NUKE moms

The pictures of Texas's disaster are so heartbreaking.  I'm with jurisprude here as far as evacuating vs staying is concerned--the last major evacuation of Houston was disastrous, with dozens of deaths in stalled cars due to heat.  Anyone who wanted to, and had the means, could have left town in advance of Harvey, let's not forget that. The governor left the decision up to local authorities, who would have been tasked with organizing the evacuees.  I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of either of these elected officials right now.

Welcome back NancyJo!  I love the picture - you have to frame that one <3  Thank you for the kind words and yep y'all are stuck with me lol! 

I was watching the news at lunch and I just can't believe the amount of flooding there is.  I can't imagine what it's like for people - it's really sad and especially to think it's not over yet.

J's/S'smom - I saw that exact picture you were talking about and the baby was so peaceful looking.

2 new members ~ Welcome angelag and Sailormom!

Here's the picture that J's/S'smom is talking about:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/photo-of-mother-and-babys-rescue-b...

Thanks J's/S'smom, I appreciate that. On a happier note, I got my form letter today and N will be graduating a week sooner than I was expecting - he was put into a div that was already started, so I'm guessing that's also why I got my letter a week sooner than I was expecting.....box and letter came the same day!

Thank you B'sNuke and J'sS's moms for that photo, it says it all, about everything. Life is precious!!

 PattiP - Yes, I am thankful for even the short amount of time I was able to have with my sailor this last weekend. And it was a lot of fun to watch the video with my youngest and see the graduation from a different angle, but also to catch every glimpse of our sailor.

I ache for those who don't know if they can afford time or money to be able to go to PIR, both for them and for their sailor. It is a big transition.

One thing I did not appreciate as much as I should have was the opportunity to see many recruits from various TG's out marching in front of the NEX while we were waiting for our sailor. Thankfully, I had a retired Navy father waiting as well and he pointed out various differences in the groups or corrections that took place while we were waiting. Then to watch the graduation again today and realize how far they all have come in such a short time. Thankfully, I had a busy enough summer that I didn't miss my recruit, too badly, but I feel for all the moms with new recruits. Before you know it though, you will be in the throws of planning for PIR, and then trying to help your sailor figure out how to get shoe polish out of their dress whites!!

Prayers continue for all the families affected by the storms. We had flash flooding here in OKC while at PIR, and then other relatives in TX, some affected some not, so we understand the concerns. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

I am a Texas mom-closer to Fort Hood in Central Texas than the south but we had nearly 2 straight days of rain and wind here with totals of about 3-5 inches-nowhere near the totals from the south.  I have family that evacuated out of Corpus Christi though my BIL who is an athletic director down there was one of the last to leave from his area.  Many things are gone or destroyed and rebuilding will take a long time but help is coming in so many forms.  My family just north of Beaumont is fine for now with some streets flooding and upwards of 15 inches in places but haven't had to evacuate.  Schools down their way are delayed at least until after Labor Day if not later.   Please keep praying!

There's so much serious going on, let's have fun for a minute this morning.  Ready to play?

One of these things is not like the others,

One of these things just doesn’t belong,

Can you guess which thing is not like the others

By the time I finish my song

 J's/S'smom - Thanks for sharing the picture. Helping us to remember what is going on, but to also rejoice that people are being rescued.

JayDee659 - thanks for the humor this morning!!

JayDee, you never fail! LOL I'm sure you smell a lot sweeter than the other 3 options.

I note with interest, Chipmunk, you said OKC. Would that be Oklahoma City by any chance? I will be there Sept. 23 for the beatification of Father Stanley Rother. (for the non-Catholics out there, that is the step just before sainthood.) He is a relative of mine. My grandmother spent much of her life in Okarche. It will be a whirlwind trip but I wish I could meet you! I'm sure there will just not be time since it will be just for the weekend.

Eaglemom, you are very close to the action.  Prayers you don't suffer too much damage. Our kiddos worry when they are far from home and terrible things happen, thus making them powerless to help. I can't remember; your kiddo is in BC? If so, your son/daughter probably isn't getting much by way of news which is a good thing.

When I was in CA my son was learning about the passing of a few celebrities that he didn't know had passed because he was out on deployment and news is so limited. I guess I didn't realize how limited news is when they're out in the big blue sea. Just as well. They have enough to think about.

Nancy Jo, affirmative. Maybe we can still figure something out.

That would be great, Chipmunk! I will reach out when we are closer to the date and have a clearer idea of the schedule.

NancyJo  sounds good!!

Hi all - Happy Tuesday!

It's wonderful seeing all the stories of people helping out & rescuing others.  There's still a lot to do and with more rain to come it will only get worse but it still gives one hope seeing everyone pull together.  There are various agencies collecting donations - just be sure to do your research and know who you are donating to.

JayDee - lolol!  That's too funny - and cute too!

Chipmunk and NancyJo - hope you guys are able to meet up even if it's just a quick visit! (But is there really such a thing as a "quick" visit lol!)

Welcome to our newest member ~ MomYmr2017!

Be sure to read the pages to the right (10) under the member profiles and look through the discussion forum above (hit "view all").  Lots of good info there.

And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have!

I like that barnyard humor, JayDee.

NancyJo We have had a beautiful 24 hours with no rain where i am in Central Texas. An hour south is still a mess.  My LO is at OCS in Rhode Island and just finished week 6 so we have had some communication.  They also let all the Texas candidates call to check on home last Friday night as Harvey was about to hit land. I was super surprised to hear from him.

I know I'm jumping way ahead here because my son is just now finishing his first week in BC but I'm thinking ahead. We live in PA and schooling will be in SC. Based on the information provided here in this group (Your Sailors schedule upon arrival to GC) that even after 8 weeks in A school they can only travel 400 miles. We live 587 miles from Goose Creek. He will be going there (if all goes well) either October 21st or Oct. 28th. So 8 weeks would be about the middle of December. What happens during the holidays? Does that mean he won't be allowed to come home around Christmas. I imagine the instructors will have some type of holiday so school will be closed. Will he not be able to come home because he lives more than 400 miles away? That would be rough!

NNLori, hi!  We live in Indiana and my daughter was able to get leave to come home at Christmas time when she was in A school.  I think (more experienced moms please jump in) that they have to put in for leave and then it's up to the decision of their chief.  My daughter flew home but drove her car back.  Since she was driving back she had to map out a route with 15 minute stops every 2 hours.  She had to list where she was going to stop which took some planning and help from mom.  Then her chief had to approve it.  

The other thing is that they all cannot leave at the same time.  She started out thinking she was coming home at New Years then at the last minute was given the option to come home for Christmas.  Who said Semper Gumby?  It's a good motto.  Despair not, I firmly believe your son will get to come home but if not, I hear Charleston is nice at Christmas, maybe you could go visit him?

NNLori - I was just jumping on hear to say that it is the difference between 'liberty' and 'leave'.  (what J's/S'smom said)  The travel restriction is for 'liberty'.  'Leave' is different.  And like others have said - leave they need to get approved - my son actually hasn't taken any 'leave' yet.

J's/S's mom lucky you!   How long will he be home?  I know you'll enjoy every minute.  What are you baking?

My oldest daughter lives exactly 1/2 way between our home and our sailor. We're headed out to her house on Friday and will get to spend some time with both our girls.  We are taking our sailors dog.  She cannot take the dog back with her due to her work schedule but they get to spend 2 days and one night together.  It's going to be a wonderful reunion but that dog is going to be so sad to see her sailor leave again. :(

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! To all of you who responded to my question. This site is amazing! You all have cleared so much up for me ProudofK thanks so much for pointing out the difference between Liberty and Leave. I hadn't  really appreciated the difference and now I do. It puts my mind at ease that he will be home at some point around the holidays even if it isn't right on Christmas. And JayDee659, believe me I am already thinking about investigating the area for vacationing so we will definitely being going down there as well. Thanks again everyone I really appreciate all the great information. Your experience and knowledge is such a wonderful resource for us newbies!! Love to you all!

Erin, they are in dorm style housing at Goose Creek.  Usually 2 to a room and they share a bathroom with another room (so 4 to a bathroom).  My daughter had me send her clothes and some of her books and movies. Others want their video games.  They will need to supply their own personal items, shampoo, deoderant, toilet paper, etc.  Do keep in mind that they must move off the base for prototype (some go to NY and some stay in GC, but even those must leave the base) and everything they acquire must be moved.  

My sailor just arrived at GC on Sat 8/26 - it has been great to hear a voice again and receive a few emails, or texts even if short. Thanks all for the comments re: Christmas - my oldest just married this summer and moved to TX with hubby. Our plans had been to visit them assuming our sailor would not be with us. Now, I find myself once again staying flexible and not planning anything, so to speak.

Last night our sailor was asking about us sending his bicycle. And getting a laptop. We suggested getting a bicycle there and I guess some of the sailors leaving for prototype might be trying to sell theirs. Re: laptop - do they have a larger NEX that sells computers, or should we buy one and ship? 

Chipmunk my daughter also wanted her bicycle and since we were going that way at Thanksgiving we took it to her.  She used it quite a bit even after she got her car.  She also needed a computer and found a great deal on-line on Black Friday.  It beat even the NEX prices.

Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

They have to put in a "leave chit" to get time off.  Make sure they pay attention to the timing on that. Their SLPO (Section Leader Petty Officer) should be able to give them info on when to do that.  Just remember it's not a guarantee they will get time off at the holiday's - someone has to be around to stand watch.  They do try to get most everyone leave time during at least one of the weeks.

Chipmunk - there is both a small NEX and a bigger NEX right there in GC.  Also there is a Best Buy that they all love to go too.  I remember years ago someone had said that the Charleston Best Buy was one of the top sellers of computer/electronics in part because of all the nukes that would show up and spend their $$ lol!  Not sure if it's still true but I bet they do a lot of business still.

Erin - you shouldn't need to send a lot of stuff to your daughter.  Most of what she needs she can get there and like JayDee said they don't have a lot of room to store things.  And they definitely don't want to leave things out or they won't pass room inspection!

J's/S'smom - mmmmm what are you baking?  I'm sure your sailor is going to be happy :)

JayDee - lucky you - a visit with both your girls!  I'm glad your sailor will get to see her puppy.

For anyone wanting to make a donation for Disaster Relief for Hurricane Harvey here's a link to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army:

http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-donate-to-the-red-c...

Here's a link to the Humane Society:

https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=23944&239...

I've heard that Amazon and iTunes are also matching certain donations.

There are a lot of ways to donate - just do your homework and make sure your donation is getting to where it's needed.

J's/S's mom I  knew what you meant!  Brownies sound wonderful.  I missed it, will the boys be home at the same time???  Sounds like you'll have a house full of love soon, lucky you!!!

If my daughter hadn't found the deal on-line the NEX was going to be where she got her computer.  They do have a bike rack at GC where they can chain their bikes (so they don't have to stay in their rooms or cars).  Just a word to the wise, they are required to wear helmets.  My daughter had never used one so we had to buy her one at Walmart.

Speaking of NEX's, I was incredibly impressed by the NEX in Norfolk.  Holy Cow, it was HUGE.  I saw that Mark Wahlberg stopped in there when he went to tour the Ford last week.  Darn, just missed him by days :(

JayDee - I think the Norfolk NEX is the largest NEX there is (at least that's what I heard).  We spent hours there lol!

Thanks for the computer replies and leave, I will pass that along to my sailor!

Erin and NNLori - and anyone else with kids still at boot camp - the first thing my sailor asked/ commented about when arriving at GC, was how to get shoe polish off the dress whites. Yours might be in the navy dress by then but helping them figure that out to buy at the RTC NEX before leaving bc might be useful. - Even if they don't purchase anything there.

Also, extra padlocks!! They were told to buy 1 for their sea bag, but at GC they need more for their rooms. My son said if he had known, he would have just bought extras and packed them in his sea bag. So, you might mention that in a letter when writing.

And yes, my son wears a helmet. He actually rode a bike a lot more than he has driven a car, so I am okay with the bike.

One last comment before getting more done with my day - Yesterday I had my first negative response to my sailor's boot camp graduation picture. I had shared it with a friend of ours at another gathering and a mom just looked at my son's picture and stated that it was not right for our country to send our young girls and boys off to war. I was speechless, like I had been slapped with a wet blanket. I didn't know what to say other than, "Well my son will be at school for two years." Maybe that is because, that is my security at the moment.

Thankfully, it was noon and I could call my husband at lunch time and visit for a few minutes. He reminded me that it has been like that for years, but it still caught me off guard. I only barely knew what bc was like, but I am proud of them and this was his decision, granted it was not the route he was going to go, until we had recruiters knocking at our door, but it was still his choice.

Thanks for letting me vent, I guess I will have to have my guard up, and my smile ready.

JayDee659 & J's/S's - enjoy your time with your sailors. Brownies and pets are both awesome for our kids, sailors or not!!

Chipmunk, I'm sorry someone said something that thoughtless to you.  A Navy mom I know had a woman say that she was glad her son was in the Navy so that her own children wouldn't have to serve.  Really?  I would have smacked her! 

Our children joined of their own choice and are doing what they love.  When my daughter was deployed I asked her if she was "safe" and she said "mom, I'm on a floating city in the ocean.  I'm safer than you are driving your car".  She was right of course.  Duh.  And she's so happy doing what she loves.  

Hold your head up girl and remember we're here for you!

Chipmunk, you just keep on smiling girlfriend. Your sailor is in for the adventure and education of a lifetime, with benefits that will far transcend his/her time of service. (free extended education, career opportunities, discounts galore on anything imaginable; plus gaining valuable maturity and confidence that stems from such a well-ordered, disciplined training program).

Take pride in knowing that your sailor's service is what allows our citizens (including your naïve friend) to sleep peaceably at night. 

People often speak before they think - I guess that's their right lol!  But we don't have to listen :)  Hang in there Chipmunk - we ALL get it!

Chipmunk, one of the reasons our children serve is to maintain the freedom of people to speak regardless of how ignorant it may be. I don't always like what is said but I will defend their right to say it. I'm sorry you got hit like that. Be proud, Sea Sister! Your son is doing something a lot of people can't even fathom. When I see my sailor and the people that surround him now in the military, I am so proud! And know that what they experience now will be with them their whole lives. Just ask any veteran about the brotherhood (and sisterhood!) of veterans. You have every reason to be proud and I can't even begin to understand why someone would vocalize such a thought as you heard even if they believe it. Who would say that to a military mother? There is something wrong with that person.

Nothing but love here, Chipmunk! This is your safe place. Hooyah!

Thank you all!! The first thing I told myself was my son is defending her freedoms - and free speech is one of them. Just like anything, until you've walked in someone's shoes, guard your comments and judgements. I have to remind myself of that more and more every day. I also now have a better connection with my sister, 10 years my senior. Her son-in-law is Air Force, and son is Army working on helicopters.

My husband was Army reserves and went through ROTC at the university our son was going to attend, but due to various circumstances, we did not reap the same educational benefits from the military as hopefully my son will. Due to our experiences, I myself have not always been as supportive of the military, so maybe I reaped a little of what I sowed. Thanks again for the encouragement and support. 

 J's/S'smom - Have fun!! Enjoy your homecoming!!

Over the years, I have realized that hurt people/ hurt people and that may have come about because of dashed hopes/ dreams, failed expectations, or any number of things. I am guilty of similar thoughts and comments, but I had not thought about it, until being on the other side of the fence.

I was very leery of my son enlisting with promises of GI bill, etc, when the promises given to my husband before he reenlisted in the reserves did not pan out for us and instead we paid on his college for years, not to mention my husband did drill one weekend a month (out of state) and then ROTC the next weekend while trying to get his engineering degree. His school was tough on their PT as well compared to some of the other universities, such that it affected his GPA.  In the end after commissioning as an officer, they had two many - for the reserves, I think - and so he ended up; going inactive. Thankfully, I didn't have him gone during the Gulf wars and a new baby, but there was a sting there, that has taken a long time to heal. I was a military wife going through all the other things that other wives went through, but nothing to show for it. To this day, my husband doesn't stand up as a veteran, because he doesn't consider himself one. If asked if he served he will say yes, but even then he doesn't say much. I had to almost nudge him with my eyes to go up at Sarge's meet n greet, when he called for veterans and who they were passing the torch to.

I must offer grace to this mom and receive it myself when I open my mouth without thinking, or hold bitterness or a grudge when I should let it go. Thanks for letting me ramble.

Erin - you may most definitely take her shopping, just keep in mind she won't have much free time and in the beginning she will have restrictions until she phases up.  Be sure to read "Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" to get an idea of her schedule.

I have so much reading to catch up!My other daughter started back to school today,so I spent the last few days taking her shopping and letting her know I'm proud of her too.lol I feel like the whole 8 weeks of bootcamp we were all so wrapped up in that,that I wanted to make sure she knew how proud my hubby and I are of her.She's 16 so I got the 'whatever' look,but at least I let her know.

In response to what Chipmunk said about negative comments,I found myself not telling any more people about my daughter's decision to join the Navy.I was so proud and excited when she swore in that I was telling everyone.Then certain friends would make comments like 'couldn't she get in to college?','she'll never make it through bootcamp'.The kicker comment was made to my daughters recruiter when he went to get her transcript(by the highschool secretary)and she said 'but she's so smart,why would she do that'.I felt so bad for the recruiter!I think if they could step back a moment,and think about what they said-they would realize how insulting it is.My husband is in law enforcement so I'm used to the negative comments about his career,but it's different when its your child.I'll say it again how absolutely in awe I was at PIR to see these amazing young people choosing to serve their country!

Safe travels to all of you heading to PIR this week!

Perfectly stated WLH!

Wow Chipmunk, I'm sorry you ran into such negativity. I'm so proud of ALL our sons and daughters it's hard to remember not everyone feels that way. Thankfully my friends have all been very supportive - some of them are ALMOST as proud as I am :) My family is full of military members of all branches, so when N first started talking about service instead of college it didn't raise any eyebrows. Honestly, the way things are on some college campuses these days I'm MUCH happier he chose this path!! Pay no attention to the negative comments - you have every right to be proud of your sailor and happy for life they have chosen!