Here is a good pre-deployment checklist, advice written by sailors for sailors. There is even a female section. It is on Reddit, not Navy for Moms. It will give you an idea of what shipboard life is like, and what to bring, or to send in care packages.
Thank you so much Anti M and Navyfan can use all the knowledge I can get to ease my fears. I pray all works out for her and she enjoys her time there. Yes I will miss her like crazy, she is my only child. I thought I had this Navy life under control until she got her orders. Now I am spinning out of control. Knowledge is my best defense.
I was in Yokosuka for a total of 12 years, both as a sailor and as a dependent spouse. It is a lovely safe country, with terrific people, awesome food, and nice people. Once she settles in, and has the chance to explore outside the gate, I bet she will love it.
I certainly hope so. I am encouraging her to take advantage of her time there. Thanks for the info. looking at phones, plans, and small laptop, chargers, Want to help out as much as I can and keep busy. I make a lot of jerky so I hope I can send plenty of that. Look forward to keeping in touch.
Our time is running out fast. Always like this, too much to do....! This will be our last full week with them. She has two more final projects to finish up and I work this Saturday. I did take Monday off. Baby is bad again, as soon as they take her off the steroids she breaks out again, now having breathing troubles, hoping it's just the weather and seasonal allergies. it warmed up here and lots of rain, ice and snow back tomorrow. UGG We sit up and hold her while she sleeps, still only sleeps an hour or two. (takes after Nana) I have no idea what she's gonna do once she goes back and he deploys! Not that he's any help anyway. She's 10 months old and has 9 teeth and is cutting her eye teeth and molars. She's an over-achiever like her mother. LOL She took her first steps (by herself) last night of course no one had their cameras ready. but all 3 of us seen it. The BEST part...She wanted to get from Mom to Nana!!!! Walked 4 steps to get to me. WIN.
have to hurry, work is getting busy already. when I'm at home no time to get on! Once they leave I'm doing major cleaning and organizing! 6 house dogs and constant people running through, Fun but Exhausting. She says she won't be back the rest of the year. So, gonna have to figure out a schedule to go visit them. Hubby says wait until she asks, so she understands how hard it's gonna be and that it's their problem not ours. My Mama/Nana heart is breaking already, I know he's right and we've talked this through and made our decision BUT following through is the hard part. Gonna need you Ladies to support and encourage me. More later.
Blonide - I am tired from JUST reading your work load. Hey gf - TRY and I am saying it loving - TRY! to slow down. Wow - 4 steps just for Nana!!! Enjoy and spoil!
Maggs - how precious. Congratulations !!!! enjoy spoiling. I and so much fun giving them back to the parents. Gentle hugs friend. Keep us all posted. WE love you.
Welcome aboard Iba. Just come here and talk . Only question - does your daughter have her civilain passport? If not help her get one. I will explain later or some one here will. I am late to work.
Maggs, I am so sorry about your husband. Let us know. Very excited about the new baby.
Kesha (and all new moms) I am excited for you. I was in your shoes 9 years ago. That is when I met these great ladies. Anti M is the best. We became close. Not only do we love to welcome new moms, we have a rule that does not allow you to leave us. Many of our sailors have left Japan. T-Lynn son has returned and my son married a girl from there. She and my grandson spent 4 months there during my sons recent deployment.
T-Lynn, slow down? What is this that you speak of??? LOL I thought when the kids are here....yeah right. Even when I take a day off it's stuffed full. But we're healthy and happy.
Joe got a direct order and new orders (again) Wednesday. And he's not even on base well not his.....he's out in training due back on sunday night and was suppose to report to his command and do paper work for expenses and leave. But has orders to be at another base by Monday for deployment! He told us Short and sweet. Daughter is upset as we understand. when she whined to me, I said, this is what we lived with for 10 years! You know the life. So we're punting not sure when she'll go home which is fine with me. I did offer to drive her home this weekend or fly her....but not sure she'd get to see him anyway. She enrolled for her bachelor's degree, I believe those classes start either this Monday or next. and she has to have her butt in chair! Oh brother! not my problem, not my problem......
Finally got my new glasses tho. will try to upload a picture. Jack has a groomer appointment for march and boy does he need it. not as much as their dogs but not my responsibility. :) I need to re-schedule my hair appointment, get my van in for an oil change and something is making a noise....the list gets longer as I mark things off!
Isb and Kesha, my daughter LOVED Japan. It's a wild ride and the time zoon things takes time to get use to but you will live through this just like BC. Feel free to come here to brag, celebrate, cry, vent....if it gets too bad, I'll get my voodoo dolls out. LOL Welcome and HUGS
Kim, Love the picture! Thanks for sharing.
gotta run again, 3 practitioners working and only me here, patients Everywhere, phone is ringing....!
Yes Isb - I meantyou. Welcome aboard!!! You are about to be an emotional roller coaster ride. but honest - we all are right beside you. Hugs
Kim and Maggs !! Beautiful ladies. I am keeping that picture! Jealous of the hugs but so glad you two shared some and I know you shared from all uf here too.
Blondie - sorry to hear that now Blondie Jr is on that emotional roller coaster ride. But at least she has your RIGHT by her side. And I still say - you make the Energizer Bunny look lazy! But do take some me Time.
Hey - sorry this is short - I am off to work. I made me a short Me time to say hi. hugs all
after Joe was delayed by a week, he got back and his civilian flight had bad weather, couldn't land, reverted, ground crew problems, finally landed then connecting flight was canceled because of weather.....what a mess. 10 days ago, daughter decided to stay with us till he got back, (I had a 3 day weekend could have taken her home) so this weekend with all the delays and cancelations she decides she wants to go home. well Tahlia has a doctor's appointment today and daughter already missed 1 week of classes for her bachelor's degree..... so Needs to have her butt in that chair! So Midnight Friday (Saturday morning) we decided we're gonna load them up and head south. Saturday morning we loaded my van and her car with 2 dogs and all their stuff . leaving behind dirty diapers (she uses cloth) and anything else she could live without for a week. forgot her frozen breast milk, not sure how I'll send that too her. Stopped in WV Saturday night for the night. Sunday morning Joe and a friend showed up at hotel, we unloaded my van into their Subaru and off we all went in different directions. So as always life goes on, a little crazy at our house but all the same. got home sunday night, did 4 laundry loads and took a bath. finally shaved my legs! (counts as ME time) this week is getting Jack groomed, needs a hair cut bad! That's tonight and since we had to cancel this weekend, my sister and BIL are coming over after work tonight. thur. I have 2 doctor's appointments that I've been putting off, out of heart meds. and BP meds. stupid I know but you'd have to understand my work and family schedules. And I have to work the whole weekend and get my taxes done. Hoping to get vacumn fixed and get my house clean! Clean the bedding, move all baby stuff back to attic Not to mention, van & truck both need oil changes.... Hope everyone has heard from their sailors and all our safe. Hugs
Hope everyone got a laugh from My caller ID.. Daughter almost fell of the couch laughing. Grand Daughter is getting better at walking, and can new walk across a room. Sailors new baby boy is so adorable. and we are taking photos of him and hubby. Hubby isn't doing so well, and I have to come to terms with his declining health. I am told its harder on me, that him.
Hugs, my friend. I agree it is harder on us that are left behind and have to carry on. take lots of pictures but most of all make memories. I'm glad the grandbabies are there to make you smile
Today marks one year that I have not seen my son in person. It doesn't seem to get any easier. We talk and skype but it sure not the same. I miss him so much. Today I am struggling.
Yes, thank goodness for technology. I don't know how mothers did it years ago. It is really nice to have a place where you can share because most people don't understand and I know you lovely ladies know exactly how I feel. Thanks Navyfan for your words. Hugs
Hugs Beachmomblue, We definitely KNOW how you feel, we've all been there. My personal longest was 19 months with little communication with a couple skype sessions. It's very hard, I wish there were magical words. When I got upset/stressed about it I prayed. We do have a Prayer Wall Group on this site if that is your thing. But sometimes just knowing we're not alone helps. also I kept very busy. Churches, scouts, schools...all our looking for volunteers and I sent ALOT of boxes over seas. LOL
Hubby Passed away last night, He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer two and a half years ago, you would never have known. Just three weeks ago, after lack of response to a new medication, they told him his liver was covered in cancer. He moved onto Palliative care. They told him two to three months. We were not prepared for it to be three weeks. Still in shock.
there is nothing we can say or do to help Just KNOW we are here for you. And there with you in Spirit Maggs. Navy Mom HUG from us to you. You're in my Prayers.
Anti M
Here is a good pre-deployment checklist, advice written by sailors for sailors. There is even a female section. It is on Reddit, not Navy for Moms. It will give you an idea of what shipboard life is like, and what to bring, or to send in care packages.
https://www.reddit.com/r/navy/wiki/deployment
Feb 19, 2018
lsb
Thank you so much Anti M and Navyfan can use all the knowledge I can get to ease my fears. I pray all works out for her and she enjoys her time there. Yes I will miss her like crazy, she is my only child. I thought I had this Navy life under control until she got her orders. Now I am spinning out of control. Knowledge is my best defense.
Feb 19, 2018
Anti M
I was in Yokosuka for a total of 12 years, both as a sailor and as a dependent spouse. It is a lovely safe country, with terrific people, awesome food, and nice people. Once she settles in, and has the chance to explore outside the gate, I bet she will love it.
Feb 19, 2018
lsb
I certainly hope so. I am encouraging her to take advantage of her time there. Thanks for the info. looking at phones, plans, and small laptop, chargers, Want to help out as much as I can and keep busy. I make a lot of jerky so I hope I can send plenty of that. Look forward to keeping in touch.
Feb 19, 2018
maggs
Well two thinks, One is Sailor had a baby yesterday. and today found out Hubby is moving to palliative care. But here is the baby
Feb 19, 2018
NavyMum
congratulations - what a beautiful baby. Prayers for you and your hubby
Feb 19, 2018
Blondie
Hugs Maggs. Babbies are so Precious,
Our time is running out fast. Always like this, too much to do....! This will be our last full week with them. She has two more final projects to finish up and I work this Saturday. I did take Monday off. Baby is bad again, as soon as they take her off the steroids she breaks out again, now having breathing troubles, hoping it's just the weather and seasonal allergies. it warmed up here and lots of rain, ice and snow back tomorrow. UGG We sit up and hold her while she sleeps, still only sleeps an hour or two. (takes after Nana) I have no idea what she's gonna do once she goes back and he deploys! Not that he's any help anyway. She's 10 months old and has 9 teeth and is cutting her eye teeth and molars. She's an over-achiever like her mother. LOL She took her first steps (by herself) last night of course no one had their cameras ready. but all 3 of us seen it. The BEST part...She wanted to get from Mom to Nana!!!! Walked 4 steps to get to me. WIN.
have to hurry, work is getting busy already. when I'm at home no time to get on! Once they leave I'm doing major cleaning and organizing! 6 house dogs and constant people running through, Fun but Exhausting. She says she won't be back the rest of the year. So, gonna have to figure out a schedule to go visit them. Hubby says wait until she asks, so she understands how hard it's gonna be and that it's their problem not ours. My Mama/Nana heart is breaking already, I know he's right and we've talked this through and made our decision BUT following through is the hard part. Gonna need you Ladies to support and encourage me. More later.
Hugs and positive thoughts to all. Navy Strong.
Feb 20, 2018
T-Lynn
HI
Blonide - I am tired from JUST reading your work load. Hey gf - TRY and I am saying it loving - TRY! to slow down. Wow - 4 steps just for Nana!!! Enjoy and spoil!
Maggs - how precious. Congratulations !!!! enjoy spoiling. I and so much fun giving them back to the parents. Gentle hugs friend. Keep us all posted. WE love you.
Welcome aboard Iba. Just come here and talk . Only question - does your daughter have her civilain passport? If not help her get one. I will explain later or some one here will. I am late to work.
hugs
Feb 20, 2018
lsb
Hi T-Lynn, Yes my daughter has her civilian passport. Thanks for the welcome at least I think you meant me. lsb
Feb 20, 2018
Kim
Feb 21, 2018
Kim
I just got back from Canada.
Maggs, I am so sorry about your husband. Let us know. Very excited about the new baby.
Kesha (and all new moms) I am excited for you. I was in your shoes 9 years ago. That is when I met these great ladies. Anti M is the best. We became close. Not only do we love to welcome new moms, we have a rule that does not allow you to leave us. Many of our sailors have left Japan. T-Lynn son has returned and my son married a girl from there. She and my grandson spent 4 months there during my sons recent deployment.
Feb 21, 2018
Anti M
A picture of me in Japan from sometime in the 80s, first time I was there, before I was married. Nikko, I think.
Feb 22, 2018
Anti M
Kim, you look terrific. Thanks for sharing.
Feb 22, 2018
Blondie
T-Lynn, slow down? What is this that you speak of??? LOL I thought when the kids are here....yeah right. Even when I take a day off it's stuffed full. But we're healthy and happy.
Joe got a direct order and new orders (again) Wednesday. And he's not even on base well not his.....he's out in training due back on sunday night and was suppose to report to his command and do paper work for expenses and leave. But has orders to be at another base by Monday for deployment! He told us Short and sweet. Daughter is upset as we understand. when she whined to me, I said, this is what we lived with for 10 years! You know the life. So we're punting not sure when she'll go home which is fine with me. I did offer to drive her home this weekend or fly her....but not sure she'd get to see him anyway. She enrolled for her bachelor's degree, I believe those classes start either this Monday or next. and she has to have her butt in chair! Oh brother! not my problem, not my problem......
Finally got my new glasses tho. will try to upload a picture. Jack has a groomer appointment for march and boy does he need it. not as much as their dogs but not my responsibility. :) I need to re-schedule my hair appointment, get my van in for an oil change and something is making a noise....the list gets longer as I mark things off!
Isb and Kesha, my daughter LOVED Japan. It's a wild ride and the time zoon things takes time to get use to but you will live through this just like BC. Feel free to come here to brag, celebrate, cry, vent....if it gets too bad, I'll get my voodoo dolls out. LOL Welcome and HUGS
Kim, Love the picture! Thanks for sharing.
gotta run again, 3 practitioners working and only me here, patients Everywhere, phone is ringing....!
Feb 23, 2018
Blondie
Feb 26, 2018
Blondie
Feb 26, 2018
T-Lynn
HI
Yes Isb - I meantyou. Welcome aboard!!! You are about to be an emotional roller coaster ride. but honest - we all are right beside you. Hugs
Kim and Maggs !! Beautiful ladies. I am keeping that picture! Jealous of the hugs but so glad you two shared some and I know you shared from all uf here too.
Blondie - sorry to hear that now Blondie Jr is on that emotional roller coaster ride. But at least she has your RIGHT by her side. And I still say - you make the Energizer Bunny look lazy! But do take some me Time.
Hey - sorry this is short - I am off to work. I made me a short Me time to say hi. hugs all
Feb 27, 2018
Blondie
after Joe was delayed by a week, he got back and his civilian flight had bad weather, couldn't land, reverted, ground crew problems, finally landed then connecting flight was canceled because of weather.....what a mess.
10 days ago, daughter decided to stay with us till he got back, (I had a 3 day weekend could have taken her home) so this weekend with all the delays and cancelations she decides she wants to go home. well Tahlia has a doctor's appointment today and daughter already missed 1 week of classes for her bachelor's degree..... so Needs to have her butt in that chair!
So Midnight Friday (Saturday morning) we decided we're gonna load them up and head south. Saturday morning we loaded my van and her car with 2 dogs and all their stuff . leaving behind dirty diapers (she uses cloth) and anything else she could live without for a week. forgot her frozen breast milk, not sure how I'll send that too her. Stopped in WV Saturday night for the night. Sunday morning Joe and a friend showed up at hotel, we unloaded my van into their Subaru and off we all went in different directions. So as always life goes on, a little crazy at our house but all the same. got home sunday night, did 4 laundry loads and took a bath. finally shaved my legs! (counts as ME time)
this week is getting Jack groomed, needs a hair cut bad! That's tonight and since we had to cancel this weekend, my sister and BIL are coming over after work tonight. thur. I have 2 doctor's appointments that I've been putting off, out of heart meds. and BP meds. stupid I know but you'd have to understand my work and family schedules. And I have to work the whole weekend and get my taxes done. Hoping to get vacumn fixed and get my house clean! Clean the bedding, move all baby stuff back to attic Not to mention, van & truck both need oil changes....
Hope everyone has heard from their sailors and all our safe. Hugs
Mar 6, 2018
maggs
Mar 6, 2018
maggs
Hope everyone got a laugh from My caller ID.. Daughter almost fell of the couch laughing. Grand Daughter is getting better at walking, and can new walk across a room. Sailors new baby boy is so adorable. and we are taking photos of him and hubby. Hubby isn't doing so well, and I have to come to terms with his declining health. I am told its harder on me, that him.
Mar 6, 2018
Blondie
Love the caller ID!
Hugs, my friend. I agree it is harder on us that are left behind and have to carry on. take lots of pictures but most of all make memories. I'm glad the grandbabies are there to make you smile
Mar 7, 2018
Blondie
Mar 7, 2018
Beachmomblue
Hi Blondie,
the words and pictures are beautiful. Thank you and same to you.
Mar 7, 2018
Blondie
Hi Beachmomblue, I hope you have a Great day.
Mar 7, 2018
Beachmomblue
Today marks one year that I have not seen my son in person. It doesn't seem to get any easier. We talk and skype but it sure not the same. I miss him so much. Today I am struggling.
Mar 7, 2018
Beachmomblue
Yes, thank goodness for technology. I don't know how mothers did it years ago. It is really nice to have a place where you can share because most people don't understand and I know you lovely ladies know exactly how I feel. Thanks Navyfan for your words. Hugs
Mar 7, 2018
Blondie
Hugs Beachmomblue, We definitely KNOW how you feel, we've all been there. My personal longest was 19 months with little communication with a couple skype sessions. It's very hard, I wish there were magical words. When I got upset/stressed about it I prayed. We do have a Prayer Wall Group on this site if that is your thing. But sometimes just knowing we're not alone helps. also I kept very busy. Churches, scouts, schools...all our looking for volunteers and I sent ALOT of boxes over seas. LOL
Mar 7, 2018
CatCaitysMama
Mar 7, 2018
Anti M
While there are no local delivery options, you can send a bakemeawish cake through Operation Birthday Cake.
https://www.bakemeawish.com/operation-birthday-cakes.php
Mar 8, 2018
maggs
We are now at the last stages with hubby.. will be back on when I can.
Mar 9, 2018
Anti M
Hugs and love, Maggs.
Mar 9, 2018
Chris, Forever Ray's Proud Mom
Prayers through this difficult time Maggs.
Mar 10, 2018
Blondie
Hugs, Maggs. may his passing be swift and easy. Our arms are around you. God's Mercy and Grace be with you.
Mar 10, 2018
Kim
Hugs, Maggs.
Mar 10, 2018
Mississippi Mom
Sending prayers, Maggs, and lots of hugs filled with love.
Mar 11, 2018
Kim
I hope that I am not wrong for posting this here. I heard from Maggs and she lost her husband. I am so lost on how to help her.
Mar 11, 2018
DramaSoul
I have been following but not posting. I am so sorry, Maggs. May his memory be a blessing in your heart. So many prayers for you and your family.
Mar 11, 2018
maggs
Hubby Passed away last night, He was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer two and a half years ago, you would never have known. Just three weeks ago, after lack of response to a new medication, they told him his liver was covered in cancer. He moved onto Palliative care. They told him two to three months. We were not prepared for it to be three weeks. Still in shock.
Mar 12, 2018
Anti M
I am so sorry for your loss, maggs. Much love to you and your family.
Mar 12, 2018
lsb
So sorry for your loss maggs. May God Bless you and your family.
Mar 12, 2018
Beachmomblue
So sorry for youg loss, Maggs. May God grant you peace.
Mar 12, 2018
Lauren - Ship 11 Div 317
Oh my gosh Maggs, so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Mar 12, 2018
Blondie
there is nothing we can say or do to help Just KNOW we are here for you. And there with you in Spirit Maggs. Navy Mom HUG from us to you. You're in my Prayers.
Mar 12, 2018
TravelMomma!
God's peace be with you and with your family. Rest easier knowing that your husband is joyfully in God's kingdom!
Bless you!
Mar 12, 2018
NavyMum
((((Hugs)))) and prayers Maggs. I'm so very sorry.
Mar 13, 2018
Lisa
Sorry for your loss, praying for you and your family.
Mar 14, 2018
T-Lynn
Dear Sweet Maggs
Gentle Hugs we send
Listening ears we lend
Arms reaching out
to hold you close
even though we are far apart ...but ...
You are never far from out hearts.
Gentle Hugs
look for Cardinals - they are loving spirits to let you know - how much you are loved.
Mar 15, 2018
T-Lynn
HI
It appears that I am not on line here. Just checking in.
Mar 21, 2018
Lauren - Ship 11 Div 317
Gotcha T-Lynn
Mar 21, 2018
T-Lynn
Mar 21, 2018