Welcome to TaniaB...tell us about your aviator. And if you have any questions, fire away. Somebody here should have an answer.
We had a great Christmas in California with our DS and DIL and our daughter and her husband. DS is playing the waiting game in Lemoore. He's been there since Sept 1 and they tell him he should class up in April. He's doing better with the waiting this time around; bought himself a project car that he has dismantled and is refurbishing. Our DIL tells us that there are still days that he sits on the couch and tortures himself watching F18 videos. Guess it keeps him hungry!
We are mostly settled into our new house and city. I'm still painting and decorating. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandbaby (our daughter) at the end of February.
Wondering if carrier quals have happened yet for Suzie and Jamielss?
Go Seahawks! My DS is at the game, 6th row seat courtesy of one of Paul Allen's band members. He completed his CQs in the F18 on Wed, returned to port Thurs and received a short notice deployment on Friday. He will deploy next week to join the Carl Vinson so it is very special for him to be at the game today. He wrote an amazing essay on his CQ experience as relates to the Seahawks' miraculous conference victory over the Packers. I have encouraged him to submit it to Stars & Stripes. This was my birthday news received yesterday! My head is spinning!!
Suzie: DS is at Lemoore. How fun for you to meet up with a NavyMom. I was able to do that at DS's winging and we have gotten together several times. Someone correct me if the information shouldn't be posted here but the Vinson is in the Middle East.
It's okay gonavymom, the Captain of the Vinson posted on FB today where they are and the ship posted last month's calendar so you can see the activities for January. Think of it like riding in a car, you can't discuss what you see out the windshield but you can freely discuss what you see in the rearview mirror. Our DS is on the Vinson too.
Suzie, that is awesome! And so cool that your DS is so far along. Mine is still working on his hobbies in LeMoore, waiting waiting waiting. He also has a project car, my husband and I hauled it out there from our driveway...what a fun trip! We drove through Monument Valley and it was spectacular! Jamielss, isn't that amazing! We thought the same thing...just shows how well-trained our pilots (and SNAs) are! I'm looking out at a foot of snow, but it's a bright sunshiny day here. We won't complain! Best to everyone.
Well moms I'm certainly glad to see February and have January in the rearview mirror. Second week of January I got a text from my DIL saying she had to make a trip to the ER at Balboa with a ruptured ovarian cyst. She had a followup visit scheduled with her OB/GYN the next week as they "had seen something of concern" in her ultrasound. Of course as DS is out on the Vinson I said give us a holler if you need anything. The following Tuesday she wrote back and said her OB/GYN was referring her to an oncologist on Thursday for more tests. Thursday night she called and said they had scheduled her for surgery on Monday morning. There was reason to believe she had ovarian cancer but needed to do a "staging surgery" to biopsy and confirm. Needless to say DH and I were immediately online to get a flight to SD. She also said the Dr. was requesting the presence of her husband in case decisions needed to be made. Ummm... Ok. We got there Sunday morning and, I have know idea how, but DS arrived Sunday night at 10 PM in San Diego. She was in surgery from 7:00 AM until almost 1:00 PM. NO CANCER! Stage IV endometriosis. They did a hysterectomy leaving only a ovary and removed as much of the endometriosis as they could. She had lesions on her muscles, ligaments, liver, kidneys, everywhere. They were at the hospital overnight and home on Tuesday. We took care of the 11 year old, the 7 year old. Hardest part was Monday night when the eldest came to us and asked what was really going on. She said her mom told her she needed to go to the hospital for surgery and we were coming but why was her dad home. She said, "I've been a Navy kid all my life and dads don't come home from the boat during cruise." So we sat her down and said the doctors thought your mom was really sick and might need your dad. Fortunately it wasn't as bad as they thought so your dad will head back as soon as we could get things squared away for your mom. We stayed the week and DS was able to stay the next week. The wives rallied around, from the Commodore's wife on down (she made a great enchilada casserole). This is the part of the Navy I truly appreciate. The way the families take care of each other is just awe inspiring. DS is back on the boat, DIL is recovering. Side note, although he was not physically on the boat he was in touch with the squadron making day to day decisions the entire time. Communication in 2015...you can work 24/7 wherever you are. So moms, that was our January.
Helomom, oh my gosh! Hugs and more hugs for all of you! So glad to hear that all went as well as could be hoped for and that all of you were able to be there to support.
The commander of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific Fleet came by while we were at the house. He said he was using the opportunity to debrief DS regarding the deployment and offer Admin support. When they started talking I asked if we should leave but he said it wasn't necessary. Boy was he right, they rattled off so many acronyms and talked so fast we just had to chuckle. It was an interesting visit, we rarely see DS in work mode.
Suzie...I've been thinking about you and praying for you and your DS and his CQs this week. Hope you've heard successful results by now! I remember how stressed I was when my DS did his in the T45. Can't imagine what it will be like when he gets to the F18.
Helomom...hope your DIL is recovered and doing great. So thankful it wasn't cancer.
NavymomBarb...don't know if anyone has answered your question yet. But what your DD is experiencing is totally normal. And it's totally normal for her to be frustrated! It seems that they schedule the students who are the farthest along in the training first and the newer students last. So, it does get better as she goes along. It usually speeds up a bunch at the end. And if her Onwing is gone, then she probably is just sitting there til he gets back. They do give them a refresher flight if it's been too long since they have flown. Hang in there...it is tough listening to them when they are frustrated. But just wait...they days when they've had a fantastic flight are pure joy to listen to.
Jamielss...congrats on the successful CQs!
JudyM...great pic! When I see those reunions is when the sacrifices made become very real.
Welcome to our new moms! We are glad you have joined our special group. Let us hear your thoughts, questions, joys and frustrations. We can answer, empathize and rejoice with you.
Paymaster...I'm headed your way this weekend. Once I get there and get the lay of the land I'll let you know and we can get together. Baby is due the 26th. And JudyM...maybe I can meet you this time!
Exciting news!! DS got his first flight today!Said Super hornet is awesome! So happy for him to be back in the air! Great news Suzie,no matter when you got it! Great day!!
Thanks, Suzie. It was a very surreal couple of weeks. DIL is recovering well. Downside of the whole thing was the kids had to go through dad leaving all over again when DS went back to the boat. Our DIL said she would not recommend a mid-deployment reunion. At least they are on the downhill side of the deployment.
Congrats to your DS. Another milestone!
Welcome ginarn93. Tell us about your aviator. Ask questions, share your exciting news and any frustrations. We are here to help, rejoice and commiserate with you.
My daughter had her baby on Wednesday...8 days early! A sweet girl named June. She is such a precious bundle of joy....this grandma stuff is wonderful.
Paymaster and JudyM - I'm in town and ready to schedule dinner. I can do Wednesday or Thursday this week or Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday next week. Any of those work for you?
Sweet picture Cheri and what a beautiful baby girl!
Helomom: I could not believe the story about what your DIL went through! So glad that your DS was able to get leave to be there and I am really impressed with how quickly the Navy made that happen. I actually went through an almost identical situation 11 years ago. I ended up having three surgeries over the course of a year. The last one put me into surgical menopause and my then husband (a surgeon) was convinced I had a post operative pelvic abscess because of the low grade fever and night sweats-haha! I hope her recovery is uneventful!
My DS got short notice deployed right after he finished his carrier quals. For all those new moms out there, this was the hurry up part of the hurry up and wait that is the Navy life. He finished his quals Jan. 30 and was on his way Feb. 9th to join the Carl Vinson in the Persian Gulf. He was PriA and had his heart set on going to Japan, which he could have, but some pilots go their entire career without flying a combat mission and he could not say no to the CO of the squadron that asked for him. Now when I see a bunch of posts on N4M, I get a little anxious about what is going on!
Hope those of you on the east coast and in the south are staying warm and safe!
Gonavymom-So far all is going well with our DIL. I know they were not able to clear everything during her surgery so there may be more down the road. Hopefully DS will be home if this reoccurs. Your DS is on the Vinson? So is mine! He flies SAR so hopefully they will never meet ;-)
Cheri H- beautiful! Congrats on your new blessing! My DS will be starting his first deployment April/May this year. I recall there were some great postings on tips for sending care packages to a ship. Is there a forum discussion on this or does anyone remember when this discussion was posted? thanks and Happy Friday!
Dawn
LO. Loved one.
Dec 31, 2014
jamielss
DS also going to carrier quals this month. It is very scary. Good luck to them all!
Jan 12, 2015
NOAM
Glad to hear it Suzie!
Jan 15, 2015
CheriH
Hello all...it's been awhile since I've posted.
Welcome to TaniaB...tell us about your aviator. And if you have any questions, fire away. Somebody here should have an answer.
We had a great Christmas in California with our DS and DIL and our daughter and her husband. DS is playing the waiting game in Lemoore. He's been there since Sept 1 and they tell him he should class up in April. He's doing better with the waiting this time around; bought himself a project car that he has dismantled and is refurbishing. Our DIL tells us that there are still days that he sits on the couch and tortures himself watching F18 videos. Guess it keeps him hungry!
We are mostly settled into our new house and city. I'm still painting and decorating. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandbaby (our daughter) at the end of February.
Wondering if carrier quals have happened yet for Suzie and Jamielss?
Jan 25, 2015
Paymaster
CheriH....Congrats on the new grandchild, I take it that means we will get to see you a bit more here in Northern CA?
Jan 26, 2015
gonavymom
Go Seahawks! My DS is at the game, 6th row seat courtesy of one of Paul Allen's band members. He completed his CQs in the F18 on Wed, returned to port Thurs and received a short notice deployment on Friday. He will deploy next week to join the Carl Vinson so it is very special for him to be at the game today. He wrote an amazing essay on his CQ experience as relates to the Seahawks' miraculous conference victory over the Packers. I have encouraged him to submit it to Stars & Stripes. This was my birthday news received yesterday! My head is spinning!!
Feb 1, 2015
gonavymom
Suzie: DS is at Lemoore. How fun for you to meet up with a NavyMom. I was able to do that at DS's winging and we have gotten together several times. Someone correct me if the information shouldn't be posted here but the Vinson is in the Middle East.
Feb 1, 2015
Helomom
Feb 1, 2015
Helomom
Feb 1, 2015
jamielss
DS just finished he carrier quals this weekend off the Stennis. I am so glad that is over. can't believe the first touch and gos are solo!
Feb 2, 2015
Barb
Suzie, that is awesome! And so cool that your DS is so far along. Mine is still working on his hobbies in LeMoore, waiting waiting waiting. He also has a project car, my husband and I hauled it out there from our driveway...what a fun trip! We drove through Monument Valley and it was spectacular! Jamielss, isn't that amazing! We thought the same thing...just shows how well-trained our pilots (and SNAs) are! I'm looking out at a foot of snow, but it's a bright sunshiny day here. We won't complain! Best to everyone.
Feb 2, 2015
NOAM
Like Suzie (and with Suzie ;-) ) this was my first time meeting a real live Navy4mom! Was awesome seeing both our DS's on Family Day. What a blessing!
Feb 2, 2015
Helomom
Feb 3, 2015
Helomom
Feb 3, 2015
Paymaster
Feb 4, 2015
Barb
Helomom, oh my gosh! Hugs and more hugs for all of you! So glad to hear that all went as well as could be hoped for and that all of you were able to be there to support.
Feb 4, 2015
Helomom
Feb 4, 2015
JudyM
Feb 8, 2015
NOAM
Congrats JudyM!
Feb 8, 2015
Paymaster
Feb 8, 2015
JudyM
Feb 8, 2015
KC11
Feb 9, 2015
Barb
Suzie, wow! I'm covered in goosebumps...prayers and warm thoughts. What an exciting and nerve-wracking time, but this is what our kids dreamed for!
Feb 10, 2015
JudyM
DS is back and this is how his wife greeted him!
Feb 10, 2015
Barb
JudyM, love it! So glad he's back.
Feb 10, 2015
ulua
Congratulations Judy! What a great photo and I hope you get to give him a big hug soon too!
Suzie, prayers for you and your son this week, CQs are stressful. Hope you get that happy phone-call soon!
Feb 10, 2015
Helomom
Feb 10, 2015
JudyM
Wow, Susie, CQs can give a Mom gray hair. Hopefully he will have an easy time.
Feb 10, 2015
NOAM
The boys (and yes they will always be our boys!) are in my prayers Suzie. I'm sure they will do well.
Awesome pic Judy - can feel the joyful emotion. :-)
Feb 10, 2015
CheriH
Suzie...I've been thinking about you and praying for you and your DS and his CQs this week. Hope you've heard successful results by now! I remember how stressed I was when my DS did his in the T45. Can't imagine what it will be like when he gets to the F18.
Helomom...hope your DIL is recovered and doing great. So thankful it wasn't cancer.
NavymomBarb...don't know if anyone has answered your question yet. But what your DD is experiencing is totally normal. And it's totally normal for her to be frustrated! It seems that they schedule the students who are the farthest along in the training first and the newer students last. So, it does get better as she goes along. It usually speeds up a bunch at the end. And if her Onwing is gone, then she probably is just sitting there til he gets back. They do give them a refresher flight if it's been too long since they have flown. Hang in there...it is tough listening to them when they are frustrated. But just wait...they days when they've had a fantastic flight are pure joy to listen to.
Jamielss...congrats on the successful CQs!
JudyM...great pic! When I see those reunions is when the sacrifices made become very real.
Welcome to our new moms! We are glad you have joined our special group. Let us hear your thoughts, questions, joys and frustrations. We can answer, empathize and rejoice with you.
Paymaster...I'm headed your way this weekend. Once I get there and get the lay of the land I'll let you know and we can get together. Baby is due the 26th. And JudyM...maybe I can meet you this time!
Feb 16, 2015
JudyM
Feb 16, 2015
ulua
Congratulations Suzie! What awesome news and so happy he is assigned to a base close to home. I'm sure you will be smiling for days!
Feb 18, 2015
JudyM
Feb 18, 2015
Barb
Feb 18, 2015
CheriH
Yay Suzie! Every new step is exciting. Does that mean he has finished the Rag?
Feb 22, 2015
Helomom
Congrats to your DS. Another milestone!
Feb 22, 2015
CheriH
My daughter had her baby on Wednesday...8 days early! A sweet girl named June. She is such a precious bundle of joy....this grandma stuff is wonderful.
Paymaster and JudyM - I'm in town and ready to schedule dinner. I can do Wednesday or Thursday this week or Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday next week. Any of those work for you?
Feb 23, 2015
Paymaster
Feb 23, 2015
JudyM
Sorry ladies. I will not be available at all next week. Leaving Thursday am this week. Have fun!
Feb 24, 2015
JudyM
CheriH, where are you staying in our area?
Feb 24, 2015
CheriH
In Folsom; my daughter lives here. I will still be here the week of the 7th-14th; will you be back then?
Feb 24, 2015
JudyM
Feb 24, 2015
Barb
Feb 25, 2015
CheriH
So, here's my new grandbaby! She's so precious. 5 days old and already stolen her Mimi's heart!
Feb 25, 2015
Helomom
Feb 25, 2015
gonavymom
Sweet picture Cheri and what a beautiful baby girl!
Helomom: I could not believe the story about what your DIL went through! So glad that your DS was able to get leave to be there and I am really impressed with how quickly the Navy made that happen. I actually went through an almost identical situation 11 years ago. I ended up having three surgeries over the course of a year. The last one put me into surgical menopause and my then husband (a surgeon) was convinced I had a post operative pelvic abscess because of the low grade fever and night sweats-haha! I hope her recovery is uneventful!
My DS got short notice deployed right after he finished his carrier quals. For all those new moms out there, this was the hurry up part of the hurry up and wait that is the Navy life. He finished his quals Jan. 30 and was on his way Feb. 9th to join the Carl Vinson in the Persian Gulf. He was PriA and had his heart set on going to Japan, which he could have, but some pilots go their entire career without flying a combat mission and he could not say no to the CO of the squadron that asked for him. Now when I see a bunch of posts on N4M, I get a little anxious about what is going on!
Hope those of you on the east coast and in the south are staying warm and safe!
Feb 26, 2015
Helomom
Feb 26, 2015
JudyM
Feb 26, 2015
ulua
Cheri H- beautiful! Congrats on your new blessing! My DS will be starting his first deployment April/May this year. I recall there were some great postings on tips for sending care packages to a ship. Is there a forum discussion on this or does anyone remember when this discussion was posted? thanks and Happy Friday!
Feb 27, 2015
Amanda1965
Looking forward to all your knowledge. My son just entered Newport RI on March 1st. Have been reading past posts. Very helpful.
Mar 2, 2015