Malamama, I already replied to you in the other group. (I didn't know your son is a Seabee...) This is a good place for general Navy or Seabee info...but the Iraq and Afghanistan group is the one that will carry you through. Take a deep breath and hang out with us.
MalaMama: My son was in Afghan most of 2010....it takes lots of prayers, friends you can talk to and sending lots of care packages and letters to your Seabee...Just stay busy and cherish the contact you'll have through Skype, Facebook, Messaging, etc....It's a tough ride...but the ride will soon end...
Just got told my kiddo got a "special evaluation" so now she will take her PO exam almost 9 mos early. was so excited. I told her all her hard work would pay off.
Now if some more movement happens that would be awesome. Hard to think that you are qualified to take the exam and can not get the higher rank since no moves have happened.
All is well though, this just shows me she is as strong as anyone and can do what she sets her mind to.
Basically, they told her this month (earlier), she did not have to wait for the Sept. Since she had a special evaluation and was I guess recomeneded to take in March. So really that is not waiting the 9 mos. To me that is them telling her 9 mos early she can take it. May not make sense to many. Makes perfect sense to me and when I called her Uncle who is retired Navy he said same thing. When they tell you something early it is a good thing.
Hi moms! I'm a corpsman mom stopping in to share a wonderful Seabees story from yesterday's news.
Yesterday near Buellton, California, a truck hit the back of a BMW carrying a mom, her 10 yr old & 10-week old. The truck plunged through the guardrail, the car smashed and left dangling off the bridge. While they were waiting, terrified, for an HOUR for rescuers to reach them, US Navy Seabees who were stuck in the traffic used the forklift they were transporting to keep the car from falling. Though the truck's driver was killed when the truck fell below, mom and daughters were extricated & only had minor injuries. That green thing in the photo is the forklift. Talk about a Bravo Zulu moment for your wonderful Seabees! Rescue, photos, video
Good morning all. Wow, I really need to keep up with my Navy moms. I am working on sending my son his first package and having a hard time what to put in it. There are so many goodies I know he would love that he can't get.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and can stay warm in whatever neck of the woods you live in.
Julie, correct a lot of people don't go, but when I went, I found it to be nice because there are MUCH less people than boot camp graduation. It was much more personal.
Thanks for info. We live far away and I expect my son to be home soon after A school graduation and then return for combat training. I do have some tie to think about making the trip.
Ugh, here we go again! Why is it my son can only give me less than a weeks notice to get airfare? Everything is either completely booked or overbooked and I have such a short window to go see him. Anyone have any ideas? Just found out a couple of weeks ago they are expecting a baby on July 4th(shocker) so I am trying to get into Grandmother mode!
Ann-Marie, I agree with Denise on this one. Thank God Steven (for the most part) just goes with what I tell him is available, when he will be flying and what he owes. Congrats on the Grandmother situation. We can go through this together as Steven and Kristin's bundle is due June 18th.
Thanks Jaz and Denise, but he is being deployed for the first time and if I want to see him I have a finite window. Made some compromises and bringing my daughter instead of my husband and paying a fortune for the tickets. I really was hoping to be able to bring my husband and make a mini vacation out of it because he really needs to get away, but as usual it never seems to pan out. Do you guys know anything about the Marriott on East Beach Blvd?
Denise I will most likely start putting my foot down on his leave transportation since we just gave him a truck. I just don't understand why he can only give me days notice?
Jaz I will most likely be going out for the birth too, but I can't stomach my daughter-in -laws mother so this should be interesting to say the least!
Ann-Marie- I understand about times...when I went to CA to see my daughter before she left for deployment, she had to figure when the best time was due to work and watch schedules. She also wanted to buy my ticket. Maybe, just maybe daughters since they seem to be closer (at least with all the Sailor moms, and many Seabee moms I know personally) to the family. I think that is a big percentage of girls anyway..
I had 2 weeks notice, but all worked out well. She ended up being able to take some liberty since it was just after FEX also.
The ticket, I could not let her pay for it, we compromised and split it. Was not too bad. 300.00 round trip. Good luck and enjoy your time.
My grnadsons other grandma and I hit heads many times. Now she actually has seen first hand what we always disagreed about.
When my grandson was born (not that I wanted to be in the room) she shut the door and when she came out she went right to the cousin with the pictures. it was another 45 mins before we saw Liam.
Now we can actually talk and she texts me often with the crazy crap her daughter is doing. I figure it this way, you are in baby's life FOREVER, make the very best of it.
In the end if you keep a level head, things may change. They did for me, I do not go shopping to to lunch with her, but we can sit and have coffee and know that the # 1 thing is the baby boy.
Good luck with the in-laws, it is touchy. My husband and I prefer the other grandfather and step grammy, they do not carry on as teen agers as the ex-daughter in laws mother and her boyfriend to.
We paid over $1.400 for two tickets, now lodging and a rental car! Oh, well hopefully that won't happen anymore.
Thanks for the advice Tobianne, I try and stay out of the way because my son doesn't like his mother-in-law too and I don't want to add fuel to the fire.
She and her husband are in the middle of a nasty divorce, which doesn't help because they are playing tug of war with their daughter (and the mother is literally certifiable, no lie, psych meds and all) so I am just going to be supportive and be as positive as possible!
Ann, you should ask your son to book you a room at the Navy Lodge. If you do that then it will only be $37(usually) a night for a room that is walking distance from your son. Or heck, just call him and have him on the phone with you to get the info you need and do it yourself lol. The link is http://www.cnic.navy.mil/gulfport/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/HousingAn... and it will let you choose your dates and everything you need. When it asks for purpose, rank, etc. that is all his information. It will make sense once you look at it. It may eliminate the need for a rental car as well. When do you get in to Gulfport? I can always give you a ride to the base if I'm available. I have school Monday-Thursday, but have breaks or get out early. If for some reason the lodge doesn't work out for you, I would suggest the Holiday Inn on Hwy 90 in Long Beach. It is relatively close to base (I live 5 miles from base and the hotel is only about .5 miles from me) and is right on the beach. Long Beach is very clean and you would be down the road from downtown. There are restaurants, shops, and other places you could go while there if you have the time. Please let me know if you need any help with anything. I know a lot of the mom's have been down here and can give you good information, but I'm always willing to help! PM me with your dates and I can let you know if I can give you a ride :D
I haven't been on here in such a long time. I do jump on from time to time just to keep up on what is happening. Everyone is so helpful, gracious, and funny sometimes too!
Ann, we have stayed at the Holiday Inn in Long Beach a couple times now and will be staying there again this year as we want to be with our son when he is deployed again. If your son is 21 he can get you a military discount at the Holiday Inn.
Thank you everyone for the great advice. I ended up staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Gulfport until the last day. Then I moved down the road to the Motel 6 in Biloxi the last night.(Kids are living off base with friends for now and we had no privacy) We all wanted to nest, including their dog who wasn't allowed at the Marriott. I had to drive my son to base at 1 am anyway.
I actually didn't mind the area. We hung out on the beach a lot. The highs were in the low 70's so I wanted to be outside all the time. I just wished I had more time there.
The baby is due 7/4/2012 and her mother hasn't offered to come help her so I offered. This is all so new to me. Hoping to send my daughter down for the next four months so she can help my daughter- in-law get moved into their own home, drive her to her Dr. appts and hopefully get her LICENSE!!!!
Just spent a week in Gulfport before my son left and I'm getting to know the area a little better. We picked out an apartment for him to come home to in Long Beach right across from the beach. Really pretty. Planning on going down when they return and help his wife move in and then be there to welcome them home when that happens.
Sounds like there is exploring to do on the shops and etc in Long Beach. We were really wanting to find a park to walk in and take pictures but we did that on the beach but when we go back is there a nice Park in Gulfport or Long Beach? We are so used to Parks here in Ohio it's something him and her also tried to find and couldn't. We are new to finding things here.
There's the park with the Friendship Oak there in Long Beach. There is also a nice play park near the pier in Gulfport. Our sons must be in the same battalion.
ktssong-I live in Long Beach in apartments on the beach as well. I love it here. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The town and the people are great. Local food is fantastic, farmer's market is small but good, and there are always activities going on. Hope they enjoy it when they move in :D
There is a really nice park in Pass Christian. It is the city next to Long Beach (the opposite way from Gulfport). If you keep driving down Hwy 90, past Arbor Station (is that the apt. complex y'all are in?), go past Wal Mart, then on about 5 miles. War Memorial Park is up on Scenic Drive, before you get to the Pass Christian harbor. If you are on Hwy 90, you will see a gazebo. It is a really pretty park, nice playground, several picnic tables, and a walking track. They also have a small Saturday morning market. Towards the back of the park is a huge carving of an eagle to honor Col. Roberts (Robin Roberts from Good Morning America's dad). Robin was born and raised in "the Pass" and was just back over Christmas for a visit with her mom. There is also a nice splash pad and walking trail at West Side Community Center. It is just past Broad Ave. heading towards the Gulfport harbor. If you have any other questions, holler. I live in Long Beach (41 years). My son is in the Navy, but not a Seebee. Anytime any of you need something, I will be glad to help. Do make sure you check out the park in Pass Christian and the harbor there. Very scenic. We took my younger son's senior pictures there. Oh, Long Beach has another park - just playground equipment and a few picnic tables - kinda behind Sonic, across from the Methodist Church. And another small one with a walking track at the south end of Forest (I think??) in Pecan Park off Pineville. This should get you started on parks!! Maybe we can do restaurants next??
Kellypen yes probably in the same Battalion...Battalion Eleven "Lucky Eleven". And Seabee Wife 20 and GulfCoast Mom you do live in a nice place. Some of the places they looked at for Apartments some of them were not so great of a location and didn't seem to be very good for a wife to be alone but I was glad I was there to help them find the right place and they agreed it was beautiful location and seems not too far to drive to base. It's called the Beach Club and they can see the beach and walk to it from there. It also has Walmart on the other side of the tree line and she said she goes to Walmart everyday so that makes it convenient. I am excited to go back when they arrive home and go explore some of these Parks. I wrote them down in my journal. I keep a journal of what he has experienced and have started a scrap book too so that when he in the future comes out (which will be at least 5 more years or more) I can give it to him to share with his kids and keep for his enjoyment.
Michaels Craft Shop here has a scrapbook that is Dark Blue and has the Navy Emblem on the Cover of it. It's very nice.
So my mom died the same day as his first deployment... 1 30 2009. Her 80th birthday would have been yesterday. This is a weird week. God bless you. Oh, and eat down town at the loft in Gulfport if you want to go somewhere nice.
Ladies, I have loved reading your comments on Long Beach. My son and his wife will be looking for a place to live near Gulfport when he gets back. I will definitely keep this information written down for them, especially because he will be moving to 11 this summer. My DIL will like having a place close to stores and parks so that she can get out an walk with their new baby.
The Beach Club Apartments are in Longbeach, and about 15 minute drive from the base. He didn't want to be too far away from the base and they like taking walks on the beach so it worked out.
Thank you Kellypen, I made note of the Loft in my journal so that when we go back down and help them move in in September we will look for it.
I live in Arbor Station and love it. I feel safe even when my husband is deployed. They are great with the resident's and there is always stuff going on. There is a dog park, playground, and the whole complex is clean and beautiful. They have 1,2, & 3 bed apartments. I think they are pretty decently sized for apartments. We are also across from the ocean and approximately 1 mile from Wal-Mart and 5 miles from base. This is a primarily military complex, so if someone is looking to get "away from work" this wouldn't be the place for you. However, everyone kind of keeps to themselves so it doesn't feel like you're at work, in my opinion. If you move anywhere on the beach, though, I HIGHLY recommend renter's insurance. With hurricanes and tornadoes, you can never be too safe! If anyone has questions about Long Beach I will do my best to answer....I'm sure Gulf Coast Mom will know better than I since she is a local :D
Joanie-It is an amazing complex. The entire place is filled with 133 bee's right now. Since 7 & 11 have deployed everyone moved in LOL. It makes it nice to know that you are living among those that you can trust :D
My son left for Wichita Falls, for A school last week. Anyone else here with a loved one there? What should I expect? Will I see him between A school and his next assignment? Thanks.
I followed my husband to his school in Wichita. I see him every other weekend, sometimes we sneak in dinner in base during the week:) he will go on to combat training then home for 2 weeks before he goes to his duty station.
Looking for some advice from all of you. Planning a trip to GP for Easter. We're deciding on where to stay. Have been there once and stayed at the Res. Inn, which was nice. Is there any place in Long Beach or wondering if anyone has stayed at one of the casinos. My son suggested Island View. He also heard that Ship Island is nice. Anyone been there? Also places to eat. He took us to Mugshot and The Shed before which was fine but maybe somewhere nice but not fancy. Any info would be helpful. Can't wait to hear from you.
Hi Cindy. There is a Holiday Inn Express located in Long Beach. It's across the street from the beach and is really nice. It's also pretty close to the downtown area. Island View is in Gulfport and is a little closer to base, but it's nice as well. I have been to Ship Island....I would suggest driving over to Florida and going to the beach there instead. It wasn't a horrible experience, but I don't think it was worth $25. The waves weren't as amazing as they say, and neither was the beach. The food and drinks were pretty pricey. You are allowed to take your own stuff out there, but you have to lug it from the boat to the other side of the island and back. Their rule is what you bring out there, you must bring back with you. We could have just gone on a bad day :-/ Places to eat.....I have quite a few. There is Darwell's (similar to the shed, but better), Harbor View Cafe, Steve's Marina, and Juan Tequilas. These are all in Long Beach and are great, decently priced places to eat. For a little fancier, you could try Salute, Lookout Steakhouse, or Half Shell Oyster House in Gulfport. I've tried Salute and Lookout and they were delicious. They are nice restaurants, but you don't have to be extremely fancy to eat there. In Pass Christian you can try Shaggy's; it's a cute place but has a limited menu. There are a lot more places you can look, but these are the ones that come to my mind first. Here's a website you can look at to see what's on the coast and what activities are going on: http://www.gulfcoast.org/ Hope this helps :D
Anybody living in GP know of any Methodist churches in the area? Also, we're planning a visit down. If we want to go to the beach. say Long Beach, is there public parking and restrooms to use. Do you have to pay to use the beach?
FireTeamLeaderWife aka FTLW
Merry Christmas!
Dec 25, 2011
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
Tyler is finally home...now we can have Christrmas and his birthday!
Dec 29, 2011
Victoria Steven's Mom
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE SEABEE'S MOM S, WIFE S, GF'S 2012
Dec 30, 2011
mama bear
Enjoy the New Years eve but be careful we want all our friends and military people, alive, happy, and well for the new year of 2012
Dec 31, 2011
mom2nw
Malamama...I'm in the same boat (sorry boots to the ground,ha) . This will be my son's first deployment. Denise, thanks, for the useful advice!
Jan 4, 2012
Much Trouble
Malamama, I already replied to you in the other group. (I didn't know your son is a Seabee...) This is a good place for general Navy or Seabee info...but the Iraq and Afghanistan group is the one that will carry you through. Take a deep breath and hang out with us.
Jan 4, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
MalaMama: My son was in Afghan most of 2010....it takes lots of prayers, friends you can talk to and sending lots of care packages and letters to your Seabee...Just stay busy and cherish the contact you'll have through Skype, Facebook, Messaging, etc....It's a tough ride...but the ride will soon end...
Jan 5, 2012
ronbri22
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/review-how-sailors... please read and share with as many people as you can.
Jan 6, 2012
ronbri22
Its so sad Denise. My son is down to his last look considering crossrating but he loves the seabees. Thanks for your support though.
Jan 6, 2012
Tobianne
Just got told my kiddo got a "special evaluation" so now she will take her PO exam almost 9 mos early. was so excited. I told her all her hard work would pay off.
Now if some more movement happens that would be awesome. Hard to think that you are qualified to take the exam and can not get the higher rank since no moves have happened.
All is well though, this just shows me she is as strong as anyone and can do what she sets her mind to.
Jan 11, 2012
Tobianne
Basically, they told her this month (earlier), she did not have to wait for the Sept. Since she had a special evaluation and was I guess recomeneded to take in March. So really that is not waiting the 9 mos. To me that is them telling her 9 mos early she can take it. May not make sense to many. Makes perfect sense to me and when I called her Uncle who is retired Navy he said same thing. When they tell you something early it is a good thing.
Jan 12, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
Hi moms! I'm a corpsman mom stopping in to share a wonderful Seabees story from yesterday's news.
Yesterday near Buellton, California, a truck hit the back of a BMW carrying a mom, her 10 yr old & 10-week old. The truck plunged through the guardrail, the car smashed and left dangling off the bridge. While they were waiting, terrified, for an HOUR for rescuers to reach them, US Navy Seabees who were stuck in the traffic used the forklift they were transporting to keep the car from falling. Though the truck's driver was killed when the truck fell below, mom and daughters were extricated & only had minor injuries. That green thing in the photo is the forklift. Talk about a Bravo Zulu moment for your wonderful Seabees! Rescue, photos, video
Jan 14, 2012
Terry'saproudmom(Ship02-Div936)
Marcy thanks for the story. Denise how do I find the blog?
Jan 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom
You're welcome Terry! :)
Jan 16, 2012
Momofahousefull
Marcy ~ thanks for the story!
Denise ~ Thanks for the link. We were blessed to see "our" guys in action!
Jan 17, 2012
Jaz04
Good morning all. Wow, I really need to keep up with my Navy moms. I am working on sending my son his first package and having a hard time what to put in it. There are so many goodies I know he would love that he can't get.
I hope you all have a wonderful day and can stay warm in whatever neck of the woods you live in.
Jan 18, 2012
julieb1019
Hi My son is in A school now and is not sure about the graduation ceremony. Is this an event that most families attend?
Jan 18, 2012
Jaz04
Julie, correct a lot of people don't go, but when I went, I found it to be nice because there are MUCH less people than boot camp graduation. It was much more personal.
Jan 18, 2012
julieb1019
Thanks for info. We live far away and I expect my son to be home soon after A school graduation and then return for combat training. I do have some tie to think about making the trip.
Jan 18, 2012
Kelleypen
I don't know what's on base, but your 19yr old must be in my boy's battalion. I think he did rent a storage unit for his first deployment.
Jan 23, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Ugh, here we go again! Why is it my son can only give me less than a weeks notice to get airfare? Everything is either completely booked or overbooked and I have such a short window to go see him. Anyone have any ideas? Just found out a couple of weeks ago they are expecting a baby on July 4th(shocker) so I am trying to get into Grandmother mode!
Jan 23, 2012
Jaz04
Ann-Marie, I agree with Denise on this one. Thank God Steven (for the most part) just goes with what I tell him is available, when he will be flying and what he owes. Congrats on the Grandmother situation. We can go through this together as Steven and Kristin's bundle is due June 18th.
Jan 24, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Thanks Jaz and Denise, but he is being deployed for the first time and if I want to see him I have a finite window. Made some compromises and bringing my daughter instead of my husband and paying a fortune for the tickets. I really was hoping to be able to bring my husband and make a mini vacation out of it because he really needs to get away, but as usual it never seems to pan out. Do you guys know anything about the Marriott on East Beach Blvd?
Denise I will most likely start putting my foot down on his leave transportation since we just gave him a truck. I just don't understand why he can only give me days notice?
Jaz I will most likely be going out for the birth too, but I can't stomach my daughter-in -laws mother so this should be interesting to say the least!
Jan 24, 2012
Tobianne
Ann-Marie- I understand about times...when I went to CA to see my daughter before she left for deployment, she had to figure when the best time was due to work and watch schedules. She also wanted to buy my ticket. Maybe, just maybe daughters since they seem to be closer (at least with all the Sailor moms, and many Seabee moms I know personally) to the family. I think that is a big percentage of girls anyway..
I had 2 weeks notice, but all worked out well. She ended up being able to take some liberty since it was just after FEX also.
The ticket, I could not let her pay for it, we compromised and split it. Was not too bad. 300.00 round trip. Good luck and enjoy your time.
Jan 24, 2012
Tobianne
My grnadsons other grandma and I hit heads many times. Now she actually has seen first hand what we always disagreed about.
When my grandson was born (not that I wanted to be in the room) she shut the door and when she came out she went right to the cousin with the pictures. it was another 45 mins before we saw Liam.
Now we can actually talk and she texts me often with the crazy crap her daughter is doing. I figure it this way, you are in baby's life FOREVER, make the very best of it.
In the end if you keep a level head, things may change. They did for me, I do not go shopping to to lunch with her, but we can sit and have coffee and know that the # 1 thing is the baby boy.
Good luck with the in-laws, it is touchy. My husband and I prefer the other grandfather and step grammy, they do not carry on as teen agers as the ex-daughter in laws mother and her boyfriend to.
Jan 24, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
We paid over $1.400 for two tickets, now lodging and a rental car! Oh, well hopefully that won't happen anymore.
Thanks for the advice Tobianne, I try and stay out of the way because my son doesn't like his mother-in-law too and I don't want to add fuel to the fire.
She and her husband are in the middle of a nasty divorce, which doesn't help because they are playing tug of war with their daughter (and the mother is literally certifiable, no lie, psych meds and all) so I am just going to be supportive and be as positive as possible!
Jan 24, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Oh I will when I get there, trust me!
Jan 24, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Ann, you should ask your son to book you a room at the Navy Lodge. If you do that then it will only be $37(usually) a night for a room that is walking distance from your son. Or heck, just call him and have him on the phone with you to get the info you need and do it yourself lol. The link is http://www.cnic.navy.mil/gulfport/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/HousingAn... and it will let you choose your dates and everything you need. When it asks for purpose, rank, etc. that is all his information. It will make sense once you look at it. It may eliminate the need for a rental car as well. When do you get in to Gulfport? I can always give you a ride to the base if I'm available. I have school Monday-Thursday, but have breaks or get out early. If for some reason the lodge doesn't work out for you, I would suggest the Holiday Inn on Hwy 90 in Long Beach. It is relatively close to base (I live 5 miles from base and the hotel is only about .5 miles from me) and is right on the beach. Long Beach is very clean and you would be down the road from downtown. There are restaurants, shops, and other places you could go while there if you have the time. Please let me know if you need any help with anything. I know a lot of the mom's have been down here and can give you good information, but I'm always willing to help! PM me with your dates and I can let you know if I can give you a ride :D
Jan 25, 2012
Kim
I haven't been on here in such a long time. I do jump on from time to time just to keep up on what is happening. Everyone is so helpful, gracious, and funny sometimes too!
Ann, we have stayed at the Holiday Inn in Long Beach a couple times now and will be staying there again this year as we want to be with our son when he is deployed again. If your son is 21 he can get you a military discount at the Holiday Inn.
Jan 25, 2012
Ann-Marie(Proud Mom of Nick)
Thank you everyone for the great advice. I ended up staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Gulfport until the last day. Then I moved down the road to the Motel 6 in Biloxi the last night.(Kids are living off base with friends for now and we had no privacy) We all wanted to nest, including their dog who wasn't allowed at the Marriott. I had to drive my son to base at 1 am anyway.
I actually didn't mind the area. We hung out on the beach a lot. The highs were in the low 70's so I wanted to be outside all the time. I just wished I had more time there.
The baby is due 7/4/2012 and her mother hasn't offered to come help her so I offered. This is all so new to me. Hoping to send my daughter down for the next four months so she can help my daughter- in-law get moved into their own home, drive her to her Dr. appts and hopefully get her LICENSE!!!!
Feb 1, 2012
ktssong
Just spent a week in Gulfport before my son left and I'm getting to know the area a little better. We picked out an apartment for him to come home to in Long Beach right across from the beach. Really pretty. Planning on going down when they return and help his wife move in and then be there to welcome them home when that happens.
Sounds like there is exploring to do on the shops and etc in Long Beach. We were really wanting to find a park to walk in and take pictures but we did that on the beach but when we go back is there a nice Park in Gulfport or Long Beach? We are so used to Parks here in Ohio it's something him and her also tried to find and couldn't. We are new to finding things here.
Feb 3, 2012
Kelleypen
There's the park with the Friendship Oak there in Long Beach. There is also a nice play park near the pier in Gulfport. Our sons must be in the same battalion.
Feb 3, 2012
SeabeeWife20
ktssong-I live in Long Beach in apartments on the beach as well. I love it here. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The town and the people are great. Local food is fantastic, farmer's market is small but good, and there are always activities going on. Hope they enjoy it when they move in :D
Feb 4, 2012
Gulf Coast Mom
There is a really nice park in Pass Christian. It is the city next to Long Beach (the opposite way from Gulfport). If you keep driving down Hwy 90, past Arbor Station (is that the apt. complex y'all are in?), go past Wal Mart, then on about 5 miles. War Memorial Park is up on Scenic Drive, before you get to the Pass Christian harbor. If you are on Hwy 90, you will see a gazebo. It is a really pretty park, nice playground, several picnic tables, and a walking track. They also have a small Saturday morning market. Towards the back of the park is a huge carving of an eagle to honor Col. Roberts (Robin Roberts from Good Morning America's dad). Robin was born and raised in "the Pass" and was just back over Christmas for a visit with her mom. There is also a nice splash pad and walking trail at West Side Community Center. It is just past Broad Ave. heading towards the Gulfport harbor. If you have any other questions, holler. I live in Long Beach (41 years). My son is in the Navy, but not a Seebee. Anytime any of you need something, I will be glad to help. Do make sure you check out the park in Pass Christian and the harbor there. Very scenic. We took my younger son's senior pictures there. Oh, Long Beach has another park - just playground equipment and a few picnic tables - kinda behind Sonic, across from the Methodist Church. And another small one with a walking track at the south end of Forest (I think??) in Pecan Park off Pineville. This should get you started on parks!! Maybe we can do restaurants next??
Feb 4, 2012
ktssong
Kellypen yes probably in the same Battalion...Battalion Eleven "Lucky Eleven". And Seabee Wife 20 and GulfCoast Mom you do live in a nice place. Some of the places they looked at for Apartments some of them were not so great of a location and didn't seem to be very good for a wife to be alone but I was glad I was there to help them find the right place and they agreed it was beautiful location and seems not too far to drive to base. It's called the Beach Club and they can see the beach and walk to it from there. It also has Walmart on the other side of the tree line and she said she goes to Walmart everyday so that makes it convenient. I am excited to go back when they arrive home and go explore some of these Parks. I wrote them down in my journal. I keep a journal of what he has experienced and have started a scrap book too so that when he in the future comes out (which will be at least 5 more years or more) I can give it to him to share with his kids and keep for his enjoyment.
Michaels Craft Shop here has a scrapbook that is Dark Blue and has the Navy Emblem on the Cover of it. It's very nice.
Feb 4, 2012
Kelleypen
So my mom died the same day as his first deployment... 1 30 2009. Her 80th birthday would have been yesterday. This is a weird week. God bless you. Oh, and eat down town at the loft in Gulfport if you want to go somewhere nice.
Feb 4, 2012
Jaz04
Ladies, I have loved reading your comments on Long Beach. My son and his wife will be looking for a place to live near Gulfport when he gets back. I will definitely keep this information written down for them, especially because he will be moving to 11 this summer. My DIL will like having a place close to stores and parks so that she can get out an walk with their new baby.
Feb 4, 2012
ktssong
The Beach Club Apartments are in Longbeach, and about 15 minute drive from the base. He didn't want to be too far away from the base and they like taking walks on the beach so it worked out.
Thank you Kellypen, I made note of the Loft in my journal so that when we go back down and help them move in in September we will look for it.
Feb 5, 2012
SeabeeWife20
I live in Arbor Station and love it. I feel safe even when my husband is deployed. They are great with the resident's and there is always stuff going on. There is a dog park, playground, and the whole complex is clean and beautiful. They have 1,2, & 3 bed apartments. I think they are pretty decently sized for apartments. We are also across from the ocean and approximately 1 mile from Wal-Mart and 5 miles from base. This is a primarily military complex, so if someone is looking to get "away from work" this wouldn't be the place for you. However, everyone kind of keeps to themselves so it doesn't feel like you're at work, in my opinion. If you move anywhere on the beach, though, I HIGHLY recommend renter's insurance. With hurricanes and tornadoes, you can never be too safe! If anyone has questions about Long Beach I will do my best to answer....I'm sure Gulf Coast Mom will know better than I since she is a local :D
Feb 6, 2012
Gulf Coast Mom
seebeewife - I live across the railroad tracks from you (in Green Acres). If you need anything, especially when your husband is deployed, just holler.
Feb 6, 2012
Joanie Tyler's Mom(133 Bees)
SeabeeWife20: My son lives at Arbor Station Apts too...He loves it there!
Feb 9, 2012
Kelleypen
https://www.facebook.com/NMCB11 :)
Feb 9, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Gulf Coast Mom-thank you very much!
Joanie-It is an amazing complex. The entire place is filled with 133 bee's right now. Since 7 & 11 have deployed everyone moved in LOL. It makes it nice to know that you are living among those that you can trust :D
Feb 10, 2012
KidsLuvNavy
My son left for Wichita Falls, for A school last week. Anyone else here with a loved one there? What should I expect? Will I see him between A school and his next assignment? Thanks.
Feb 12, 2012
chelsealoo
Feb 13, 2012
cindyrb
Hello ladies,
Looking for some advice from all of you. Planning a trip to GP for Easter. We're deciding on where to stay. Have been there once and stayed at the Res. Inn, which was nice. Is there any place in Long Beach or wondering if anyone has stayed at one of the casinos. My son suggested Island View. He also heard that Ship Island is nice. Anyone been there? Also places to eat. He took us to Mugshot and The Shed before which was fine but maybe somewhere nice but not fancy. Any info would be helpful. Can't wait to hear from you.
Feb 15, 2012
SeabeeWife20
Hi Cindy. There is a Holiday Inn Express located in Long Beach. It's across the street from the beach and is really nice. It's also pretty close to the downtown area. Island View is in Gulfport and is a little closer to base, but it's nice as well. I have been to Ship Island....I would suggest driving over to Florida and going to the beach there instead. It wasn't a horrible experience, but I don't think it was worth $25. The waves weren't as amazing as they say, and neither was the beach. The food and drinks were pretty pricey. You are allowed to take your own stuff out there, but you have to lug it from the boat to the other side of the island and back. Their rule is what you bring out there, you must bring back with you. We could have just gone on a bad day :-/ Places to eat.....I have quite a few. There is Darwell's (similar to the shed, but better), Harbor View Cafe, Steve's Marina, and Juan Tequilas. These are all in Long Beach and are great, decently priced places to eat. For a little fancier, you could try Salute, Lookout Steakhouse, or Half Shell Oyster House in Gulfport. I've tried Salute and Lookout and they were delicious. They are nice restaurants, but you don't have to be extremely fancy to eat there. In Pass Christian you can try Shaggy's; it's a cute place but has a limited menu. There are a lot more places you can look, but these are the ones that come to my mind first. Here's a website you can look at to see what's on the coast and what activities are going on: http://www.gulfcoast.org/ Hope this helps :D
Feb 15, 2012
ronbri22
Hi ladies. Whats the web site you can see the troops come through when they get state side? is it in maine? help
Feb 22, 2012
ronbri22
Thank you HalfofaWhole!
Feb 23, 2012
cindyrb
Anybody living in GP know of any Methodist churches in the area? Also, we're planning a visit down. If we want to go to the beach. say Long Beach, is there public parking and restrooms to use. Do you have to pay to use the beach?
Feb 23, 2012