Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

It's ok Shanny, I truly get it and it sucks big time. I too would be so disappointed, for all the above.....Let him know we are thinking of him as Well as all you that are having to go through this. we always have all our Sailors Back so I send my Love to each and every one of them!

Partyofseven, I am with you on the vaccine.  I am in the 'you first' camp - I'll wait....and that's with a husband recovering from cancer treatments [so far they say cured] and now cardiac issues.  I'd take my chances on the flu first, since we have a tight bubble.

Phoenixmom, hope you feel better after your fall.

Our Thanksgiving is supposed to be the first in our 'newly remodeled' kitchen with the 'big sized' oven and stove but now for just the 3 of us plus one friend from within our usual bubble who is laying low most of the time too.  We were going to have 4-6 other people who were 'family-less' but opted to go smaller after all of this virus stuff - so that we aren't exposing anyone.

Shanny-  a friend taught me to use the chocolate caramel creamer in hot chocolate.   Rich full bodied flavor with just a hint of caramel. 

Shanny-  a friend taught me to use the chocolate caramel creamer in hot chocolate.   Rich full bodied flavor with just a hint of caramel. 

Oh Shanny!  I am so sorry about leave.  I was afraid that with the rise in cases that might happen.  Is there any way you can go to him?  They should still allow liberty. 

Shanny, I truly get you being mad and upset. When we had to cancel our trip in July I was so upset all I wanted to see him and know he was alright. Most important I wanted to see face to face that he was happy and still certain about his decision to go in. When the opportunity happened for a 2 day visit in September I jumped on it, even though it was 54 hours drive my heart needed it. So my heart aches for all of you waiting so long and then in a instant your hopes and anticipation is smashed to smithereens. It's almost seems better not to hope then you won't be disappointed but without hope nothing is worth anything. Keep your hope alive, he will get to you and it will be the most wonderful thing in your life at that moment. We are here for you Shanny and all the other mom's hurting right now. We reach out to you with compassionate prayers and big ole Navy hugs, the kind that squeezes the day light out of you.

Just as an FYI our sailors will likely be among the top groups to get the vaccine if history is any indication.  They cannot refuse either.

BelovedbyHim:  the announcement that came on in the barracks canceled liberty. Heard my son say something about so that means no more liberty?  And another guy said thats what she said. No going home for leave and no them coming here apparently.  He's supposed to graduate next week. I don't know what his duty station looks like right now for lock downs...  bit I would be coming from a "covid red state" due to our numbers so I'm not sure. 

I am a French Vanilla or Red Velvet coffee creamer in my hot chocolate. Just to add a richer taste!

B'sNukeMoM MMN- Thank you for posting that. I had read of that last weekend. I wasn't sure how many bases it was going to effect. California is on restrictions as well but not sure about the bases out there. 

Shanny- I know it is hard. Cry because it is ok to do that. Each base is going to have their own restrictions depending on the numbers in their area. Some states and or bases will have more restrictions than others. I am sorry about the leave. We all know what it feels like that is for sure!!

I'm sending you big hugs and love to you!!!

And that's dumb about the garbage bill, 3.00 dollars really???

Henry's Mom- Thank you for posting and sharing with us. It is good to see you on here.   :)

I have been reading and watching as I knew they would start cancelling leave especially for Thanksgiving. I'm praying that they will allow them leave over Christmas and or New Year's.

This year I will not be going to see him for Thanksgiving as his base is on restriction and they are not allowed to leave base or have civilians come on base. This will be our first one apart since he's been in. So I am very thankful for the time we got to have. 

Now I did cry and was upset then I knew I had to get busy as I had to prepare for my dinner and be here for the rest of my family. My Sailor was upset as well but he didn't want me getting sick either. So hang in there my friend and know that we are all here for you!!!! BNH's!!!!

BBH- My Sailor and I were just talking about that.  :)

Phoenixmom- Hopefully you can go home early and get some rest. I know you have your family but if you ever need anything I am here.  I'm sending you hugs and love!!!!

I just saw that liberty is also cancelled.  That really stinks!  Shanny, my heart is just crying for and with you right now.  The longing ache to see your child again can feel so overwhelming at times.  I'm praying that he is able to come home sooner than later or that you are able to get to him.(((((BNMH)))))

belovedbyHim, so they are using our Sailors as guinea pigs, my son always got super sick from the flu shot, I hope they use their heads and not vaccinate all of them in case there is a problem that arises. Sorry I haven't much faith in the system. Infact even with loosing my mom I would much rather have the virus. Just my thoughts.

They'll likely start small then scale up but yes.  It's a large pool of folks who cannot refuse.  They'll let the first civilian trials happen, then likely one battle group since they are in such tight quarters onboard ship and rapid spread can cause another disaster like the TR. If nothing bad happens and it seems to work they will go fleet wide. Just like the flu shot.  Few exemptions expected.   This is what my sailor has heard from his command.  We have had a few conversations recently. 

My son was in Bahrain for 2 years, for Thanksgiving, Christmas, his birthday, etc.  We would do as much Facetime as he could, on his hours off which weren't always our 'usual' hours.

This year we are doing the same, but I am getting a surprise for his little sister - a 'Flat Henry' - essentially a life sized photo of him, on a stick, that we can prop up during dinner and she can talk with.  She does anyway - talks to him even though he isn't here.

The life of a Navy mom with one of yours away and incommunicado is really hard to get used to - and my heart goes out to everyone, including Shanny, who was expecting boots in the house for the holidays.  We are expecting him to stay in for 20 yrs, hoping each time the reenlistment times show up that he will do so [his next one is next year].  Kinda bummed that after 2 years in Bahrain, he's now relatively close [7 hrs] and we STILL can't see him.  And he's thinking of asking for Japan next time. UGH!

Take it easy, they will get to see you as soon as health and the Navy allows.  Hugs to all of you. 

by the way, thanks for the idea to use coffee creamer flavors in hot chocolate!  We will definitely be trying that!

Henry’s Mom:. This has been such a hard year!  BC was bad-his division didn’t get a phone call until the Saturday before PIR. I never received the form letter. But we made it through. At least he got out on the first flight out of BC and didn’t have to sit in THU for a month like some others! He waited 5 weeks to start classes. They could have waited a week before shutting it all down again. Just one more week until he is done. He said 4 1/2 more years of this. He originally thought about being a “lifer” but says after the last 5 months, he doesn’t think so any more. But his mind may change once he is actually in fleet. 

see...  now I want hot chocolate...  just walked the dog and it is a strange snow rain mix out there. And so cold. And of course the dog, part husky, thinks it is perfect weather to sniff every blade of grass and check out any leaves I missed. Thinking about not hanging Christmas lights outside this year. The plan was to do everything in blue and white lights. I know I have to put up my inflatable Santa in a bass boat for my dad.   Went to the store today to get a new pan to make pumpkin rolls. My old one has lost it’s no stick. Oh wow were people rude and crazy today. Must me this first measurable snow hat was breaking people today.  But I did get to help an elderly woman lift her turkey into her trunk. So that made me feel a bit better. Here’s to hoping the library calls with some good books for me before they close those too...

Shanny- This is true it has been a hard year for all of our new SR's and our Sailors everywhere.  I just listen to mine and others and let them vent and just give encouragement, praise and let them know it won't be like this forever. I pray every day for this virus to get under control and to give me the strength to get thru these storms.

Henry's Mom- Thank you for saying that. The second half of my Sailor's enlistment will be different as he will be on the Marine side and going with their unit when they go. I have learned from some of these moms that their Sailor's have already been on the fleet but I know it won't be easy. I love the idea of the 'Flat Henry'. That's awesome!!!

We have always put mocha in our coffee and that is soooo good!! I will be trying creamers next. Thanks for the tip Shanny.   :) 

Thank you PartyofSeven, I appreciate you. not sure what is gong on with the dizzy spells.

PhoenixMom:  sorry for my complete self-absorbed moment...  are you ok?  I saw that you fell. Please get those dizzy spells checked out. Please take care of yourself!  We value you and care about you around here

No please don't worry about me Shanny you got plenty on your Plate. I will be fine I just need to rest.

Good Night Ladies, going home to get in a Hot shower and to put my PJ's on and Lay down. Maybe drink some Hot chocolate or Hot tea. Until tomorrow!

Phoenixmom- That comment made me smile. I appreciate you as well. Big heart!!!

For your dizzy spells I wonder if it's your sugar or blood pressure. I get like that where I feel out of sorts and it takes me a bit to feel myself again.

I am glad you are going home early. Drink your tea, put a little bit of whiskey in it (my mom used to do that) with some honey. I didn't like it. Lol  Rest and take care of yourself.

Big Hugs!!!!

VintageGal- Lol, yes hot toddy. lol

My mom swore by them and every time I was sick with a cough and sore throat I had to drink it. Lol

So yes mam you may have one. Lol

PhoenixMom, yes be really careful, my dad's first sign of the virus as well as mine was dizziness that of course we blamed on something else. The doctor even told my dad he had vertigo. Two days later he tested positive for Covid. Perhaps you should go get tested just to be safe. My prayers are with you.

My mom also made us hot toddies while we were sick but used brandy, honey and lemon. I hated them because they would burn going down and your tummy felt like it was on fire. She also would rub our throats and chest with vodka and then wrap  a cloth diaper around our necks held together with a diaper pin. If one of us got sick she usually ended up with 2-3 more to deal with.  You all take care of yourselves. 

Sorry Ladies that wasn't suppose to be vodka it was Vicks. I'm not a drinker don't know how that got in there.

Northwoodsmom:  I’ll take the vodka today!  Haha my great aunt would make jello and while it was still hot, she would have us drink a mug of it when we were sick. 

WELCOME TO ANY AND ALL NEW MEMBERS!!!!

please ignore my rankings today!  It’s been a rough year!  

please come on in, introduce yourselves, if you have any question feel free to ask. Someone will always answer!  If your posts gets lost in the endless chatter, please ask again as no one will ignore you on purpose!  We have all been there, are currently there, or are looking to be there soon!  This is such a stressful and crazy time so know we are all here to support you, laugh with you and cry with you!  Once again, welcome!

Argh ranting...  I so need to stop posting from my phone as autocorrect is always confused by my thoughts!

BelovedbyHim:  I didn’t even care about the holidays in all honesty. I am not a holiday person. I just know he said he needed to come home for a couple days. It is all unknown I guess. I told him to plan to not come home but to remember that nothing is final until papers are in hand and you are in route. I am trying to help him plan around it. Just realized I don’t have a “real id” as required to enter base as they weren’t a thing when I got my driver’s license renewed so I need to try to get in and have that done. Last I knew, they were scheduling out until March.  I am ok. I just needed an initial freak out moment. Dealt with it and started looking for options. I just don’t like hearing the hurt and disappointment from him

Northwoodsmom - I had to laugh at your comment about the vodka - when I read that in my email feed, I thought, I have heard of Vicks but never rubbing Vodka!!! I guess it was Vicks!

Shanny - My mom made us warm Jell-O water as we called it, and I made it for my kids. Usually when we had stomach aches, but it is good for just a warm drink. 

I am so sorry that your son is not going to be able to come home and take care of the things that he needs to. 

@Shanny - I second what belovedbyHim said, and get a hotel with a kitchenette so you can cook for him a little.  Even if its not home, home-cooked-by-mom will taste so good to him!

@Shanny, just realized - maybe if you have AAA services, they can expedite the RealId for you.

Hi all

So many things happening all over. Many prayers & loving thoughts for all going through so much.

My Momma heart got to hear my new Sailor this morning when he called from bus headed to airport... He had called yesterday & spoke to dh when Momma & sister were out for breakfast & a hike (Momma needed to get into nature as did dd)...he said he didn't think we'd have cell coverage so didn't try us..Dang, this was a new hike & we had coverage but, anyhow...he was at airport yesterday to fly to A school but, flight cancelled so sent back to RTC & phones taken again.  This morning try #2 to get flight out ...successful today so he's arrived at his A school location.

My son-in-law & eldest daughter NOT happy tonight with Momma...he wants to do his 1stThanksgiving turkey but, it is a frozen solid 15lb bird right now.... I suggested they start doing a cold water thaw...he & dd said it should thaw when he puts in brine tomorrow...they weren't happy when I said it needs to go in brine thawed..not frozen...  They are sooo not happy with me...I am puppy sitting while they are out for a bit tonight (read: neurotic new puppy parents extreme)...and was going to start turkey in cold water thaw bath but they Both yelled at me NOT to do it...so....

I went today & got a small uncured ham for backup meat for Thursday...if they know they'd be major pissy so not saying anything.... Love them but, they can be a bit over emotional.

Not that Momma should say anyone else a bit over emotional for some reason today after speaking to my boy and heading to fill car with gas I just about broke down in tears... hearing his voice even tho not best reception was a blessing but, still I wanted to cry....  guess all the pent up worry, stress, frustration and unknowns plus holidays are why....I held it together as had things that I had to get done but, still feel like a big part of me is missing...think I will always feel that way... I am struggling with the new "normal" of not having all 3 with me.  And wondering what is left???   trying to figure out to much all at once & feeling like I don't know what to do with me now...

Wonder if this is normal?  and I am sure I can't be the only Momma to feel that way but, when you are thinking and overthinking it sure feels that way... A bit overwhelming.

So grateful & glad for those of you who also share your feelings, thoughts, strengths and moments with us here.  It makes me feel comforted that others share/care &support each other. 

To all the newbies just starting...this is the perfect group of caring moms to help you along the way.  Thank goodness for All of them!!

I KNOW I couldn't have made it thus far without this group. 

Thanksgiving will not be anything like we have had the blessings of all with us (or maybe no turkey even) but, I will try to be present in these moments and relish the blessing of this time too. 

This being a Navy Mom is the hardest job I have ever known.  Life is totally changed & rearranged...never in my wildest thoughts did I ever think I would be in this place but, here I am and I'll be damned if I won't do my damnest to be the most upbeat, supportive Momma to my Sailor.  He deserves that!

And I am sure I will be taking LOTS of extra showers to cry, scream and fall apart in the process. 

Lots of changes happening elsewhere & co-vid has robbed so many of so much....found out today my dear brother-in-law in bad shape with co-vid (he has been fighting cancer for a number of years now too)...and where he & my sister are the hospitals can't help him nor is there any medications they can provide as "out"...she was told to take him home & try to use over the counter medications at this point.

Oh..I forgot the Best part of the call...he said we should be getting pictures!!!  he said he bought A lot & costly too...he was telling sister he bought the Biggest one of him with some kind of frame thing or something...she was just aghast & told him he wasn't helping...that Momma already has the house dedicated shrine to him etc...etc...   they love to joke about how bad I am with him & such... and how since he is the only boy & the baby of the family I am over the top when it comes to him...hahahaha....she forgets I am over the top with all 3...

I am soo excited to see what he bought... And hoping they come soon...he wasn't too happy with some from what I can get from conversation...they all took their boots but, the person taking pictures of group shot said they wouldn't show so to leave tennis on but, yet they showed in shot...and a few other things he wasn't happy about but.... 

I have been off of here for a few days trying to get Thanksgiving food ready. I am finally a bit ahead of my list so I can finally catch up with things. Thankfully I work 5:30-1 so I have all afternoon to do house and food things. 

My sailor told me a few days ago that he will not be able to call on Thanksgiving .... he has watch. Yesterday his twin sister told me that she has to work Thanksgiving too (but will be home before 4 ... it's her first CNA job so she is low man on the pole). They were both upset and worried that they were wrecking my Thanksgiving. I however was nonplussed .... see what the Navy has done to me already? 

In the last two days I have manage to make:

Mashed potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Crab dip
Dill dip
Mushroom casserole
Pumpkin pie (carnivore style)
Chocolate pecan pie (keto style)
Cornbread for stuffing (carnivore style)
Spiced nuts, salted nuts, pumpkin spice nuts
Matching pumpkin seeds for the above
Prepped pork belly for making a lattice on the turkey
Done the remaining Thanksgiving shopping
Got halfway through making TX placecards (pic tomorrow)
Picked up the new kitchen and hall flooring
Did a double platelet donation (I bled quickly this time)

NewMilMom - I get the emotions. It still comes and goes with me, but I am much more even-keeled these days. Maybe going carnivore has helped? I am sorry you are dealing with food dramas. My son-in-law has recently become a bread baker (even milling his own grain), and is a little too competent in the kitchen for my likes (I like cooking for other people .... see list above). I know there is no drama with him, and my daughter, despite that she has a degree in drama, is pretty free of drama too.

Phoenix - Take care of yourself. Dizzy spells can be terrifying. I have intermittent hypoglycemia and occasionally pass out. Four years ago it happened a week before Christmas and I hit my face and shoulder on a chair on my way down. The shiner was almost a Christmas green just in time to be festive.

Shanny - My heart is breaking for you and your sailor. Hopefully things turn around soon and they start opening up before too long. I get all the things missed. I almost did not get our family traditional graduation ornament for him because I thought it would dredge up too much of the sadness and anger in him. I am just going to hang it on the tree and get him a different one. It will still be his, but maybe in a few years it will not upset him.

Now my DH is bugging me to get to the hot tub (Coleman portable one that my doc told me to get for my MS). He figures that since I got ahead on my chores, I should give my extra time to him. I guess that's a fair request. Except I need to make my chore list for tomorrow first. Glad I only have a half day of work tomorrow.

Phoenix - goodness, sorry to hear about your fall. Keep up with those vitamins, and hopefully throw some zinc in there as well!

NWM - hugs to you. I too am super worried about them using our military as guinea pigs. I just keep thinking about the time Gates went to Africa to vaccinate against TB or polio (not sure) but he ended up giving them sterilization injections instead. We don’t know what will happen 20 years after taking this vaccine. Guillane Barre Syndrome is a known risk to most vaccines. Shudder..if I had seen this coming I would have told my kids NOT to join the military. Also encouraging them to NOT re-enlist. Who knows what other poisons will be created in the next 5 years. I want them to be able to refuse unnecessary vaccines.

LOL @ the Vodka...but rubbing it on skin is not the same as drinking so one never knows, lol!

Shanny - one time we hard no milk and hubby said use some creamer (and at that time I only  had the powder kind - I wouldn’t even put half and half in!) and vice versa - coffee must have creamer - milk will NOT do..

Ugh, I am so sorry about HPCON Charlie at NAS. What all does HPCON Charlie entail?

FTR new comers - this is like one of the first times Shanny has ranted don’t let her scare you off ;)

Since they were going to make those who took leave do a 14 day ROM I do not understand canceling leave..

NewMilMom- no words for the frozen turkey fiasco - not your default it has to be done the way it has to be done! BNMH - it is normal to feel however you feel!  Wow, I cannot believe they are wearing their go fasters in the division photo! HOw much harder is it to put their boots on?

Katharine - we are not cooking for Thanksgiving and Cracker Barrel was out of Turkey dinners. Hoping Perkins does not disappoint us - but can I come to your house for Thanksgiving! I’ll just hop in my teleporter! Hope you enjoyed your hubby hot tub time. Ours is dead in the water and now a patio ornament. Extra time should go to hubby and you can write  your to do list later!

Vintage - FB all cleaned up. All 12 years of memories screen shot and downloaded. I have SEVEN posts on my FB left, lol. I had a friend who had her account closed by FB so I knew I was on that path so took precautions, lol. My sailors are doing well. We find out about leave with one soon. My son in San Diego is marveling at the sun setting at 4 pm.

A good movie I watched the other day on Netflix was "Wish Man" - I meant to share that but forgot!

Anyway, off to make coffee and work on my FIL photo project  - just the finishing touches of 100+ years of family photos...I haven't done work on it since March.

Have a great day ladies!

Good morning everyone!  I wasn't on yesterday and sure I am missing things.  I thought I was prepared to have my son gone as he always talked about going into the military.  However, it is harder than I anticipated.  I knew we wouldn't see PIR, but was hoping to see him afterwards at some point.  Apparently I should start wrapping my head around not seeing him for quite a long time from now.  

Phoenixmom - Sorry you fell and hope you are starting to feel better.  I agree with Northwoodsmom.  You should get a Covid test.  I know people who were dizzy and ended up being positive as that was their symptom.  Thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Shanny – I can’t imaging not being able to see our children after so long.  Hopefully this will improve enough to allow you to visit him at least.

A couple of you mentioned reading and watching for information from the bases.  How do you do that? How do you get the updates?

Belovedbyhim – Thanks for the perspective.  That is what I will need to remind myself and my SR.  I need to look at the bigger picture.

NewMilmom – Sorry about your brother in law!  That is scary.  Prayers and thoughts with him and your family.

Thanks to all of you to allow me to hear what Navy moms go through.  I don't remember who but it was a day or two ago that someone posted something about Being a Navy mom doesn't get easier, We just get stronger.  I guess that is going to be something I hang up in our house.  

Proud and grateful:. I am following his base on Facebook. I am sure there are other ways but his A School base is really on top of posting updates. (I got updates on the hurricanes from their page before my son got official updates. The updates on COVID he got first but the base posted within an hour). 

I seriously hope I didn’t scare anyone off!  Argh this has been a frustrating experience but it’s not the Navy...  it’s the virus and knowing people can stop or slow the spread but just refuse to because they don’t want to. I mean complaining about a mask when our military men and women are being denied the right to see their families because they won’t wear a mask and wash their hands....  oh I can’t get started or I will scare people off lol

LadyBluefire:. I took some screenshots from his base website on what it means I will post those...  I am confused on his status since he wasn’t taking leave from that base. He would be taking leave between school and his report to new duty station. But I guess that will depend on what his latest orders will say. Because his original orders had him arriving at his duty station 3 weeks after initial graduation date. But he waited 5 weeks for classes to start and hasn’t received the updated orders yet. 

Good Wednesday Morning to you all, went home took meds and a hot shower and sleep. My body does well with sleep. I feel much better, But you all are right Looking for somewhere to go and get tested this weekend with the rest of my clan. The state employees have places to go but really need to get the rest in while I go as well. Thank you for the well wishes.

If your Loved one is in A school look up where they go to school they have many sites on here that you can follow, also you can find their facebook page on google. let me know if you need help and I can do that for you.

Thank You Shanny for the Information!

proud and grateful, welcome! Just wanted to share one of my favorite shared by one of these amazing mom's moms on N4M'S. Remember you are in Navy Mom Boot Camp too. It helped me allow myself some grace. While my son was going through alot if the physical and mental part of BC, I was going through the Emotional part of it. You are not just sitting at home waiting for it to be over with but you are going through every step of the way. The emotional rollercoaster sometimes seem so unbearable  that's when the Ladies step in and wrap their compassion and encouragement around you and help strengthen you. Remember this is a journey, you just don't wake up one day all strong as steel you need support. There are days when everyone around you just don't get it, then you come here and everyone gets it. That's the true beauty of this site, everyone has been where you are now. Believe me I have had some really ugly cry days and some very close friends telling me how to cope with things they could never possibly understand. Thank God for these Ladies.

Good Morning Ladies and welcome to all of our new moms,

Shanny- Thank you for the info. I was reading about it last night. The Navy also posted on the RTC website that all of the Southeast is in HPCON Charile.  Just thought everyone would like to know.

Morning Scripture:

Good Morning Phoenixmom- I am so glad you are feeling better and that you are going to get tested. It doesn't hurt just to check that's for sure. Big hug!!!

I got an early start this morning and my pumpkin pie is cooking right now.  :)

proud and grateful- Good Morning we are here for you. It is totally normal to feel that way while they are in boot camp.

LBF- I am right there with you. I am not happy about it either but they did say their was going to be options for our military that's what our news was saying. I am going to see if I can find it.

I didn't know you could clean everything up on fb. I down load all my memory pictures is that what you are doing?