Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

VintageGal, he was REALLY hoping to get grouped with others who want to get creative with working out and staying in shape while in ROM. He always pushes himself and will gladly push anyone who wants to be pushed but will not hold anyone's hand. I hope those in his group realize how lucky they are to have him and his knowledge and talents at their disposal. I was wondering why the last few months before he left he was working out in his tiny bedroom with nothing other than a yoga mat when we have a full home gym in the garage. I think he was preparing workouts to use in the the confined space during ROM. He'd come out dripping sweat and I never did ask him why he was doing it but now I think I know. 

ROM is a tough transition.  No one likes it, but they're all not liking it together.

LOL, mom2blondies, don't try to use logic about insurance, it's the Navy.  It takes some getting used to the convoluted way things work; the easy way is never The Navy Way. You will be shaking your head more than once!

General information for everyone new to the Navy, if your sailor needs medical attention while home on leave, short of a trip to the ER, they must call Tricare.  There's a Tricare nurse hotline, easy to use, 24/7, and they tell them which urgent care to go to.  Never, ever get them treated without authorization outside of life threatening emergencies.  Even if they're on your insurance, the claim cannot be processed because they're active duty, and Tricare will not without prior approval, so essentially, it's useless.  You'll probably pay the bill out of pocket.  They are no longer your dependent (this applies to taxes too now) and must abide by the DoD rules.  

Number is easy to remember, 1-800-TRICARE

beloved:  what a day you had yesterday!  I hope your migraine was gone today and you can manage the water damage.  Ugh!  And like someone else said, hopefully insurance will cover the repairs.  

Was at school almost all day today getting all the lunches put together for  tomorrow morning for delivery and then made every kiddo a special melting snowman Christmas cookie, wrapped them with a personal message and hope to hand them out to them during deliveries with their homework and lunches. It's been a busy day so I think I will settle back with some hot tea and look for a Christmas movie, have a peaceful night.

I TALKED WITH MY 1ST BORN!!!!! 

An absolutely blessed call and I almost missed it! EEEK!  I was making my swallow wreath (swallows are a symbol for those that serve on the sea) and the dang bow was so glittery (I messed with making the bow alone for over an hour) it was everywhere.  I had the Christmas tunes cranked and the vacuum running with the phone in my pocket.  I turned off the vacuum and wondered what the strange music...it's my phone!  I almost dropped it but got it to pick up!  Thank you God! 

We were able to speak for 45 minutes, amazing!  He sounded so confident and told me he is the Head Yeoman. His Div is doing well and really trying to work together. They almost didn't get to call because someone answered something incorrectly this morning but the Chief gave them a second chance and the SR he asked a question got it right.  We got our call after 4pm. My son sounds like a confident man, I knew this would be the best path for him to soar.  I can rest easy tonight and feel better about the next few weeks. He also told me he's written us three letters!  Can't wait!

I'll post a picture of my wreath when my daughter gets back from visiting my parents, she uploads all my stuff! 

Beloved: I'm so sorry for all the crazy stuff going on...I have been trying to keep up with all the content the past two days.  Hugs!

Chipmunk:  I just was reading about everything you have been going through while your son was visiting!   Glad you are doing better! Hugs!

DoriBry and Proud&Grateful: I hope your got your calls too today! Thinking of you both! Hugs!

Good night lovely ladies...I need to calm down with some tea myself! I'm so amped I might not sleep all week!

Warriorprotector - WooHoo!! A Phone call!! Yeah!!!

Just to clarify, my sailor was home for Thanksgiving leave, so we are all good and everyone is healthy now. Thank you!

Warriorprotector ~ WHOOHOO! I’m so happy for you!! My son said that the Yeoman position is a big job! Congratulations to him!  You’ll both go to sleep big smiles on your faces!  BNMH!! 

Northwoodsmom ~ you’re a beautiful angel!! The kids are going to love it! Have a good evening and relax with your feet up! Enjoy your tea and movie ;) 

mom2blondies- Hope everything works out insurance wise. It is the Navy way and it does take some getting used to how they do things. 

That's good that he was practicing for when he was in ROM. Hope he continues to do well.

VintageGal- Hey, How was the day? Mine was good.  :)

Northwoodsmom- Hey, The kids are going to love it. That is so sweet!! Enjoy the day and be safe out there.

warriorprotector- Hey, there you are!!! Whoo hoo for phone calls. Now you know why I always say keep your phone on you at all times and that ringer on loud.  :) Glad to hear he is doing so well. That's great!!! And letters are coming to boot!! Whoo hoo!! 

Enjoy that feeling and have a great night!!!

warriorprotector-- YEA!!!! So glad you got your phone call!!! It does do a Momma's heart good!!

Mom2Blondies-- Anti M Gave you the long and short of it!  Once they are a Sailor you need to take them off!  My Son was home on Leave one time and we called the tricare number, they just told him to go to the local ER for the Strep Test (Positive) and they paid the whole bill.  Once you get the I'm a Sailor call you need to take them off.

I was doing better this morning and got some stuff done but then this evening it has started up again.  Stupid Headache!!!
The Floors are cupped and there is nothing to do until they dry (6 months to 2 years...) We likely will not file an insurance claim.   And now my poor puppy is throwing up..... Oh and my sailor told me where he might be stationed next.... Not anywhere I could go visit..... This has NOT been a great weekend here....

Warriorprotector, I could just hear your excitement and joy over your phone call and am so happy for you. All we want is our kids to be happy and productive and your son sounds like he is doing great.

belovedbyHim, I am sorry you are going through so many trials. If it helps at all know that we care deeply about you and that you are in my prayers.

Vintage, I bet you are enjoying your son being home with you, remember things don't have to be perfect. Don't sweat all the little details just absorb all the Love you can hold, we will need it for the famine months.

Mom2blondies it's hard of letting go of the control of doing what's best for our children while they are in the service," who knows them better than us right". I think that was the hardest thing for me too but I never really had control, I just thought I did.  They know you love them but it is good that the Navy is teaching them to stand on their own two feet so they can soar. I know my son is struggling with all there is to learn at school, everything came so easy for him but now he has to work his butt off. These struggles will make him stronger just like our struggles through life has made us stronger. Your son will do great!

Good Morning Everyone!!

Northwoodsmom - I know you are up early this morning to get ready for your deliveries to the school children. May all your tender loving care you put into their meals and very special treats be delivered safely and your love for them wrap its loving arms around each and everyone. - post a picture of your snowmen when you are able.

Anti M - I appreciated your reply to Mom2blondies regarding the insurance. It gave me more clarity as well. Thanks!

BelovedbyHim - My thoughts and prayers continue.

Hope all you gals have a blessed day...will be working like crazy the next three days (cramming 6 days work into 3) at my job so will try to pop on to keep caught up.

Beloved: Wow, you have had a rough weekend.  I hope your head feels better, sorry about the floor & puppy. Really sorry about the no visit location of your son. Prayers and many extra HUGS for you.

I wanted to address the issue of lack of meals during ROMs after A School - with permission now, I will share this: 

As moms we sometimes feel helpless and like we have no control over our kids once they leave for BC and in the fleet, but our primary role as mother (mentor, guide, encourager, listener, lover of their heart) never stops. We are their sounding board, they know they can call us and tell us what is bothering them, what is just a bad day, even what sucks. Now a lot of them don't call, they don't share that partially because they are afraid of saying something that they should not, or sharing something that should never go beyond your ears! 

Admit it - we like to talk, we are emotional, we vent, post and even gossip. Different  personalities also talk & share more than others. It is the same for your SR / sailor. Also as adults, they may just want to work out their problems themselves.

If they do call us with their concerns, such as no food in ROM,  or any other scenario that might arise, what do we do. - We encourage them to talk to their chief! Yes, we are to be their encourager. We listen, but we help them recognize what their responsibility is in the situation as well.

I had a couple of conversations with my husband who shared from his own work & military experience this - He said, "It is a chief's responsibility to look out for his men (& women). He can get in trouble if he doesn't. However, if the sailor is in need of something and does not report it to his chief, he is being irresponsible and the chief can't be held accountable/ or may not be." Especially in a situation where sailors are doing their ROM away from a ship and the chief is not close at hand.  - "The chief might tell his man, 'well this is the situation and this is all that can be done at the moment' to which the sailor replies, 'well I can tough it out', but at least the issue is reported, it is acknowledged and a solution to the sailor's liking or not has been addressed."

So mom's we lead, guide and mentor - When your sailor calls with an issue - listen to their frustration, anger, concerns, or whatever - but remind them that they need to go talk to their chief. If they say, "but I don't want to bother them." Remind them it is their duty to report to the chief and let him know their status. The answer may or may not be what they want to hear but at least they have reported it!

Being a few days hence now I will say, Shanny's son's ship had also just come back into port after an underway, and sailor's who had not been allowed leave for a year, were finally off the ship or getting ready to leave, so crew numbers were down. All the more reason for her son to report to his chief, which he finally did and is getting food. Even if it is chicken & rice 2x/day!

If your sailor is dealing with extreme mental or emotional issues, also encourage him to speak to the chaplain.

Prayer for the morning:

Heavenly Father, You alone are wise and good. Thank You for the truths that are contained in Your holy Word. Thank You that by Your grace You told the end from the beginning and sent Your Son to be born of a virgin and become the full and final atonement for our sin. Thank You that Jesus walked the earth as a Man, and understands the limitations of our humanity. Thank You that He helps us in our trials and temptations and we praise Your name that He is coming back one day, to finalise His authority over sin, the world and the devil - to Him be all the glory, world without end - AMEN.

Chipmunk - sounds like my Christmas is going to be like your Thanksgiving - except we have met my daughter’s boyfriend - but I have never had a non family member sleep at my house. Though pretty soon he may be family…...he is supposed to be asking permission from my husband to marry our daughter. As for “perfect holidays” - who cares what you eat - it is who you are with - even if at a park eating KFC!
As for “spotless” - I still haven't done what all I wanted to and right now I just don’t care. My problem is I am all or nothing on the perfection scale, lol - if I can't get it all done then I am not gonna worry anymore. Their rooms are ready and fresh linens are out. Meals are planned. I will just keep him out of the back yard and off the back porch, lol!

Was off the boards this weekend - learning new math - kicking my butt but I wanted to understand it...Never learned it in school.

My brain still hurts so as I was catching up on here OI  may have missed a few things.

DallasNavyMom - yay on your form letter! :)

Shortcake - awe! handsome sailor!

Shanny - funny (not ha ha funny) how they (Norfolk) do not even do ROM the same each time. So glad they got the meals sorted out. And wow the hits keep coming, it is like the Keystone Cops in ROM for him! From what I hear about the ship galleys - he better get used to chicken and rice...

NewMilMom - I bought those same ornaments for my 3 boys and then had to scour the earth for my daughter’s ornament! Yay - boots in the house! You tell that boy never he will never be too old or manly to hug mama!

Vintage - so happy for you that your boots are in the house - maybe not attached to a sailor at all times! Glad you got your hug. Ooh is the new season of Grace and Frankie out?

As for hugging “rules” - they are off base and on leave - keep it legal and the rest is you are on LEAVE….they are going to 14 day ROM when they get back so hug away!!!

Csmom - you could still be a voice of advice if you choose to stay ;)



Mom2blondes - they manage to stay in shape in ROM - they can do some exercises and I believe at Ft McCoy it is more physical than it was for the kids at the hotel….and even they managed to stay somewhat physical.

NWM - yay your son got his treats! Now hoping he gets your gifts! And OMG that would be amazing - your baking skills - that would be a great (and I cannot think of the word) contribution (not the word I wanted) to our sailors :) Great way to lift them up and support them!

My kids used to fight over who got to cook dinner - always trying to be the first to ask to cook so I put them on a rotating schedule. For years I did not cook at all. I looked at it as a good life skill. Same with the kitchen cleaning. (though noone fought to do that, lol)

BBH - I missed the post about your floors. My washing machine leaked and buckled my wood floors by our front door = that was fun as we couldn’t open our door for quite some time (days or weeks - I cant recall) I learned to make sure I do my monthly maintenance on my washer now. Hope your headache is gone by now!

Warrior - awesome call! 45 blissful minutes! So good he is in his element so to speak and sounding confident!

Phoenix - what all is left to do in your kitchen? How are you feeling?

well, off for coffee and who knows - fun or chores?

Happy New Year, today is Winter Solstice.  Still trying to decide on that bonfire... maybe a little one.

Anti M - A bonfire sounds wonderful!! We have been watching the sky the last few nights. Tonight Jupiter and Saturn are suppose to be almost lined up. With the naked eye they will look like one. I do like my sunshine!! Merry Winter Solstice to you as well. 

beloved:  So sorry you've gone through having one thing happen right after another.   It's so hard to keep your head up when these things pile on.  I'm praying for you.   

So happy for all of you that are getting letters and phone calls.  And especially happy for those that have boots on the house!  Make the most of their visit and create good memories that will carry you through in their absence!  

I can't remember what then last was I've updated you on my sailor.  He arrived in San Antonio Friday evening.  He is in a room with another sailor who is a few weeks into MA school.  So he can glean some information and experience from him.  There is a cot in their room and it sounds like they are packing them in, probably to clear out Great Lakes.   He said the third guy will have the cot and will need to figure out how to store his stuff.  He said he heard that C school is now mandatory for MA school.  I believe C school was just started for this rate in October, after he signed up.  He's not sure, though, if it's mandatory for him as a reservist.  He's excited to do it if it is for him also.  The only fly in the ointment is that he passed his MCOLES (Michigan Commission on Law enforcement Standards) exam August 6 and is certifiable.  But he doesn't become actually certified until he gets a job in Michigan as a police officer.  And he has one year to do that, or he has to pay a lot of money to retake the exam.  He knew this going into the Navy, but he thought he would have ample time to get a job.  Now if he has C school and he classes up right away for A school and has no more delays, he won't be home until shortly after Easter.  So time will be getting cut short.  But we all know there will be more delays!  Lol  He thinks he can file an extension, but he's not sure.  So, again, I guess we just need to wait and see how this all plays out.  

And I was asking the other day about the cruise book.  He ordered Package A and he was sure that the cruise book was included with that package.  I know it takes several weeks to get here.  But does anyone know if package A does, in fact, include the Cruise book?  

Oh, and my sailor has a new way to torment me.  He texts me everyday the temperature down there in San Antonio!  It'll be his first Christmas not in the great white North!  

Good Morning Ladies, Mrs LadyBluefire All that is needed is ,my New Table everything else complete.

Mrs. Anti M love me a Bon fire, roasting some marshmellows YUM!

Old Kitchen

New Kitchen

Csmom - package A does include the Keel. My 4th sailor bought package B and then some additional photos - paying more than Package A to avoid getting the keel book and then I was left with an 8x10 as my largest picture and I had 14x16 frames matted down to 11x14 for them all, lol.

I was disappointed in my #2s keel book - my #1 there were some "relaxed" photos of her division but my #2 it was some other division and not his.

I am still waiting for #3 (PIR 9/4) to get in. I got my 1st 2 Keel books for 4/10 and 5/9 PIR late July. (same day)  Just in time to take them both to my 1st 2 sailors when we found out we could see #2.

my rant was I went in for  a $35 oil change, asked for some new wiper blades and walked out spending $100!  $35 for the 2 blades, $20 to install them and $5 to throw them away!

Meanwhile after we had dropped my car off, hubby went to his dealership - paid $21 and got 3 blades. Next time I will install myself, lol!

Phoenix - that is impressive that they finished your kitchen by Christmas!

Phoenix = the pics are not coming thru

First Things First-- The Quarantine Edition

Boot Camp First Weeks Timeline

Informed Delivery®

For those that are new here are some sites to red.

Good Morning and welcome to all of our new moms,

Phoenximom- Good Morning, Everything looks great. Thank you for the prayer and scripture. Prayers for you to hear from  Bud soon. Hoping you had a great weekend!!

Anti M- Good Morning, I love me a bon fire and Happy Winter Solstice to you!!!

LadyBluefire- Good Morning and I'm sure you will do great with your non family member. Good Luck and remember to smile and be at ease while he is there. I did not do everything that I wanted to this year but I am ok with that. It will be ok. 

I have to brave the masses and get my groceries this morning.

What kind of math were you learning?

Northwoodsmom- Hope the deliveries are going well. Let us know how it went.  Bundle up out there!!

C'sMom- Good Morning, It's like we always have to hurry up and wait. So happy for the communication that's happening now for you guys!!

LBF- That is exactly what happened to my Sailor when he went to get his oil changed except for the wipers they said he needed a new air filter and charged him 25.00 for it. Ugh!!

Needless to say he won't do that again!!! lol

It took me three months before I got my Keel book and the only picture of him was his division picture. Oh well!!!

Beloved thank You for posting this cartoon, One of my favorites. Totally Me when Bus started BC LOL!

I Meant Bud! LOL!

C'sMom - Thanks for the update!! He might be giving you a weather update everyday but I bet he still misses the snow. Even my daughter commented after our pictures - "I miss the snow." and I never thought she would.

Pheonixmom - Glad to hear the kitchen is done. You might try posting the pictures on your My page, we can all view them there, they did not post properly here. 

Ok so I posted pics on My Page.

Phoenixmom- No I can not see them either. That cartoon has always been one of my favorites. Lol 

Hi Ladies I posted them on My page it showed that it loaded ,I'm not sure?

Old Kitchen

New Kitchen

Did they post Now?

I'm seeing that they did on my side?