Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Good morning Warrior Moms! :)

Welcome Navyboymom00!  This is a great place for answers and support!

NewMilmom: This military mom job is a strange world.  I knew one of my son's would probably be in the military and I thought I was pretty prepared as a Navy Brat but I find myself wanting to scream too!  My younger son has finally caught on that I need POL's (proof of life pics) and when he's in port I need to hear his voice!  I cannot wrap my head around the fact that my 1st born computer nerd (just like his EE dad) chose to join the Navy (not in a million years would I have thought this a possibility), I had visions of him working in the same city and seeing him whenever I wanted. He has even floored me with long letters, my husband keeps saying "who is this guy and what have you done with my son?"  Kidding aside, looks like I'll be a military mom to three warriors (the most beast being my sweet daughter, lol). I may skip grey and go straight to bald!  

Truth is, unless you're in it there is no way to understand the sacrifices made by military family members. That's the beauty of groups like this, we understand. We cry with you, scream with you, laugh with you and wait with you. 

Shanny: I'll have to check out that author.  Thanks!  

Well back to work!  Hello all you lovely ladies, have a blessed day! Hugs!

This Mornings Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your word and the lessons we can learn from it. I pray that my heart may be completely Yours so that I may be increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus - to Your praise and glory, AMEN.

Between Dec. 24 and Jan.14th there are no Graduations (PIR).

Recruits participate in a dynamic material inspection inside their compartment of the USS Arizona recruit barracks at Recruit Training Command. Recruits regularly practice and are inspected in proper bunk make-up procedures, and fold-and-stow procedures which emphasizes attention to detail into recruits throughout their training. Recruits learn that a standard of excellence and discipline must be demonstrated for their journey to become a Sailor in the world’s finest Navy. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

Good morning all.

Party, I have been to Vegas a lot, enough so the casinos and Fremont Street hold little charm anymore.  I do like the shows, but those are dark.  My husband hauled the steel which built City Center, I have been in the truck when he had to drive down into the pit they had when they first began. I did love santa rampage, but that's also seeing old friends and just insane fun.  My friend hates Vegas, and where we are staying doesn't even have slots in the lobby.  We're just using it as a home base. We'll have a full kitchen, pools, and hot tubs.  It's on the boulevard, but much further south.  So Vegas Lite.

Warriorprotector, your comments are right on, I believe that is so true with everything in life. You never fully understand what anybodies life is like till you walk in their shoes. I am so grateful all of the Moms here are so open with their feelings and experiences. It makes the road we must now follow not as intimidating and lonely when we can travel it together.

AntiM I visited Vegas in the 80's, my sister assures me it is nothing like that anymore. Back then it had alot of empty spaces between the casinos which you would have to walk through to get down to Circus Circus. I was scared out of my mind when a car slowed way down and was following us. The areas around are so stunning I enjoyed the natural beauty of our creator much more than the man-made version.

My system is in for one big shock tomorrow morning. I am sitting outside in 78 degree weather in a short sleeve shirt and capris but tomorrow will be bundled up when I land with a high of 16 degrees. Enjoying being with my Dad even with the ache of my Moms absence but my hubby has been calling alot and I know my place is with him. My dogs haven't been eating with me being gone either so I need to get back to them as well. Hope for Sailor calls, God Bless!

wrriorprotector- Good Morning,

So so true!! Even our friends truly don't understand what we go thru. Mine would say oh he's ok what do you mean he still has a room at your house? I'm like what?? Of course home is where ever we are and even after he starts to make his own family home is always there for our kids. No matter what!!

Have a great day!!

Anti M- that is awesome!! That's all you really need is a home base with all the wonderful comforts of home plus some!! :)

My family loves Fremont Street. I prefer Laughlin and some of the areas outside of Vegas.  :)

Phoenixmom- Good Morning, How are you?

Northwoodsmom- We are in a cold streak to but not as severe as yours and BBH's. Enjoy the rest of the time with your dad. Have a great day!!!

Wow how the weather changes so drastic NorthWoodsMom Stay safe and warm.

Hi Party I'm good working from home today, been pretty busy, hoping all is well with you.

I Have to admit I do not like Vegas ,I do not like big crowds. My Husband took me for my Birthday, and I was so ready to come home. to over rated to expensive and too many rude people. My Opinion!

OK so I'm going to switch things up...… I want to know how do you and your family bring in the New Year? Do you have a Nice dinner day of New year? Do you stay up till midnight New year's Eve and celebrate? what is is that you do?

New Year's Eve for Me, since I am alone this New Year, I will be spending the Night at a Girlfriends House and Mingling with her and her BF and Her Daughters and their Spouses. I know I feel like an Intruder, But they are all so Good too me. and I just don't feel like being alone. so to have conversation with others to bring in the New year, Is what I am going to do and I have to say I love champagne ( the good Kind)! so I need to pick a few bottles up.

New Years Day is My Granddaughters birthday the Big 18 yrs. so we Are having a Nice dinner. we are Having a Rib Eye Roast rotisserie, Salmon, Jumbo Shrimp sautéed, Lobster Tails, And Crab Legs, twice stuffed Potatoes and a Veggie. This was our Usual every New Years Day  Dinner when My Husband was here. He always wanted to celebrate the new year and leave the Old behind. So we are carrying on the tradition, plus Celebrating My Granddaughter.

PhoenixMom:  I will be alone like I always am. Probably read a book until around 10 or 11 and go to bed. I’m boring that way 

How do I celebrate the New Year?  If you want to be bored to death read this post.

I dont last past 9 pm on any night so the only way I know its a New Year is when my neighbors set off fireworks.  On new years day I usually do the Atlanta Track Club Resolution Run but everything is virtual this year.  No thanks.  And we dont do any special dinner for the holiday.  Wow...this is sad. I guess I need some ideas.  Help!

Ladies I figure to each their own whether boring or not. Me and Hubby at one time would find a nice Lounge in Scottsdale and go hang out until midnight and head home, but because things have gotten worse with wrong way drivers and what not we began to stay home more. we would sit outside with a bon fire but then we had to come under the patio because guns began to go off and then you can here them hitting your roof so inside was the best thing. we would pop champagne drink a bit and head to bed. The next day was better with a Nice welcoming dinner.

I'm actually not a boring person, people say that I'm the life of a party but who knows with my old age, I love to mingle and meet new people.

New Year's Eve: This year we are down one more family member (2 sons now in the military).  It will be me, my husband, our daughter and my bestie (we met in Spain while our dad's were stationed there in the Navy) is driving up from Jax to stay for two days!  So excited to see her, we've been besties for 45 years.  We always stay up until midnight and watch the ball drop.  We'll play board games all night waiting for the new year.  This year we are yelling JUMANJI when the clock strikes.  Lol! We toast in the new year with sparkling wine and hug each other.  We always set off some fireworks.  Then we text or call our extended family to bring in the new year.

On New Years day we'll eat spot prawns, hopping John, collard greens and a ham my husband will smoke.  We just like to hang out together!  

I don't think anyone on here could be called boring Shanny! Especially you!  Nothing wrong with a good book and contemplation.  Hugs!

Yikes, Phoenixmom!  Bullets flying...eeek!  The bon fire sounds like it was nice.  I guess it's hard right now to meet new people unfortunately.

DoriBry: We'll have to try to meet in the new year!

When I was little, my Grandma (and Grandpa ... he wasn't totally unwilling) would throw a huge bash. There was an 8-10 course meal, and by the end, there would have been 70-90 people. Some just popped in for "a bite" or "a sip", and some stayed for the whole time. The whole neighborhood was invited too. There would be a dozen or so of us kids, and we would "put on plays" and perform for the whole crowd.  Before the party, I would "help" Grandpa shop .... a case of Vodka (they were Russian), a case or two of champagne, some brandy, and several other types of liquor. Then to the Pop Shoppe to get cases for mixers and for kids to drink. Everyone came dressed up and the party would go until the sun came up. It was spectacular!!

Here, we have always had friends over for a "mini-bash" ... appetizers, shrimp, massive charcuterie platter, a themed drink pitcher or two, and my Grandma's recipe for Napoleon cake (14-16 layers when done properly). We have all kinds of confetti poppers and make a huge mess in the family room. Then 2 or 3 fireworks leftover from the 4th of July. 

Last year we did a Roaring 20's party. Everyone came dressed up and we ran a speakeasy. We had a menu of 8 20's drinks, and my sailor played bartender all night (he is still underage but he can mix them!). We played 20's music and part of the kitchen floor was cleared for dancing. Charleston anyone? It was crazy good fun.

This year? My sailor is gone. My DD and her hubby are coming on New Year's Eve Day brunch (he does not do well staying up late), and my sailor is gone. None of my friends are coming because of our stupid lockdown, and only one of my other daughter's friends is coming (a few of the others have covid right now and are in quarantine until the 3rd). My other son is here, but a party of 5 of us is so toned down that I am not even going to make Grandma's cake. We will have shrimp and some cheese and chips and dips, maybe a summer sausage. I still have some 18" confetti poppers, and 3 fireworks leftover. 

This will be our first New Year's without our sailor, but since our party plans are dead, maybe we won't miss him as much. I will miss having our party. It always reminded me of Grandma. Maybe I should make her cake after all? 

WOW your New Year's eve sound FUN! I Like so nice to know how others bring in the New Year.

I Know it is a Little down not having your Loved One here and in BC or elsewhere But I'm sure they are fine, and thinking of you all the same.

We are not on lock down but still trying to stay safe for the time being.

We use to have Partiers and invite people over and we would make menudo AND TAMALES. but not this year. My hubby would always put on a fireworks show for the grandkids. just to see their faces was good enough for him. and to see his face light up was a good one as well! My friend I am going to stay with is my bestie as well we went to high school together and have remained friends since. our girls grew up and hung out as well. our Husbands were good friends, her husband passed away a few years with Cancer. and now Of course I lost mine due to cancer. so we have a lot in common.

I will celebrate with a good bottle of Lambrusco (wine) and maybe a sip of champagne but that is it for me. not a big drinker anymore at my old age. I wish you the best ladies and Have Fun!

Warriorprotector-Yes that would be great to meet up sometime.  Especially since we dont live that far apart.  And just to be clear, my New Year plans may be boring but anyone who knows me would never say I am.  Unless its after 9.

Phoenixmom-so true!

How do I spend New Year's?

This year will be different as like a lot of us. My Sailor is still here so that is a plus. But he will be celebrating with his friends since he hasn't been here for this holiday in 3 years.

Normally I have my grand son here but his mom got mad cause I wouldn't run out and get his gaming chair on Xmas Eve even thou we already had one picked out but it was out of stock. So he will not be here for the holiday!!! Actually he hasn't been here the whole break so I was like ok. 

We still talk and text thou so I am happy about that.

We are going to smoke some meat, I will have some wine, shoot some fireworks and watch the ball come down. 

New Year's Day I always cook up a big batch of black eyed peas and corn bread.  :)

We usually have a bonfire as well but it is no burn day for a couple of days. So will have to wait on that one!!

Phoenixmom- I cooked my first prime rib on Christmas day (we smoked it) and oh my gosh it turned out so good!! We are hooked on smoking our meats now!!

Your celebrations and dinner sounds wonderful. Happy Birthday to your grand daughter.

Loved hearing your stories ladies!! Katharine I would bake your grandma's cake, warriorprotector I love it. I love the idea of shouting Jumanji we have been watching the movies. Lol We love those.  

PartyofSeven sounds Wonderful! With all the shooting that goes on, we have to be careful about the bullets coming down. so No Bon Fires. They shoot guns off around here that you cant even see across the street it's that smoky from the guns. so its pretty dangerous. Happy New year's to your Sailor and to you and the family!

Good afternoon! 

All of your New Years plans sound wonderful, filled with yummy and family time! I know this year won’t be the same but hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate like before, next year. 

Partyofseven ~ one year I made the Neely’s black eyed pea hoppin Jon soup and it was delicious! We may need that extra bowl of luck for 2021!! 

Have a great evening everyone!! Hoping for phone calls and letters to brighten your week! BNMH!! 

Phoenixmom- oh my gosh. Yes please be careful out there. I hate it when they do that. Whatever goes up must come down!!! Ugh!!!

So yes, please be careful out there. We go shooting out in the dessert with friends but the only thing we shoot off is fireworks. 

Happy New Years to you and Bud and to your family as well!!! ❤

Hi VintageGal have a Wonderful Evening and Happy new Year to you and Yours.

My girlfriend is making menudo. YUMMY! and Tamales for tomorrow evening cant wait. I still haven't been cooking although I di make a dinner last sat . cooked a Turkey and shredded it and made red chili out of it. Just made little one a DiGiorno  pizza self rising stuffed crust pepperoni. love my oven!

Boy you girls know how to celebrate, I never plan anything. I was born at 11:57 on New year's Eve so my family plans my birthday every year and it is never the same. Alot depends on the weather, snow storms can put a wrench in it all. Sometimes we go to my daughters cabin and party, other times my hubby books a room at a casino and we spend hours playing. We go dancing at other times and then if we have really bad weather my hubby cooks and even tried to bake me a cake, like I said he is a horrible cook but it is the thought so I just smile and try feeding most of it to the dogs. Most of the time even they won't eat it. Actually it is a treat to not have to plan and let everyone else take care of everything. Oh yeah they make me Pina colada frozen drinks with little umbrellas and pineapple slices, my favorite.

Katherine--I vote for the cake.  Sweet memories to bring in a sweer new year

Ok ladies help me!!!  My sailor called earlier and asked me to get him some K-cups for the Keurig on the ship. I seriously use an old fashion regular coffee pot. So...  someone recommend good ones?  Please?  I have French Vanilla coffee and French Vanilla creamer. So not sure what to get him. Told him I can send the individual creamers too...  favorite brands?  Best tastes?  Any suggestions appreciated

Phoenixmom ~ Happy New Year to you as well! The evening that you have planned with your friends sounds like a fun night! The dinner that you’re having for granddaughter’s birthday had my mouth watering!! My youngest son would LOVE that meal as would we all. He’s really into seafood! 

So I want to give an update and ask for prayer.  My son just called to say he is being sent to RCU.  Apparently he passed out and when they did tests they found a possible heart abnormality. It is not a heart murmur but they are doing additional tests in the next week.  Depending on the results he could continue on, get a waiver, or be sent home.  SUPER STRESSED. But it was so good to hear his voice.

NorthwoodsMom that sounds so sweet of your husband, and yes it is the thought that counts. My Benjamin loved cooking and I Loved his cooking, he was all about presentation, so I would come home and he would have made flowers out of the tomatoes and dress up the plate, I didn't know whether to eat it or take a picture. LOL! back in the day it was all about the cooking channel and he put a twist on all the recipes he stoled off them. LOL. for those that like to BBQ I have a recipe for you try it and tell me what you think. get some flap steak some pepper jack cheese, portebello mushrooms the big ones sliced .Pound the meat a little but don't tear it, in the middle you will put the cheese down along with the Mushrooms then you will begin to roll the meat and tie with butcher string. once cooked you will slice into medallions season it with Montreal steak seasoning. let me know how you like .

Imlaotvhe: I am so sorry!  Sending good thoughts and hugs to you and to your SR!  I am hoping the tests come back all clear!

You ladies are awesome!  I know he likes iced coffee so I am sure this will be a new experience lol

Imlaotvhe: - Prayers for your son!! It is hard to know but in the long run, if there is a medical issue, it is better to be aware of it than to not know anything. So, I am also praying for health, healing and the best outcome for him.

Katharine and & others, I enjoyed your stories - we are actually starting our New Year's celebrations tonight. My daughter came over from her apartment and we are going to play cards - Probably Nerts.

Good evening ladies!

Lmlaotvhe: I'm so sorry this has happened to your son, hopefully they can make a decision soon with the waiver option.  So stressful for him and his family.  Hugs and prayers for a quick resolution.

Shanny: Everyone in my office love the Dunkin k cups and also Coffee People k cups are really good. 

Love all the celebration ideas for New Years... I thought I had another day, man my week is so messed up!  Running to the store in the morning and hoping I can get all my ingredients!  Going to try to make crispy pork belly. My younger son was texting pics of the pork belly he made today and now I must up my game in our pork belly challenge!

All the best for a peaceful evening and a wonderful New Year celebration!  BIG Hugs Navy moms!

Shanny - Another option might be to go to Kuerig website and see about ordering directly and then shipping from there. I think you might be able to get a variety box.  It is more expensive, but might be easier than going to the store and then shipping. 

We usually buy large boxes from our wholesale store. My husband likes Folger's in general or strong dark roast, so I look for whatever is comparable. Recently, he was given some, so I haven't needed to buy anything. My husband doesn't like to spend more than $0.50 / cup and he actually prefers to find them cheaper in the $0.38/ cup. 

Unless you are wanting to gift - don't buy if more than $0.50 / cup - count exceeds dollars by double, is what my hubby says.  

DoriBry: Ha!  After 9 is cracking me up, these days once the sun goes down I'm ready to crash!  I'll just be up late because of New Years tradition and my bestie in town.  We might not sleep! :)  Look forward to arranging a meet up! 

On a side note:  It's so stinkin' hard not to use my name, my husband's name or my children's names when I'm writing! lol!  Kid 1, Kid 2 or Kid3 (Kid 1 is the one in BC right now).  OPSEC problems much! :)  Have a good night all!

Also, Shanny.... your son might be able to get the k-cups with a military discount.  Then you could just send him cash to get at a better price. 

chipmunk:  I have a Sam’s Club membership I could look next time I go...  I told him to check at the NEX and see if they have some because for me to ship it will take a while to get to him. He still doesn’t have an address and I can’t mail without one lol I went to the post office today to get my mail and the post master yelled through my mail box to come in and see her. She got in some FPO mailing boxes yesterday and wanted to give me some.  So I have been trying to figure out what I can send ASAP that he needs...  

Imlaotvhe-- I'm so sorry!! Did he have any issues ever before? I'm sure they will check into what was happening and you will hear soon (Although not soon enough for your momma heart!!)

warriorprotector-- DH= Dear Husband, DD= Dear Daughter, DS= Dear son, SR= Seaman Recruit, Sailor= sailor.  That can help make it easier to not use names. That or use their initials.