank goodness for emails to keep him updated from home.

    Blondie, give that baby a Pan mom hug.

    TLynn, glad you are better.

    I am doing great!  I finished chemo, radiation and went to Disney to celebrate.  I now have hair that is 1/4 of an inch long.  Woo Hoo!

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Maggs - Reiki energy is on the way! And for you too. With your permission - I would like to do a Healing Spell. It is simple and filled with only - pure Light and Love.  AS Miss said: Us Pan Moms support each other.

    By the way - Hi Miss!!!

    The spell goes like this:

    "Healing thoughts for ______ take flight

    Seeking the Brightest of Blessing this night

    Mother - please send from above

    Your healing white light to surround him / her in Healing Love."

    Gentle hugs sweet friend.

    Hey Kim - you would not believe how many PINK creatures I am seeing in stores now.  Every time I see one - I hope you feel that someone is believing in your strength :). And Reiki and Helaing Spell coming your way and son's too.

    Blondie - me too. I have to walk away - plug my ears when I disagree with son and dil about Grandson.  You are so right - their child!  But that doesn't mean us Grannies cannot spoil and then give them back :).  hugs

    Need to get - i have to finish up on signing some thank you certificates for scouts.

    Wish all to stay warm  and WELL.

     hugs

  • ProudMom

    Does anyone have knowledge about the best phone service to have in Japan?  My son is in Yokosuka without a phone and is trying to determine what service to get.  Our home plan is Verizon, but I've heard US plans with int'l don't work real well over there.  SIM cards are too expensive.  Is Softbank a good option?  Looking for any advice.  Thanks.

  • Lauren - Ship 11 Div 317

    my son actually purchased a phone there, he can text us for free on T Mobile on his regular phone, I will double check with him on the service he is using on his other phone, he mainly sends instant messages on Facebook to me, lol

  • ProudMom

    Thanks, Lauren.  My son thought he could get by without a phone (he uses his computer to Skype with us) but he has learned he needs a phone to communicate with people there on FB chat, etc.

  • Lauren - Ship 11 Div 317

    Yes, my son responded that he uses Softbank for his phone there, he believes it is somehow related to Sprint.

  • Blondie

    Thanks Miss.  It is Nice to have a place we can go and vent and not only do you all understand ya don't judge. 

    Kim, sounds like Great news!  all around, the fact that he could make the trips is Fantastic.  Extra prayers for his week. I remember those long deployments. Not looking forward to our next one.  Bless you , Hugs, hang in there.

    T-Lynn, just proved my statement, always Someone Understands us here. Oh, Tahlia is spoiled enuff.  LOL  I'm trying to spoil her Mama.  Giving them back is the problem.  
    While they're here, if I'm home she's with me, cause mama is doing schooling and intern. And like last night if Mama is sick or Tahlia, I'm up with them too and doctors and hospitals....I'm Exhausted.  The thought of sending them home alone frightens me!!!  I know I have to let go, but....

    Navyfan, I Love footprints, it hangs in my living room. I also have a footprint Virginia Beach style on a coffee cup.  Also the Serenity Prayers is very helpful, 

  • Blondie

  • Beachmomblue

    Hi,  I don't post much but always reading the comments.  Thank you Blondie for the poem.  Printed it out and put it up.  Judy

  • Blondie

    You're welcome Beachmomblue.  Most people cite the first part but have no idea there's so much more.

  • Kim

    Blondie, I am right there by your side.  Remember when our children lived in our house?  We had many worries, we were scared sometimes, but we were in control.  It was hard when my sailor left for boot camp, but I always felt that he was in good hands.  As you know, my youngest had a seizure July 4th, he needed brain surgery and my sailor was able to come home on emergency leave.  He was here for brothers surgery and my first chemo treatment.  On July 31st (my birthday) we learned my youngest child has brain cancer.  I fought his insurance and got his radiation/chemo treatments done here where we could drive him and help him. When that phase was over, we had to drive him back to his place and his job.  That was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do in my life.  He lives alone and is now on round 4 of his 6 (stronger) chemo treatments.  I have learned to let the worries go and rely on the prayers. 

  • Kim

    I visited Maggs on one visit to my son.  I want to post the picture, but I need her permission.  Maggs.......Curse me if you want but I am the one wearing the wig.  LOL.  You look great.

  • maggs

    You can post the photo Kim. :)

  • T-Lynn

    HI

     Yes - YES post that picture !!!!!

    Oh how many hugs did you share?

    I already know you both are so beautiful - a picture just can't copy that beauty.  But I STILL want to see the picture.

     On pins and needles here.

     hugs

     Oh Blondie, How they girls doing?

  • lsb

    My sailor is leaving for Japan in early April.  She is GSM on a Destroyer.  Any information as to what to expect and any encouragement would be helpful.  Not a lot of activity on the Destroyer site.  Thanks

  • kimberlya

    Isb...which ship?
  • Anti M

    Sasebo or Yokosuka?  And what type of info are you looking for?

  • lsb

    She will be Yokosuka, USS Mc Campbell.

  • lsb

    Information I am looking for is, will she be on a ship for three years?  Want to get communication between us set up before she leaves.  How to get information on her ship which says it is from San Diego but is located in Japan?   Wondering what is like for them on a ship.

  • Anti M

    Have your daughter sign you up with the ship's ombudsman and FRG (family readiness group).  They may be local to Japan right now.  Some of the smaller ships are not great about keeping their online presence updated.   She may get a .mil ship's email address, but those are on shared computers, all messages are screened, and they have to wait to go online when they can at sea.  Her US phone won't be feasible in Japan, although her carrier will make promises about international calling.  She might want a Softbank phone for use in country, and she can use a texting or calling app for communicating with you.  It can be up to 72 hours or so before she gets a private phone call in!  Between the time difference and the check in/indoc process, she'll be short on rest and time.

    The "small boys" (smaller vessels)  sometimes have a berthing barge located near the ship, a floating barracks.  The bases have a lot of places for her to enjoy her time off and relax.  MWR and USO will offer food, wifi, entertainment, and tours.

    While she will be assigned to the ship for three years, they won't be out to sea the entire time.  It will simply feel like it, as the 7th Fleet is very "up tempo".  It means they work hard!