My son told me the other day he is coming home for a visit, and you would have thought he told me he was going to deepest Siberia or darkest Peru for 5 yrs. I cried and cried just thinking about him spending money to come home. I am such a blat-ass! I'm getting them a nice camera, lounge pants and pjs for each, a few odds and ends for their apartment, and their first Christmas married.
I do understand about things they don't need, but we want them to have. Gotta love them and try to take care of them!
A slingbox hooks up to someones cable or satellite system in the states. And he can access it thru his computer. All he needs is a access code. And whatever comes on the cable or satellite system they can watch. So no it won't take up any space for the Sailor.
I'm liking the idea of the blender. Never thought of that. They all seem to be into those protein shakes. Do they have US plugs and outlets in the barracks? I'm assuming they do, haven't heard different from my sailor.
I don't know if it's just the Atsugi base, or Japan in general, but there does seem to be some difference in the electrical current. My son and DIL were saying that they did not want a really awesome tv to plug into the lower current there. They will wait until they move back in a couple of years to get the tv they really want. They have not complained about any of their appliances not working though. I do believe there are converters that you can buy on base that boosts the amps if needed but I think for most household appliances, everything is fine as is.
Katlanta, we all know, you know what you are talking about...just excitment of the holidays has your mind ovestuffed...that's MY story, and I'm stickin to it :-)
Congrats Mary having your sailor come home. We know he'll get enough hugs from you to share from all of us. tee hee We should make these sailors go back and hug everyone that walks in front of them, LOL... hey, it might be one of ours they pass that hug onto! LOL :)
momoftwosailors... thanks for the info. Hubby and I are still thinking about what to get and thought it would be a nice gift. We have Japanese friends that might like the code too as she is in love with a couple hollywood stars, LOL. Like I said, we aren't normally gift givers and so it's harder to come up with something to show how much we miss him.
Katlanta, Don't worry about it how many boxes it takes...I had to send 2 this time and I was hoping I wasn't the only one :) Then after I stuffed them both till they were about to bust and mailed them, I found a whole stash I forgot to send. Oh well it was just some snacks and I can send those for my Happy New Year box later. It really wasn't a lot of stuff, one box was mostly snacks and candy but I wrapped it up like it was a present too. I know my son shares he's just that type of person so I like to send plenty.
This is my first year at this,! I'm blowing in the breeze here, Not sure if he is coming home or not for Christmas, he mentioned he was looking into it. Now since he has been back in Japan, he is very, very quiet. He has surprised me before, but I feel in limbo. Want him to have something to open here if he is here. We are shipping a new special pillow, game, slippers. He has always been difficult to buy for, or is that me..I just like to buy something really special. and this living half way around the world and in a barracks makes it difficult. LOL Not even sure how to give him a special gift card for use there. Last one I gave him in Pensacola for his birthday. He texted me on his birthday and said thanks, I texted back I was at a women's conference and would visit after 3, his response....I will have Skydived by then with my birthday gift. Yikes!
I'm still trying to send that snowboard...the post office wants $175 to ship it....was wondering if I could ship it federal express...but the only address I have is a P.O. Box for the ship......anybody know if they ship to the P.O. Box FPO address?? I got a box from the snowboard store and it fits perfectly...thanks for the idea!!!!
The Slingbox is not something you would send him. You would hook it up to your cable or satellite system. All he needs is a internet connection and a computer. It would not work on the ship, because their internet connection SUCKS. But when they are in port or in his barracks room he can sign into an account set up by you and watch whatever your cable or satellite system has.
Navy Ma, that sounds so WONDERFUL! What a great time. You do spoil him, but why not right?
I'm surprised at how quiet things are since the ship has returned to Japan. I do get text messages every couple days, but they are quick ones. The holidays are sure going to be different here this year. I also have to say that he is missed because we don't have a dog sitter anymore and we've had to turn down fun! LOL
I've been following this group for awhile now (since my son got his orders). I had to say good bye to him the other day and as I know you can all relate it was quite a tearful ordeal...well at least for me. My son was so excited to get to Japan and I'm so proud of what he's doing. I received a fb message from his best friend early this morning (his friend arrived last week) telling me that Josh had arrived and all was well. I quickly replied back thanking him and of course I ended the message with "love you both" and he replied back "we love you too" so I kinda feel like I got two sons over there now! Anyhoo, after crying a lot of happy tears knowing my son had made it there and was safe & sound, I turned on the tv only to see that there was an earthquake!!! aaaaaaaa I went histerical!!!! after rampaging all over the internet I finally convinced myself that all was ok.
katlanta - thank you so much for your posts and letting me know "stuff" happens over there all the time..... but how do you all get use to that! There's so much I'm gonna have to get use to....this is going to be quite an experience....I'm glad there's so much support on here.
Thanks, katlanta - knowing that these earthquakes were not uncommon eases the mind a little. Glad to know there were no deaths (that I am aware of) and/or no major damages. We'l keep Japan in our prayers!
joshmom - I will never get used to my son not being at home but this group helps me through it.
Katlanta, she must be sick to her stomach missing him. I could see in the picture you posted awhile back how much they enjoy being with each other. They make such a beautiful couple. It will be really nice if she can come to visit you in the states when he is able to take leave for home. Best wishes to John to get back to Yoko safely.
BZ Cheryl and Lukesmom! That is so awesome. Im getting excited, its been a year since I've seen my son and if all goes well he should be in the states in T minus 2days! Headed to gf first in N.Carolina then driving down together to sunny Florida. Can't wait to see his face!
Beautiful daughter Cheryl! Isn't it the best feeling to find those pics on their FB page? I screamed and then burst into tears, lol.. My other two kids were laughing hysterically at me. Oh well, who cares, it made my day. Thanks for the congrats Carol and Vi.
Congrats Imnadelady, that's a pretty awesome achievement.
Lisa CCMom, I bet you can't wait to hug your sailor! I hope you get to meet him at the airport. Take some pics and share, we would all like to be a part of his homecoming. Cyber hugs to you and to him. Enjoy your time together :)
@ CreativeVI - Hope you and all the moms can see their sailors soon. Last year mine could not come home for Christmas so there were lots of tears here. He and his buddies band together and celebrate the holidays wherever they are but they are always missed very much by their moms and sweethearts when they are not home.
Got my first phone call from Japan early early this morning. What an awesome way to be woke up! I'm one happy momma today!!!!
I know I'm a little late in posting this but Congratulations to all you moms and your outstanding Sailors in their achievements & advancements.....and WoooHooo to all those coming home!
Navy Mom, I'm sure my sailor will be fine. They seem to be busy. I don't hear from him often, but I did raise my boys to be independent. I'm finally getting used to being independent myself. I realized this morning that I'm not thinking in terms of taking care of kids. Hmm, didn't cry this time either. Next year might not be so bad after all.
Thanks Debra, those words form your boss made my cry in my coffee this morning! Should have given us a tissue warning! Lol. Good to know there are some people out there who understand something about what we're going through. Welcome to this site. There are lots of ladies with a wealth of information to share whenever you need it.
Navy Mom, enjoy the time with your son. Give him some extra hugs from all of us.
Josh's Mom, so glad you got that early morning call, isn't it the best?
I got a phone call from my Sailor this morning at 4:30am. He had the nerve to apologize about waking me up. Is he kidding no time is a bad time to call your Mom. I'm 1 happy Navy Mom today.
That is awesom Debra! It is such a nice feeing when people recognize our sailors!
I was reading through forums and didn't find what I was loking for. My son sent me his address but I am not sure he gave it to me right. Do we put Yokosuks Japan on the mailing address? I saw on the USS GW website the address for Public Affairs Officer. It is the same, just a different box number and Yokosuks Japan is not on it.
Congratulations for all the Moms who's presents are at home or on their way. Hug them tight! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. It was great to have my son here. His lil niece just loved her Uncle and he even brought her a Minny Mouse (her favorite character) from Hong Kong Disneyland. She calls it her Hong Kong Minny. too cute! He was a hit with her!!! Dropped him at the airport at 6:30AM for and 1.5 hr flight to DC and 49 mins. to make his connection for his nonstop flight. Long story made short, his international flight just left an hr ago. It's going to be a long ride home. I'm sure there are a lot of them dragging with this storm across the country. He said half of the flight was military.
I also put my son back on a flight to Japan last night. Right before he was to board his flight from Dallas to Narita (after a 2 1/2 hour delay due to weather) I had to inform him that his grandmother passed away. I was able to send a Red Cross message and someone from his squadron is going to meet him at the airport.
Woo hoo!! After his long ride back to Japan and his luggage having to travel on its own without him. LOL Got there and no luggage. But he returned to wake up and find out he made Petty Officer 2nd class, in two years. So proud of him, he has worked hard.
My son was home for Christmas and I am thankful for that. Now that he's back in Japan, we're missing him all over again. Feeling a bit of the post-holiday blues. Everything was leading up to him coming home and now that's over. Time to re-focus and look ahead.
Hi guys....so my sailor is coming home in March for 21 days.....He said to look for flights from Narita International Airport - is that correct??? Also when making the flights does the 21 days include the travel time or do they give you some travel days?? Thanks guys.....
Mary (Chris' mom)
My son told me the other day he is coming home for a visit, and you would have thought he told me he was going to deepest Siberia or darkest Peru for 5 yrs. I cried and cried just thinking about him spending money to come home. I am such a blat-ass! I'm getting them a nice camera, lounge pants and pjs for each, a few odds and ends for their apartment, and their first Christmas married.
I do understand about things they don't need, but we want them to have. Gotta love them and try to take care of them!
Nov 29, 2012
momof2sailors
A slingbox hooks up to someones cable or satellite system in the states. And he can access it thru his computer. All he needs is a access code. And whatever comes on the cable or satellite system they can watch. So no it won't take up any space for the Sailor.
Nov 29, 2012
Luke'sMom
I'm liking the idea of the blender. Never thought of that. They all seem to be into those protein shakes. Do they have US plugs and outlets in the barracks? I'm assuming they do, haven't heard different from my sailor.
Nov 29, 2012
Mary (Chris' mom)
I don't know if it's just the Atsugi base, or Japan in general, but there does seem to be some difference in the electrical current. My son and DIL were saying that they did not want a really awesome tv to plug into the lower current there. They will wait until they move back in a couple of years to get the tv they really want. They have not complained about any of their appliances not working though. I do believe there are converters that you can buy on base that boosts the amps if needed but I think for most household appliances, everything is fine as is.
Katlanta, we all know, you know what you are talking about...just excitment of the holidays has your mind ovestuffed...that's MY story, and I'm stickin to it :-)
Nov 30, 2012
CreativeVi
Congrats Mary having your sailor come home. We know he'll get enough hugs from you to share from all of us. tee hee We should make these sailors go back and hug everyone that walks in front of them, LOL... hey, it might be one of ours they pass that hug onto! LOL :)
momoftwosailors... thanks for the info. Hubby and I are still thinking about what to get and thought it would be a nice gift. We have Japanese friends that might like the code too as she is in love with a couple hollywood stars, LOL. Like I said, we aren't normally gift givers and so it's harder to come up with something to show how much we miss him.
Nov 30, 2012
Kimberly P
Katlanta, Don't worry about it how many boxes it takes...I had to send 2 this time and I was hoping I wasn't the only one :) Then after I stuffed them both till they were about to bust and mailed them, I found a whole stash I forgot to send. Oh well it was just some snacks and I can send those for my Happy New Year box later. It really wasn't a lot of stuff, one box was mostly snacks and candy but I wrapped it up like it was a present too. I know my son shares he's just that type of person so I like to send plenty.
Dec 1, 2012
lmnadelady
This is my first year at this,! I'm blowing in the breeze here, Not sure if he is coming home or not for Christmas, he mentioned he was looking into it. Now since he has been back in Japan, he is very, very quiet. He has surprised me before, but I feel in limbo. Want him to have something to open here if he is here. We are shipping a new special pillow, game, slippers. He has always been difficult to buy for, or is that me..I just like to buy something really special. and this living half way around the world and in a barracks makes it difficult. LOL Not even sure how to give him a special gift card for use there. Last one I gave him in Pensacola for his birthday. He texted me on his birthday and said thanks, I texted back I was at a women's conference and would visit after 3, his response....I will have Skydived by then with my birthday gift. Yikes!
Dec 1, 2012
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
I'm still trying to send that snowboard...the post office wants $175 to ship it....was wondering if I could ship it federal express...but the only address I have is a P.O. Box for the ship......anybody know if they ship to the P.O. Box FPO address?? I got a box from the snowboard store and it fits perfectly...thanks for the idea!!!!
Dec 1, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Dec 1, 2012
momof2sailors
Nancy W,
The Slingbox is not something you would send him. You would hook it up to your cable or satellite system. All he needs is a internet connection and a computer. It would not work on the ship, because their internet connection SUCKS. But when they are in port or in his barracks room he can sign into an account set up by you and watch whatever your cable or satellite system has.
Dec 2, 2012
momof2sailors
Navy Ma,
I sent you a PM.
Dec 2, 2012
CreativeVi
Navy Ma, that sounds so WONDERFUL! What a great time. You do spoil him, but why not right?
I'm surprised at how quiet things are since the ship has returned to Japan. I do get text messages every couple days, but they are quick ones. The holidays are sure going to be different here this year. I also have to say that he is missed because we don't have a dog sitter anymore and we've had to turn down fun! LOL
Dec 2, 2012
Cheryl
Does anyone know when the frocking ceremony is? I know it's Dec. 7th but what time? I can't wait to see the pictures of my Petty Officer!
Dec 6, 2012
Luke'sMom
Dec 7, 2012
yamamom
7.2 earthquake in the north again - no serious damage or injuries
Dec 7, 2012
yamamom
Hi there, Here is a link for the new Yokosuka USO that tells a bit about its services to our sailors...
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/12/prweb10208984.htm
Dec 7, 2012
MaggieMay
Hello Ladies!
I've been following this group for awhile now (since my son got his orders). I had to say good bye to him the other day and as I know you can all relate it was quite a tearful ordeal...well at least for me. My son was so excited to get to Japan and I'm so proud of what he's doing. I received a fb message from his best friend early this morning (his friend arrived last week) telling me that Josh had arrived and all was well. I quickly replied back thanking him and of course I ended the message with "love you both" and he replied back "we love you too" so I kinda feel like I got two sons over there now! Anyhoo, after crying a lot of happy tears knowing my son had made it there and was safe & sound, I turned on the tv only to see that there was an earthquake!!! aaaaaaaa I went histerical!!!! after rampaging all over the internet I finally convinced myself that all was ok.
katlanta - thank you so much for your posts and letting me know "stuff" happens over there all the time..... but how do you all get use to that! There's so much I'm gonna have to get use to....this is going to be quite an experience....I'm glad there's so much support on here.
Hope you all have a great day!
Dec 7, 2012
JGMOM
Thanks, katlanta - knowing that these earthquakes were not uncommon eases the mind a little. Glad to know there were no deaths (that I am aware of) and/or no major damages. We'l keep Japan in our prayers!
joshmom - I will never get used to my son not being at home but this group helps me through it.
God bless our sailors!
Dec 7, 2012
Luke'sMom
I finally got my picture! So very proud of him.
Dec 7, 2012
CArol
That's awesome, Luke's mom!
Dec 7, 2012
Luke'sMom
Dec 7, 2012
Cheryl
Dec 9, 2012
CreativeVi
Cheryl, great photo. She's beautiful!
Dec 9, 2012
CreativeVi
We need a "like" button here.... congrats Luke'sMom and to all Mom's that have outstanding sailors.
Dec 9, 2012
Lisa FLNavyMom
Dec 9, 2012
lmnadelady
My son just made Shadowhawk of the Year, I'm so proud of him and all our sailors, they work so hard.
Dec 10, 2012
Luke'sMom
Congrats Imnadelady, that's a pretty awesome achievement.
Lisa CCMom, I bet you can't wait to hug your sailor! I hope you get to meet him at the airport. Take some pics and share, we would all like to be a part of his homecoming. Cyber hugs to you and to him. Enjoy your time together :)
Dec 10, 2012
Navy Mom
Just made my son some breakfast. We have him for 16 days. One happy navy mom here.
Dec 10, 2012
lmnadelady
Shadowhawks is a squadron.
Dec 10, 2012
CreativeVi
Enjoy your time with your sailor... sure miss mine.
Dec 10, 2012
Navy Mom
@ CreativeVI - Hope you and all the moms can see their sailors soon. Last year mine could not come home for Christmas so there were lots of tears here. He and his buddies band together and celebrate the holidays wherever they are but they are always missed very much by their moms and sweethearts when they are not home.
Dec 11, 2012
MaggieMay
I know I'm a little late in posting this but Congratulations to all you moms and your outstanding Sailors in their achievements & advancements.....and WoooHooo to all those coming home!
Dec 11, 2012
CreativeVi
Welcome Debra.
Navy Mom, I'm sure my sailor will be fine. They seem to be busy. I don't hear from him often, but I did raise my boys to be independent. I'm finally getting used to being independent myself. I realized this morning that I'm not thinking in terms of taking care of kids. Hmm, didn't cry this time either. Next year might not be so bad after all.
Dec 11, 2012
Luke'sMom
Navy Mom, enjoy the time with your son. Give him some extra hugs from all of us.
Josh's Mom, so glad you got that early morning call, isn't it the best?
Dec 12, 2012
dawny64
I got a phone call from my Sailor this morning at 4:30am. He had the nerve to apologize about waking me up. Is he kidding no time is a bad time to call your Mom. I'm 1 happy Navy Mom today.
Dec 12, 2012
JGMOM
"the Navy always brings their boys home"...I'm with Luke's Mom, very touching, I love that! Yep, had a good cry over that one. Welcome aboard, Debra!
Happy Holidays to all the navy mommies and their sailors...thanks for the continued support!!!
Dec 12, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
That is awesom Debra! It is such a nice feeing when people recognize our sailors!
I was reading through forums and didn't find what I was loking for. My son sent me his address but I am not sure he gave it to me right. Do we put Yokosuks Japan on the mailing address? I saw on the USS GW website the address for Public Affairs Officer. It is the same, just a different box number and Yokosuks Japan is not on it.
Thanks!!
Dec 12, 2012
Alicia(12/053 - AO)♥
Dec 12, 2012
lwcar
My son, AO2 Travis Carlton is home for 2 weeks. He came in very tired yesterday morning. He returns to Japan on the 26th. I got my present this year.
Dec 13, 2012
lmnadelady
My Christmas is complete my AE3 Gerad surprised me. Happy Momma! Everyone have a wonderful Christmas.
Dec 15, 2012
CArol
Dec 15, 2012
CreativeVi
Congratulations for all the Moms who's presents are at home or on their way. Hug them tight! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Dec 16, 2012
lmnadelady
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. It was great to have my son here. His lil niece just loved her Uncle and he even brought her a Minny Mouse (her favorite character) from Hong Kong Disneyland. She calls it her Hong Kong Minny. too cute! He was a hit with her!!! Dropped him at the airport at 6:30AM for and 1.5 hr flight to DC and 49 mins. to make his connection for his nonstop flight. Long story made short, his international flight just left an hr ago. It's going to be a long ride home. I'm sure there are a lot of them dragging with this storm across the country. He said half of the flight was military.
Dec 26, 2012
momof2sailors
I also put my son back on a flight to Japan last night. Right before he was to board his flight from Dallas to Narita (after a 2 1/2 hour delay due to weather) I had to inform him that his grandmother passed away. I was able to send a Red Cross message and someone from his squadron is going to meet him at the airport.
Dec 26, 2012
lmnadelady
Momof2sailors, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dec 27, 2012
lmnadelady
Woo hoo!! After his long ride back to Japan and his luggage having to travel on its own without him. LOL Got there and no luggage. But he returned to wake up and find out he made Petty Officer 2nd class, in two years. So proud of him, he has worked hard.
Dec 27, 2012
CArol
Dec 27, 2012
Kimberly214
Happy New Year Navy Moms! Hope all of you are doing fine. Haven't seen any traffic on here, figured I better check in and make sure everyone is ok!
Jan 3, 2013
Navy Mom
My son was home for Christmas and I am thankful for that. Now that he's back in Japan, we're missing him all over again. Feeling a bit of the post-holiday blues. Everything was leading up to him coming home and now that's over. Time to re-focus and look ahead.
Jan 7, 2013
navymomfromCT (Ship 11, Div.037)
Hi guys....so my sailor is coming home in March for 21 days.....He said to look for flights from Narita International Airport - is that correct??? Also when making the flights does the 21 days include the travel time or do they give you some travel days?? Thanks guys.....
Jan 7, 2013