Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Shanny - Best wishes to your son at his new duty station. I pray that you’ll get your Christmas wish and that your son will be able to come home. And if not for Christmas I hope it’s very soon. BNMH

I have been off for a few days baking. We always send cookies to all the extended family because most of them do not bake. Plus cookies for the neighbors, hairstylist, favorite elderly grocery baggers, UPS deliverers, post office, etc. It is usually over 200 dozen cookies so it takes a while. 

For plane tickets ... I bought the one for my sailor while I was chatting with him because my credit card had a special points deal that I did not want to miss. One thing ... tell the airlines that it is military. They make sure you get the best price and the tickets are usually refundable (they might just give a full credit that you can use later .... each airline is different), and they usually waive the change fee. This is new for me too ... when my oldest was off at college across the country, we always used the discount sites (like ChepOAir), but the military price is comparable and the refund and change policies are so much better. You just need his DOD number to do it.

For a calling card I could not find one at our drug stores so I got PennyTalk. Also, make sure your kid know how to use it before they leave. It is very foreign to this younger generation.

Shanny .... I feel for you ... I'm up to 5 autoimmune diseases. Thankfully all but one are in remission. Invest in self care ... you need low stress and high nutrients. 

Shoosh ... you must be so proud of your girl. 

Everyone's constant discussions of food had made me unnaturally hungry for this time of day. I think I might go grab a nibble of the goat cheese I made a few days ago. Seriously, I think I gained 5 pounds just reading to this point!

I thought of a million comments while I was catching up, but I read so many posts that I cannot remember any of them. My next two days will be spent boxing up and mailing cookies and presents to everyone. We do not spend Christmas with our families anyway, so this is not unusual for us. (Many years ago we moved away from family and spent a first Christmas without them ... I was too pregnant to fly. It was the first nice Christmas I ever had. The next year we flew back to show everyone baby, and I made the promise that that would NEVER  happen again. We have had happy Christmases ever since).

Welcome to all of our newest members!! We are glad you have joined. Be sure to stop by here and introduce yourself and let us know when your SR left for BC or will be heading out. 

We post information over and over sometimes on here, so hopefully you will get what you need, but do not hesitate to ask questions and if it doesn't get answered the first time around, be sure to ask again. We have many who have weathered the COVID BC conditions that are sticking around too and sometimes we just start visiting but don't hesitate to jump in.

Mamabear - Good to hear from you!! I am staying hopeful that you will get to see your kids!!!

I am going to have to try out some of these dip recipes. C'sMom - what an easy Friday night meal - wish I had something like that. Actually it is called Carl's Jr  - since my boys were in swim and we went right past the restaurant on the way home on Friday night we were stop and get their Famous Star Burgers that they put on sale. We get them to go and then come home and throw our own slice of cheese on!

Well the cupcakes and my granddaughter's personal 1st birthday cake are out of the oven. Now to let them cool. I haven't made a cake from scratch in a long time and then I wanted to increase the recipe. We shall see how these turn out. It is a recipe with no refined sugar but you use 100% maple syrup, milk, eggs, bananas, applesauce. The only thing, I used regular white flour instead of wheat.   Tomorrow I will make the frosting out of whipping cream and decorate with the blueberries and raspberries I bought!

Time for bed or to finish wrapping a Christmas present that is to be delivered with our visit. Have a great evening and remember to wear your RED - Remember Everyone Deployed tomorrow!

Katharine:  you are more than welcome to send cookies to all of us (insert winky emoji that we can’t use here lol)   I’ve missed you on our crazy board!  I wish I could say no more family since I am sick of the constant drama. I have already said I am not attending any Christmas things and I am not decorating. No lights. No tree. No cheesy Santa decorations. I do have the snowmen my grandma hand painted for me out but I need my Grams right now even though she can’t be here. I have always said that if my son isn’t here, I am not doing holidays. 

on the positive, not sure I shared earlier because my son getting his crappy orders took over my life...  so I need an oil change. I know I said that at some point. Well today I got the warning light telling me I needed to add oil. So I guess I was a lot more over my oil change than I thought. By anyway, borrowed my dad’s truck, drove to the parts store, bought oil, came home, added it all by myself. (Yes sarcasm is real). My son texted me asking what I was doing. So I took a Snapchat of me adding the oil. 

his reply:  Mom do you know what you’re doing?

Me:  umm. Yeah I think so

him: mom did you buy the right oil?  You know there are differences. And you need full synthetic right?

me:  you mean I can’t buy the recycled oil you can get at Walmart?

him:MOM STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING I AM CALLING RIGHT NOW!!!”

Me:  *laughing as I pour my 5w30 oil in, clean the dipstick and check my levels to see if I need more*. 
um am I going to make it blow up!?!  
10 seconds later he calls freaking out. How easily they forget who taught them how to check their oil and add it if needed...  

he seriously thought I was putting in some jacked up recycled oil. 

Katharine, thanks for the info and advice!  Now . . .  What is a DOD number?  Lol

C'sMom - My son called it a Military Benefits number, but the person at the airline called it a DOD number. It should be on their military ID card. It is 9 digits long (my son's had a -00 on the end but that is not part of what the airline needed).

Shanny, I am not decorating for Christmas either this year, infact I am taking several of my decorations to school and decorating there. My son and I did all the outside decorating and with him home and no one coming home this year it would be a waste of time. Our house is in the woods and nobody sees it. Hubby doesn't even want a tree up inside so all I will be doing is putting up my nativity set. Going to be a very weird Christmas this year. I plan to head to Florida on Christmas Eve to be with my Dad, asked hubby again to go but he said no he was going to our daughters cabin. Life is so different but we will learn how to deal with this new normal. I pray you will have someone to share the day with, your brother sounds like a very loving and caring person.

DoriBry - there is a FB group that is “official” that goes by PIR so has all the divisions that PIR the same date. Then some regular folks spin off into small groups just by division. I made such a group with my 4th sailor. (And I observed OPSEC/PERSEC) Not everyone observes that - in the “official” one they observe it but I could not say in the spin offs.

Shoosh - what a girl you have there! How wonderful she will come home in time for Christmas!

Trey - I am sure someone will answer it (or has) when sailors leave a second ROM (after they had been assigned a division) - they get to call home with their new info. 

MNNavymom - welcome!

Anti - 17? I’d be bundled warm under covers, drinking hot drinks and watching Netflix all winter!

Phoenix/Shanny - my son who went to Norfolk was picked up at the airport by his sponsor.  My 3rd sailor was also picked up by his sponsor but due to ROM did not have to be in uniform. He reports to ship today so will be in uniform then. They also have duty drivers to pick sailors up.

Shanny - sorry about your son’s orders :( I hear ya on the just eat what you want. I try and try and try and my body just holds onto these extra 20lbs. Life is too damn short.. I do have to be careful on foods that cause inflammation though…. My 3rd sailor lost his tix on the first plane on his trip to San Diego. He met a cute girl on the plane who helped him install the app to get his tix (or boarding pass - not really sure).  LOL at your oil change story, these kids seriously think we are lost without them, ha! Oh you CAN visit him in Norfolk and go on base if he meets you at the gate. (unless things have changed)

Vintage - these sailors have more disposable income than we do! I can’t buy tickets for 4 of them, lol. That is on them.

Mama - my youngest son was 17 months when he started walking (my oldest 8 months). Needless to say we were worried but who needs to walk when you have 4 slaves, lol.

Hope your daughter comes home for Christmas and so sorry to hear about the 2 family  members hit hardest with C.My condolences for the passing of one.

Csmom - with reserves I don’t know the plane ticket situation. My 3rd sailor was given a ticket to San Diego. He paid $35 to get it to be from FL to SD instead of from MS and he changed the date to leave16 days later. He did all of this thru SATA (which is a service through the Navy) hours before the original flight. We picked him up in MS. He could have changed ticket to fly to FL and then bought his own ticket to SD.

Katharine -  I am so tired I was like who is she? I thought she was LisaKC?!


NWM, B'sNuke, party, NewMilmom, Chipmunk, BBH and everyone I missed - good morning!

I had to do some fancy editing as I over did the # of characters, lol

When it comes to your Sailor coming home on leave, do not buy their airline ticket home. First, you don't know when their leave begins exactly, and you don't know when their transportation (usually by bus) leaves base to get them to the airport. Second, coming home is the same way. You don't know exactly when they are due back on base, when their transportation leaves the airport, and being back on time is considered late in the Navy.

They are now making money and should be able to afford their flight home. If you want to reimburse them for their ticket cost, go ahead and do so. They do have access to someone to help them make their travel arrangements that will comply with their regulations.

Happy FRIDAY ALL, and a Good Morning to you all! Boy I barely made it out of bed I was dreaming it was Sat. woke up an hour Late! I said ok no ironing throwing some Jeans and a Thermal shirt on it's cold and not in the mood Put a little face on and put my hair in a Bun! No One sees me but the same people, I've been so tired lately, My Anxiety gets the best of me. Well I got my New French doors Up YAY! they are Beautiful no more loud noise and all with the Arcadia door. Got My Blinds inside the door, Both doors open up and one latches to keep in place Just Love It! My Cabinets made it in and those will be put up this weekend, Can Lights that rotate were put in so it's coming along and stayed in my Budget that was the important thing! My countertops coming in Monday so they can be installed and then I can get my OCD Butt to cleaning. Had a friend call me and said she would come help me clean my walls prior to painting so that is a plus. enough about me.

I see some are putting Christmas and some Not, well I'm with the Not group this year But I will be decorating inside my home just no time for outside this year. Need to go pick up all my Christmas gifts this weekend they will be waiting by curbside. and I'm officially done with Christmas. Wow I tell you these two years have been so difficult for me, I am amazed I'm still going, I thank the Lord everyday for the Blessings he has provided for me and that I am still here today! I am so ready to move on now and Hoping and Praying for a Whole better year next Year, I so need it!

Have a Great Day all! and stay safe and warm as I have been hearing on the News some states getting some crazy weather!

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

Please come and introduce yourselves and hang in there as this is a very emotional roller coaster ride but we've all been thru it and we can help you out as well.

Haven't heard about you ladies receiving any phone calls, prayers that calls and letters come soon. 

Katharine- Good Morning, yay for baking cookies. I love to bake. We do a cookie exchange and I love doing that.

Thanks for sharing your information. That will help a lot. :) 

I also had to do some family changes and it worked out for the better as well. Big hugs to you!!!

LadyBluefire- You have a great day as well. I have to finish cleaning and then I will be decorating. I will also be over hauling my Sailor's room as you just never know.  :)

Northwoodsmom- Good Morning that was such a heartfelt post or at least I feel that way. I mean it just struck me and I was like I can totally get it. Yes, people handle things so differently. Mine never goes with me when I go to see my Sailor but will talk with him on the phone. I am glad you are going to see your dad he will like that.

Shanny- I know it hurts but hopefully things will change again as we get closer to the holidays. Big Hugs to you!!!

Phoenximom- Good Morning. How was the house when you got home last night? It is so cold this morning. Lol

Remember to wear your RED today ladies to remember everyone that is deployed.

God Bless all of you, stay safe and healthy and wear your mask when you need to.

Morning Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for that Blessed Hope that we have in Jesus. I pray that I may be ever looking to Him in the knowledge that He has promised to come to take me to be with Himself in the heavenly realm. In Jesus' name I pray that in Your way and in Your time, He will return for His People and that I would be ready. I pray that the hope that I have in Him would be reignited daily as I look for His soon return. Thank You, Father, and to Him be praise and glory, might, majesty, dominion and power, both now and in the ages to come. In Your Name I pray, AMEN!

Thank You Ellen0502 for stating that, I know I couldn't buy my Sons ticket and that was what he mentioned to me. So good to see you on hear it's been a minute, hoping all is well with you and your Family and the Holidays have been well. Much Love and Respect to you!

Good Morning PartyofSeven well when I got home they were still working until 7:30 just wanted them to leave so I could take a hot shower and lay down, LOL! they got my door up the Can lights started putting cabinets in order. it's been a disaster in my Home but coming along. all I could think is too clean! LOL!

Good morning ladies, 

To all of our moms with the SRs in Boot Camp and in ROM stay strong and pray for your recruits that they have a healthy mindset and to stay strong. Something fun to do while you’re thinking about them is putting together your blue candle that you can light when you’re just thinking of them or when you know they’re going through something difficult in Boot Camp. I burned mine so much that it is officially warped so I need to order a new candle. 

Phoenixmom - hello so glad to hear that your home construction is progressing and that you’re very happy with it! You deserve it. So glad it’s Friday and that aside from cleaning hopefully you’ll be able to relax and rest.

Northwoodsmom - I’m so glad to hear that you are going to be with your dad this Christmas. That will be so special for both of you. Warmest wishes to you both. 

Partyofseven - you’ll be overhauling your taylor’s room because you never know? Or either one who said there might be a surprise in the midst? Lady you have my wheels spinning! Will it be a party of eight lol 

katharine - I was so glad to see you on here! We definitely missed you! That’s great that you guys have the will to stand down from those family get together‘s that just don’t work out. Glad to hear that everything is going well and that you’re enjoying your cookie baking time! 

ladybluefire - ha! They sure do have a disposable income at this point I want him to save but he can definitely afford a plane ticket. Welcome to the holiday season son! 

Belovedbyhim - my daughter and I totally want a soldier surprise video! :) and a crazy excited dog surprise video as well! I know he’ll definitely get that video with the dog that he shares with his fiancé. They have a little corgi and she has a huge personality. 

Csmom - I still can’t believe that that was the reason for the hold up and that he could’ve moved on a lot quicker. I totally agree with the one who said that he made extra money and things happen for a reason. I’m so glad that there was progression and that he was persistent about looking into what was going on. Best wishes to your son as he moves to A school. 

My son is officially starting classes. I’m so excited for him! He’s super stoked!

Good morning Shanny, Chipmunk, TGIF!! Have wonderful day!! 

Partyofseven- sorry, I was voice texting because I’m trying to get ready for work but you get the idea- wink wink. I can’t make those assumptions but you really have my curiosity peaked! 

Good Morning everyone!  Well, my son has officially graduated A School!  Just sent me the pictures of him receiving his certificate. 

VintageGal:. I couldn’t find a blue candle anywhere. I ended up getting a lantern and some blue faery lights. They are battery operated. I think I change batteries every couple weeks because I hate it when they get dim. 

LadyBluefire: my son said he has it figured out now. His sponsor is not physically at base right now. So they weren’t expecting him to arrive. They thought he had been given leave according to the sponsor. I asked my son what he was going to do. And he told me to not worry about it his sponsor was coordinating things from where he is just that it is in hyper mode I guess because of just finding out he was coming. Then he said I’ve got this don’t worry. I’ll fill you in after it all happens lol 

Shanny - oh my goodness that story about you and your sailor and changing your oil! That was hysterical!! He was worried about his mama! Lol

Shanny LOVE IT! LOL! You scared him HAHAHAHA too funny. He is totally worried about you, Our Boys gotta love it! When Gabriel was home this last time  he was always trying to put me to bed, it's time for sleep now mom, you look tired he would turn my tv off and my Lights mind you wasn't ready for bed, but he would always tell me you need rest get to bed.

Wearing the RED!

BelovedbyHim - we aren't sure what position they have him in as no one allowed to see him & we are doing the "no news is good news" mantra for this as we do for our new sailor...I feel so dang bad for my poor sister as she is struggling through this alone away from family members too.  Plus knowing her youngest is fighting it in Houston area is making it even more difficult for her.  

Glad they figured out to change your meds...it sucks that sometimes the medicine makes life more difficult vs. better due to the damn side effects.  

VintageGal- Great news your son gets to start his classes!!  So happy for him.  

Katherine - WoWZA...cookies galore.  When my 3 little I would have them each pick 2 types of cookies they wanted to make then we'd make them & box/tin them up to deliver to all our neighbors & friends to enjoy.  It was fun & when my son-in-law joined family he had never made Christmas cookies so asked if he could do so -- which was a BIG YES of Course!  (A TON of work for Momma but, great memories)...he brings it up a couple times how he really loved doing it with us.  

I miss those days!  

Last year I made cheesecakes for the neighbors & my co-worker with a dark chocolate Bailey's ganache topping. None of us have littles still at home so I could do an adult dessert ( would that qualify as a "perk" of getting old... ;-)  wink, wink)

Shoosh - Do I hear we have a schedule home from Ship5 for yours?  Pray she makes it to you for the holidays!!!  She is amazing in her dedication, determination & resilience.  That is rare in so many of our youth it seems.  You should be Very Proud!

Welcome to All the New Moms!!  

I was in your same situation just a short while ago & still just getting my feet under me in some areas --ok only 1 real area & that is the "No News is Good News" thinking.   

The rest I am still up & down on but learning as I go with amazing group of women helping me & supporting me as we go.  This Group is AMAZING!

Hugs & Prayers to Each of you & your families on your journey.

BelovedbyHim - Good to hear from you. I am hopeful that they will be able to figure out a medication that works well for you!

Katharine - Hi!  - The baking sounds like a lot of fun. I am glad that you were able to get your cookies baked. Christmas and Thanksgiving were always hard for me, because my husband's family lived very close together, but not as close to my family and trying to get to everyone was difficult. We still managed but I think my oldest has now decided that they will never spend Christmas Day with anyone and I am sad about that because I sacrificed a lot over the years so that our kids could be with their grandparents. So, now I am having to figure out how to adjust to a new normal with a grandbaby and my youngest still at home for Christmas. 

NewMilmom - I have my RED on as well.

I am still catching up on posts but I wanted to point out when your sailor is flying to make sure they know to wait until they check in at the airport before they do baggage check in. Everything with the military and traveling is going to vary by each airline, so you will need to check into that but the airlines also offer free checked-in baggage for most military. I believe if they are flying on orders - so moving from A school to duty station - I think most of them allow 5 checked bags for free and then on personal travel it is 1 - 2 free checked bags. They do need their CAC card.  

Also, the airlines are the ones who offer the complimentary gate passes to the families of active duty military who are traveling. They can deny the option at any time, but you will need to have your Real ID, or Passport and go to the ticketing window with your sailor. Then you will be issued a gate pass to go through security with your sailor and be able to sit with them at the gate until their flight departs. We have done this a few times and it is nice to just have those last few minutes with our sailor and also we can help keep an eye on baggage if they need to use the restroom or something. 

As far as purchasing tickets, I saw Ellen0502 posted that they would need to do so, because they know their leave periods. I will say the first year when my son flew from Nuke school, I purchased his ticket so that we could use my mileage reward but I had plenty of time to plan the flight and we made sure that he was back a day early. Since then, it has been about 50/50 who has booked the flights. I generally reimburse him for half of his ticket, because it is what I choose to do. Normally, we fly Delta because that is our best option with route and so I just pay for the ticket that can be changeable. However, this last time they had to make their flights while they were in port and we knew the leave chit might not be approved, so they went through a military site and purchased insurance for a very reasonable amount if they had to cancel the flights. 

NewMilMom - What wonderful holiday memories :) Your cheesecake sounds divine!

And we're so glad you're here. It's so nice when new moms are on here to fellowship with other Navy moms and women who want and need that support. I know I did/do! It feels rather lonely while our Sailors are in boot camp and during their career. Even when you have family around somehow that support just isn't the same as having this group of women.  So thankful!

Phoenixmom - Your Sailor sounds like a real sweetheart! You did good! :) My youngest son has a sweet tender caring heart like your son. He's the one that would put his mama to bed. When he was younger he told me that when I'm old he'll carry me upstairs when I can't make it up on my own anymore. So sweet :) Tell your daughters "And this is why he's my favorite!" jk we don't have favorites LOL my kids tell each other that they're my favorite. silly kiddies

I just realized that I've been spelling Phoenix wrong this entire time. I've been writing Pheonixmom :-/ just had to own up to my mistake lol

Chipmunk - good morning :) Thanks for the flight and luggage info! I hope that you can somehow enjoy the holidays with your grandbaby. Tell your son you'll just have to move closer to him jk Holiday hugs!

I'll try not to hog the board...

Chipmunk - So for our family we had both grandparents that we were stretching ourselves between where it got a bit contentious. We finally decided that we were going to tell everyone that we were having Christmas at our house and everyone was invited. So now my parents who are divorced and my in-laws join us on Christmas morning and I make a big breakfast. We start before they get here but they make it for most of it. It's basically a holiday open house. I could see how that might not work for some but it's been fine so far. I can only imagine how it will be once I have grandkids. I honestly don't think will be too long for my Sailor. I've seen his fiance's pinterest board... Babies. She said they wanted to wait a few years but I can see it's on her mind... BIG TIME

VintageGal - we were the ones that lived 4 or 6 hours away from family, depending on which side. And my in-laws did not have "vacation" time like my parents who were mostly retired by the time we got married and had children. But with 5 kids, it was still much easier for us to travel elsewhere to the large homes of the grandparents than to have anyone come to my house that was always full of stuff - and more so now that I have inherited furniture and such finally. We had a large 15 passenger van that we bought when our youngest was 3 months old - That was one of the best investments we ever made. It was to have been our youngest's vehicle but unfortunately he had an accident in in a couple of weeks ago. !! Just another one of those recent, sort of life changing things that have happened at our house. - That van was more a part of our life than even our two cats and it has left an empty hole in my son and my life. I know it was just a vehicle but still. 

Holidays do take on a new meaning though when you have kids in the military and everything revolves around them and when they can make it home, at least that is what it has seemed like for us. The last two years my sailor has been home, someone has gotten sick and the sacrifice is made to keep our sailor well and he get to see as many people as possible. 

The post are too funny! I always get how "Bud is my Favorite" all the time from my Girls." I just tell them I don't see him all the time like I see You" they don't go for it! But he was the one every 5 to 10 Min. "Mom you know I love you" Yes Son I love you to, 10 min. Later he would come out the room "Mom You know I love You" Then I would ask what do you need or want? He would laugh and tell me just want you to know that I love you. Silly Kid! I so miss that! but when he is here we have such a great time together! go for breakfast or Lunch ride around. Just having a Man in the house I miss!

Oh and when he is in town I usually make this big Dinner with all his favorites and then I invite the family, and here come my Girls, "ok where's the Red Carpet" LOL! My Son always tells them "Don't hate cause I'm the Favorite" so he teases them as well!

VintageGal it's all good to each it's own I take how I can get it! LOL! I'm not picky! Hahahahaha!

PhoenixMom:  I sent you a picture!!!  You gotta check it :) 

Oh I so what grandbabies but my daughter saids no way. My son is just figuring life out in the Navy and is no way ready for that kind of commitment. Serves me right for waiting to get married in my thirties and then spacing my kids so far apart. I think that is why God put me in the school so I could shed some of that pent up love on the students, not the same though. 

We spent the first 10 years of our lives running from one house to the other for holidays too. It was hectic but filled with so much love and laughter it was worth it. My husband's parents passed away a couple years ago but oh boy do we have wonderful memories, wouldn't of missed it for the world.

NewMilMom - My daughter-in-law likes to make cheesecake. Recently, I think she found these smaller sized springform pans and so now she is all about making "mini" cheesecakes, mostly because it doesn't take them as long to cool off. I need to put my order in for Christmas!

As for our mantra's on here - I know we like to say we get stronger but sometimes - depending on what is actually going on, if we are honest with ourselves, we really aren't any stronger - it still hurts to not see our kids and even worse is having our kids home but not being able to do anything with them because we are sick or someone else is sick and they can't be with them.  Prayers for your Sister and BIL!

Northwoodsmom - This will definitely be different for you at Christmas but your father needs you to be with him. We haven't put lights up outside for years. It would have been my husband's responsibility and it just has never worked out. We are always really busy with the kids and their activities. My husband had a FB reminder from a yr in the past and it was a picture of our youngest with the biggest medal around his neck from a wrestling tournament. It is interesting how times and seasons are changing. In the past we would not have been able to spend this weekend celebrating a grandbaby birthday, because someone would have had another activity we needed to be at. I do change out the door decorations on my front door, but other than that, nothing is decorated inside. 

Phoenixmom - I am not a "clean freak" if anyone hasn't figured out yet. I know you want all the dust and such to go away, but it really doesn't make sense to spend a lot of time and energy cleaning a lot when you will just have more the next day. Use your dry vac to get the large stuff and save the deep cleaning until after it is all done and then I know you will make it sparkle and shine! 

Anti M - I hope you are well today!!  Sounds like the frigid temps have found their way to you. I enjoy hot tea or cocoa and those are the kinds of days that want to just curl up in a chair and read a good book. But I am very thankful for my sun that shines in my east windows and makes me feel warm, even if it is not outside. 

Shanny - Congratulations to your son - I still haven't found the post about the oil change. I am glad that he is getting everything figured out. I said something to my sailor, but he said, "Yeah, I can't go get anyone." 

You all can keep the super cold. I am enjoying the 46 degrees today because I know it won’t last long!  The extended forecast is saying a green Christmas for us. I seriously doubt we will do anything anyway. My brother’s family usually ends up doing 6 Christmas get together parties each year. I told him that if they plan to do that, we will just have to postpone anything they planned with me or our parents. If the parents got sick I would be the one taking care of them. So we will figure something out sometime after the holidays. Which is fine for me and my faithful dog. 

cheesecakes...  I like a good cheesecake. LOVE chocolate cheesecake!  So rich and decadent only a small piece at a time!

Hi Chipmunk, Yea I figured that out and I haven't really touch anything, and My shop Vac I LOVE IT! don't know why I never had one, but I am waiting for them to finish and then I will be up all night cleaning, I volunteered a friend to help me, so she wants to bring some Patron w/Lemon and have a cleaning Party. I told her as long as she can both, I don't mind! LOL!

Chipmunk:  I found it!  

on the positive, not sure I shared earlier because my son getting his crappy orders took over my life...  so I need an oil change. I know I said that at some point. Well today I got the warning light telling me I needed to add oil. So I guess I was a lot more over my oil change than I thought. By anyway, borrowed my dad’s truck, drove to the parts store, bought oil, came home, added it all by myself. (Yes sarcasm is real). My son texted me asking what I was doing. So I took a Snapchat of me adding the oil. 

his reply:  Mom do you know what you’re doing?

Me:  umm. Yeah I think so

him: mom did you buy the right oil?  You know there are differences. And you need full synthetic right?

me:  you mean I can’t buy the recycled oil you can get at Walmart?

him:MOM STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING I AM CALLING RIGHT NOW!!!”

Me:  *laughing as I pour my 5w30 oil in, clean the dipstick and check my levels to see if I need more*. 
um am I going to make it blow up!?!  
10 seconds later he calls freaking out. How easily they forget who taught them how to check their oil and add it if needed...  

he seriously thought I was putting in some jacked up recycled oil. 

Northwoodsmom - As hard as it was with the traveling to the grandparents and great-grandparents - it was all good. What is sad is that my youngest was little when we lost some family members and he doesn't have the same memories as his siblings. Unfortunately, my parents were around longer, but they also lived farther away and we could not get up to see them as much as I would have liked.

BTW - I know we had some who should have been watching the "virtual" PIR graduation today. Did you see your sailor???

Shanny - That is way too funny!!! We just take our vehicles to Firestone and let them do the oil changes, but my sailor went to AutoZone or something and got an oil change kit and changed his this early spring. They have been in and out on underways that he doesn't need an oil change yet, I am sure. 

Chipmunk, PhoenixMom, everyone else:  my sailor said to tell you thank you for the information and advice. He screenshot what I sent him and said his sponsor sent him a bunch of information and a contact person since he can’t be there. He says he isn’t stressing about it and told me to calm down. (He knows those two words are enough to start Momma bear on the hunt to hurt someone). 

PhoenixMom:  I LOVE my shop vac!  Use it for cleaning out my car!  Comes in handy at the end of winter to get all that salt out 

Shanny - I'm in class right now but I had to laugh.. my Sailor's favorite thing to say to me to get me going is RELAX :-/

Shanny - Unfortunately our young men will never get what it means to be a MammaBear!! But one day they might be a PapaBear watching over a she cub and then they will have an entire new set of feelings / worries to deal with!!