Sharon - glad to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your shoulder problem.
Speaking of 'cranking' duty...one of the sailors who was in the kitchen this summer and, served me almost all my meals it seemed during the Tiger Cruise, happened to be on leave the same time Katie was. When he saw me at the airport (taking the same flight as Katie), he saw me and waved and loudly greeted me while he was in line to board.
Tina - I'm pretty sure that you have to go to the PO. Katie tried sending cookies to one of her cousins while he was overseas at af FPO address at the 24-hr self-help and it said that you must go to the desk. I believe it has to do with those custom forms, like you mentioned.
I sent a box to Katie on the 13th and they rec'd it yesterday late in the day. Still, she said that they are almost gone.
Great story Tina - we use to have someone like that on our rural route, but she moved. It's surprising sometimes what others will notice. It is funny, but also very thoughtful.
That is a great story Tina. I have paid for postage online and printed the label. You could fill the customs forms in at home but how would you tape them to the box? I would go to the post office and ask them. My post office is within walking distance so I go in. They keep a supply of the boxes in the lobby. I usually ask for a stack of custom forms so that I can fill them out at home. But they put the form in a plastic label that they stick on the box.
I am glad that you are feeling better Sharon. He has to wait for his orders before planning the wedding. They want to get married in Hawaii between duty stations. We are waiting on the navy.
When I ordered a set of 10 boxes and the custom forms, I also ordered those 'special' envelopes that the stick onto the box. Not sure why they even offer them, because I still don't think you can do it all yourself.
I heard from my son. He has his orders. He transfers in April. He is hoping that he can fly off the ship in March. He is trying to get vacation end of March to end of April and get married. They decided to get married then and plan a ceremony for the winter.
Jonathan is going to SD. I think the Boxer (lhd4). He didn't say where they are getting married, but I am assuming SD. He said it was too difficult in Japan and there isn't much time.
Wamon, I got one for my husband at Christmas and my sailor mentioned that he really wanted one. Figures, I am always asking what he wants. He reads ALL the time. If you pass him on the ship, you will find a book in his pocket. It has been a challenge to find places for his books. We have storage bins full of books in our basement for him. I will finally be able to get rid of the bins and I can buy him gift certificates forever.
My husband got all the boys small backup drives and loaded movies on them that they can watch on their computer or video whatever. He loaded movies like "the wackiest ship in the army", "Philadelphia Experiment", "Operation Pettycoat" and some great specials. He'll have a personal entertainment system when he deploys. Isn't technology grand?
Sorry, can't sleep tonight and re-read Mariannes post. LOL. I have a SON in the navy. Details......LOL. From reading between the lines.... they do not know yet. I hope they help him at the base figure out how to get married. Between his limited time in port and her being Japanese, who knows.
Sharon - read the article before I looked at today's postings on Navy4Moms. Heard from Katie too, so I knew it had happened. Just send a package out today. Katie wanted flipflops - very few to choose from in MI - they are just about to start putting out the spring stuff, even though we will have snow at least thru March.
OK, my 2nd post made no sense yesterday. I was up until 3 am because I was worried about this demo that I have to present to the Marine Corps in the next couple of weeks and I had to leave at 5am because of the weather.
I did a prelim run through and they only critiqued my 'Navy mom' coffee cup. LOL.
Thanks for the info about the deployment. I have had 2 emails from my son recently. I should have guessed.
If any of you artistic moms want to pass on your albums......I would be very grateful and jealous!
Kim - That's funn about the Navy Mom mug;) Sounds like you are ready for your presentation if that is the only thing someone noticed. Where do you have to go for your demo?
Marianne, it was a preliminary run through on the easy stuff that I know. I have so much work to prepare and I am a worrier. However, I am grateful that they feel that I have the knowledge to get it done. I truelly believe in our product. The answer is: The navy annex in Washington. I think I should bring my mug as an "ice breaker". I got it when my son finished boot camp. LOL.
Jonathan's email said that his fiance may stay in Japan until he returns from deployment in SD. I heard that the ship he is going to (uss boxer) will be deployed from Feb to Nov. I think they are planning on marrying ??? and have a celebration in the winter.. They have already sent their "stuff" to SD. I know the DTS (defense travel system). It's not ours, so I guess I won't get in trouble if I say it really, really sucks.
I am so confused. I guess when they get their orders they pack up their stuff….After that I am lost.
They are not married and she is not on the orders. They put everything in is name for the move to San Diego. My son is an E5 and lives in an apartment in Sasebo. The lease is in her name. She has her own health care in Japan.
How long does it take the for the paperwork after they marry? I am confused on what you think is not a smart move?
That is cool Marianne. Thanks. I checked out other pictures of the ship. http://www.navy.mil/search/photolist.asp
I wonder why he always gets his picture taken?
I found out why his mouth is always open. It is very dusty on the ship and his allergies bother him. He is stuffed up.
Katie called this AM after I left for work ;( but she did get to talk to her Dad for a little bit. She called again just a little while ago. Katie sounds great! Asked if the weather was warmer than Sasebo. Said she had to roll up her sleeves. Told her Jonathan had his pic taken - she saw them loading up the ammo.
KIm - I know the day she rolled up her sleeves was on their way. I see it was only in the 60s and rainy when she called. When Katie returned to Japan after leave she decided she would get some 'phone cards' so that she could call international, not something that she had signed up before. Katie said that she would try to call each time they were in port.
It sure is nice to hear from them. Think Katie called back in the evening because she wanted to talk to me specifically. Of course, last night I'm not sure if she was in the shop area or what. She said all the blowers, etc. were running so I had to talk quite loudly for her to hear.
People I work with think I'm crazy, but I have left phone messages from both Katie and Alicia on my answering machine so that I can hear their voices. It's kind of fun to hear the different tones - one is all excited and happy and the message from our anniversary sounds like she just rolled out of bed or is just crawling in!
rdcryer, it sounds like he just got off duty. They work a lot when they are away. I am sure that is the time my son says he finishes when he has watch. I forget you husbands rank. Is he cranking yet? When the kids where younger, I used to turn my phone to vibrate and stick it under my bra strap.
I have a saved folder in my mail called Jonathan. I just re read his first email from when he arrived in Japan. It was March 6th, 2008 and he said he had to wait until the end of the month for his ship. He sounds so different now.
I'm sure it is a lot noisier on the ship once they've picked up all those Marines. Katie's PC was loud the other day because she was inside near all the blowers, etc. I've kept emails as well, but my OLD computer has only so much space to save things;(
rdcryer - just reading the posts....I just tried the 7th fleet site and navy.mil and didn't have any trouble. There are a couple of articles about the Essex and some pics posted of recent events as well.
Marianne, I received an email from Jonathan. It was a forward email sent to him from the Lt., with the picture you posted attached. It was sent to a group and said "keep up the good work". I emailed him back and said that Katies mom is way ahead of you. She showed me that last week. LOL.
Kim - I think that's funny, but nice that Jonathan & Co were given 'kudos' for their hard work. It's fun seeing our sailors in pictures...wonder who they'll take pics of once he heads back to the states!
Do you guys know much regarding the volcano erupting in Japan? I know the Essex is underway but the volcano is not all that far from Sasebo, right? It is on the Kyushu island.
Yep, it is really hard. We were hoping Jesse would be stationed in Norfolk so we could easily visit. Not so easy now! It really is so far away. But, I know what you mean too. We are so proud of our kid and love him so much, and he knows that, and that is what is helping him (and us) to stay positive. We are lucky he calls whenever he can (was almost every day when he was on base). I hope he will have an awesome adventure!
Stay warm everyone! The weather is crazy almost everywhere! Here in Cleveland is not too good!
My son graduated Great Lakes in a blizzard on Dec 1st. I asked him if he had to shovel. His response was "No.. we sent all the Texans out to do that, they have never seen snow". He stayed there for A school. I'm sure it got real old by Feb.
Blizzard warnings were downgraded to winter weather advisory. We ended up with 6"+ here in the Ann Arbor, MI, area. Freezing rain came around 4 AM. Very windy. They had already decided to cancel most apointments at our Dr's office and have just the office manager come. Her sister lives about 3 blocks away, so she could walk if she had to. Both the jr hi school and college that my sons attend are closed. So, I'll have plenty of help shoveling. Unless one of our neighbors with snow blowers gets to it first!
When I saw the pic you posted below, I wondered if Katie's latest package arrived. Unfortunately it didn't. I was sending her flip flops that she had asked for, but there was also some birthday treats for one of the guys. Oh, it will be a little late I guess since his birthday is Friday.
24' and sunny here in Michigan. Nice and bright with all the snow on the ground. Sometimes it's funny what they start to crave when they are out to sea.
Kim-I haven't made monster cookies in a while. Sounds good. I know sometimes Katie suggestes that I don't quite bake the cookies all the way before I send them since they 'cook' on the way there, especially depending on how warm it is over there.
Can you find your sailor??? Just kidding. I see a few of them don't have the newest camo. Can't remember if Katie has gotten hers or not yet. She hasn't mentioned having to get the new blue Tshirts, and sent all but 2 white ones home, so maybe she has.
The picture is from an awards ceremony a few days ago. One of Katie's friends, who is a DC became a 3rd class. Obviously, not everyone on the flight deck could fit into the pic. Katie is in the 10th row back - in the middle - in front of a guy in the white turtleneck - she's wearing coveralls, not camo. Can't tell who's standing in the 'awards' row since their heads are down.
Ingrid - I should hop on a flight down to FL. We had -1 the other night. It will be in the 20s today - at least it will be sunny. Some of my coworkers are talking about a 'heat wave' next week -- it will be in the 30s.
One of Katie's good friends rec'd his promotion in the recent ceremony....
Hi,everyone deb finally back on got it on my phone now too!the web new cool phone from Alltel . How is everyone iv'e missed a lot sorry no work isn't. Fun . Missed you all . Terry did come home Christmas was 9months since we saw him last. He shared his time well between us and a few of his good friends 2 were nice enough to bring him home from airport and back again . We havn't heard from terry in about10 days now getting worried. Sharon I know there busy but u know us moms lol
I think terry is 5th back and 5 from the right head down and looks like his right eye is black i hope he didn't get. Punched in the eye training again . Deb thanks for pic .
our sailor loves jerky,ramen soup ,and candy, like hard candy, so we pack his box with those as much as possible , he loves it pix too.from home. deb take care , like sharon said just a box itself is exciting for them all.... he will love whatever you send its from home....!!!!!!!!
what diease i havent been on n a while what do they have does any one know our son terry basiensmate on essex if hes one sick???? please we need info he always call us we havent heard from him in 12 days??? anyone hear any thing i wish terry would call hope hes just tired , now im really getting worried!!! deb
I received an email from my son that he received his package.
My son has not gotten a passport and I have been bugging him for the last 3 years that he may need it someday. That day has come. They won't let him fly off the ship without it. I don't know when he applied for it but he said that he is waiting for it to arrive.
I will give you a recap of his situation. His time is up in Japan and his new duty station is San Diego sometime in April. I don't know all his dates but he needs to be flown to Sasebo to pack up what he didn't ship ahead. He has applied for a month off because he is marrying his Japanese girlfriend. I think he has arranged her travel but they need to marry in the U.S. and make living arrangements. Then he will be flown to his new ship that is currently deployed until November. I have no idea why he needs his passport.
Kim - Hope everything falls into place for your son. Not sure why he needs a passport either, but if the Navy says so, he needs to do it. I guess I'm glad that Katie just decided to get one early on. The summer before she left for BC she worked with Alicia up in Sault Ste Marie, so I think that is when she got it so that they could easily get into Canada. They had both gone on a fishing trip into Canada with their Grandpa - one of those fly-in places - but I don't think at that time they were requiring passports or the new Michigan 'enhanced' driver's license for border crossings.
How did your presentation go? Wasn't that this week?
MarianneKT's Mom
Sharon - glad to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your shoulder problem.
Speaking of 'cranking' duty...one of the sailors who was in the kitchen this summer and, served me almost all my meals it seemed during the Tiger Cruise, happened to be on leave the same time Katie was. When he saw me at the airport (taking the same flight as Katie), he saw me and waved and loudly greeted me while he was in line to board.
Jan 22, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Tina - I'm pretty sure that you have to go to the PO. Katie tried sending cookies to one of her cousins while he was overseas at af FPO address at the 24-hr self-help and it said that you must go to the desk. I believe it has to do with those custom forms, like you mentioned.
I sent a box to Katie on the 13th and they rec'd it yesterday late in the day. Still, she said that they are almost gone.
Jan 22, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 22, 2011
Kim
That is a great story Tina. I have paid for postage online and printed the label. You could fill the customs forms in at home but how would you tape them to the box? I would go to the post office and ask them. My post office is within walking distance so I go in. They keep a supply of the boxes in the lobby. I usually ask for a stack of custom forms so that I can fill them out at home. But they put the form in a plastic label that they stick on the box.
I am glad that you are feeling better Sharon. He has to wait for his orders before planning the wedding. They want to get married in Hawaii between duty stations. We are waiting on the navy.
Jan 22, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
When I ordered a set of 10 boxes and the custom forms, I also ordered those 'special' envelopes that the stick onto the box. Not sure why they even offer them, because I still don't think you can do it all yourself.
Jan 22, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 24, 2011
Kim
Jan 24, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Kim - Willl Jonathan be going to SD like he thought? Explain....get married March/April and then have a ceremony in the winter.
wamom - The people I know that have Kindles love them!
Jan 24, 2011
Kim
Wamon, I got one for my husband at Christmas and my sailor mentioned that he really wanted one. Figures, I am always asking what he wants. He reads ALL the time. If you pass him on the ship, you will find a book in his pocket. It has been a challenge to find places for his books. We have storage bins full of books in our basement for him. I will finally be able to get rid of the bins and I can buy him gift certificates forever.
My husband got all the boys small backup drives and loaded movies on them that they can watch on their computer or video whatever. He loaded movies like "the wackiest ship in the army", "Philadelphia Experiment", "Operation Pettycoat" and some great specials. He'll have a personal entertainment system when he deploys. Isn't technology grand?
Jan 24, 2011
Kim
Jan 25, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Sharon - read the article before I looked at today's postings on Navy4Moms. Heard from Katie too, so I knew it had happened. Just send a package out today. Katie wanted flipflops - very few to choose from in MI - they are just about to start putting out the spring stuff, even though we will have snow at least thru March.
Have a blessed day;)
Jan 26, 2011
Kim
I did a prelim run through and they only critiqued my 'Navy mom' coffee cup. LOL.
Thanks for the info about the deployment. I have had 2 emails from my son recently. I should have guessed.
If any of you artistic moms want to pass on your albums......I would be very grateful and jealous!
Sharon, I have 0% artis
Jan 26, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 26, 2011
Kim
Jonathan's email said that his fiance may stay in Japan until he returns from deployment in SD. I heard that the ship he is going to (uss boxer) will be deployed from Feb to Nov. I think they are planning on marrying ??? and have a celebration in the winter.. They have already sent their "stuff" to SD. I know the DTS (defense travel system). It's not ours, so I guess I won't get in trouble if I say it really, really sucks.
I am so confused. I guess when they get their orders they pack up their stuff….After that I am lost.
Jan 27, 2011
Kim
How long does it take the for the paperwork after they marry? I am confused on what you think is not a smart move?
Jan 27, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 27, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 27, 2011
Kim
http://www.navy.mil/search/photolist.asp
I wonder why he always gets his picture taken?
I found out why his mouth is always open. It is very dusty on the ship and his allergies bother him. He is stuffed up.
Jan 27, 2011
Kim
rdcryer, he gets an allowance for off-base housing and she works over there. He is even able to save money.
Doesn't she have to wait until they are married to apply for tri-care? I sent you a pm. You might be confused because you missed that she is Japanese.
Jan 27, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 27, 2011
Kim
Two phone calls in one day? I am so jealous. You have such a nice daughter.
They look chilly in the picture.
rdcryer, good luck with the paperwork. Surgery? I hope everything is ok.
Jan 28, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 28, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
It sure is nice to hear from them. Think Katie called back in the evening because she wanted to talk to me specifically. Of course, last night I'm not sure if she was in the shop area or what. She said all the blowers, etc. were running so I had to talk quite loudly for her to hear.
People I work with think I'm crazy, but I have left phone messages from both Katie and Alicia on my answering machine so that I can hear their voices. It's kind of fun to hear the different tones - one is all excited and happy and the message from our anniversary sounds like she just rolled out of bed or is just crawling in!
Jan 28, 2011
Kim
I have a saved folder in my mail called Jonathan. I just re read his first email from when he arrived in Japan. It was March 6th, 2008 and he said he had to wait until the end of the month for his ship. He sounds so different now.
Jan 30, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 30, 2011
Kim
Jan 30, 2011
Kim
Jan 30, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Jan 31, 2011
Kim
Feb 1, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Feb 1, 2011
Mary n Jesse
Feb 1, 2011
Mary n Jesse
Yep, it is really hard. We were hoping Jesse would be stationed in Norfolk so we could easily visit. Not so easy now! It really is so far away. But, I know what you mean too. We are so proud of our kid and love him so much, and he knows that, and that is what is helping him (and us) to stay positive. We are lucky he calls whenever he can (was almost every day when he was on base). I hope he will have an awesome adventure!
Stay warm everyone! The weather is crazy almost everywhere! Here in Cleveland is not too good!
Feb 1, 2011
Kim
Feb 1, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
We started getting our 'blizzard' after dinner tonight. We are expected to get 10-16 inches here. The winds are really blowing.
Katie talked about all those who came from the south or west while at GL during the winter as well. They were always so 'cold'.
Feb 1, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Feb 2, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Feb 3, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
24' and sunny here in Michigan. Nice and bright with all the snow on the ground. Sometimes it's funny what they start to crave when they are out to sea.
Kim-I haven't made monster cookies in a while. Sounds good. I know sometimes Katie suggestes that I don't quite bake the cookies all the way before I send them since they 'cook' on the way there, especially depending on how warm it is over there.
Feb 4, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Can you find your sailor??? Just kidding. I see a few of them don't have the newest camo. Can't remember if Katie has gotten hers or not yet. She hasn't mentioned having to get the new blue Tshirts, and sent all but 2 white ones home, so maybe she has.
Feb 8, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Katie's in the pick too. She's one of the few not in camo. She's right in front of the guy with a white turtleneck.
How are you Ingrid? Single digits here in MI - I'm sure you are probably enjoying the sun down in FL.
Feb 9, 2011
Kim
Feb 9, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Feb 9, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Ingrid - I should hop on a flight down to FL. We had -1 the other night. It will be in the 20s today - at least it will be sunny. Some of my coworkers are talking about a 'heat wave' next week -- it will be in the 30s.
One of Katie's good friends rec'd his promotion in the recent ceremony....
Feb 11, 2011
Kim
Rdcryer, I love your new profile picture. What a good looking couple.
I just sent an email to my son to find out if he received his package.
Feb 11, 2011
japan mom
Feb 12, 2011
japan mom
Feb 12, 2011
japan mom
Feb 14, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Did you read this article
Feb 14, 2011
japan mom
Feb 16, 2011
Kim
I received an email from my son that he received his package.
My son has not gotten a passport and I have been bugging him for the last 3 years that he may need it someday. That day has come. They won't let him fly off the ship without it. I don't know when he applied for it but he said that he is waiting for it to arrive.
I will give you a recap of his situation. His time is up in Japan and his new duty station is San Diego sometime in April. I don't know all his dates but he needs to be flown to Sasebo to pack up what he didn't ship ahead. He has applied for a month off because he is marrying his Japanese girlfriend. I think he has arranged her travel but they need to marry in the U.S. and make living arrangements. Then he will be flown to his new ship that is currently deployed until November. I have no idea why he needs his passport.
Feb 18, 2011
MarianneKT's Mom
Kim - Hope everything falls into place for your son. Not sure why he needs a passport either, but if the Navy says so, he needs to do it. I guess I'm glad that Katie just decided to get one early on. The summer before she left for BC she worked with Alicia up in Sault Ste Marie, so I think that is when she got it so that they could easily get into Canada. They had both gone on a fishing trip into Canada with their Grandpa - one of those fly-in places - but I don't think at that time they were requiring passports or the new Michigan 'enhanced' driver's license for border crossings.
How did your presentation go? Wasn't that this week?
Feb 18, 2011