Glad for the update fingerprintchick. I am sure GC is ready for the new rounds of sailors coming their way. I wonder how many more females are headed to GC? My son's division was about half and quite a few flew out to Charleston with him.
Following up on Chipmunk's post which stated:
"Our recruit as well, had to give up church just to get all duties done for maybe 10 - 20 min to write. I was never bothered by the short letters, it wasn't till after graduation that I found out about church though. Now that he is at A school he has started trying to locate a church but that may still take some time"
My sailor was blessed by the Sunday worship at Boot Camp, but found the services at GC lacking. He now goes off base to a nearby Calvary Chapel, 4 miles from the gate, where he has gotten involved in helping with the Children's Ministry. The biggest negative is the Uber costs to and from the base.
Things must have changed at boot camp. My daughter attended church every Sunday and we received plenty of letters. The chaplain was even kind enough to give her a list of churches in our denomination in GC. I'm thankful she was at bc at a time when she could attend church and write home.
My son was able to write at least a brief note almost every night. He did tell me he was very good at shining shoes. He traded shoe shining for ironing. He said this gave him more time in the evening.
Just to follow up on the church / letter writing time. I think a lot of it depends on your sailor, their command staff, and even what other responsibilities they have. Which is why I have to remember that we all have different circumstances and everyone's experiences are not going to be the same. My son often had to stand watch at night due to his other duties in the division, so that he could not do day watches. I am sure he used his time wisely to the best of his abilities and honestly, I never really minded just the short letters. I am actually thankful I didn't find this site early on in bc or I would have been doing a lot of comparing and worrying about why I hadn't heard more.
3B's Mom, I think that is great and very resourceful of your son to trade shoe shining for ironing!! I doubt my SR thought of that, mostly to make sure he did it right himself but it might have saved time.
Regarding church, I was disappointed mostly because the recruiters had given us the impression that Sunday's would be holiday - free time, they get to take long showers, write home, go to church, whatever. Well from what my SR said, they can - but everything else their chief says also has to get done and if you were going to church you had to sign up for and still get stuff done, beforehand and if you missed church when you signed up for it, then you were in trouble. That possibility of messing up just wasn't on my son's radar, so for him it was better to just miss. Again, this may have only been his commanders, not sure but it was his experience and I only had a brief conversation about this right after PIR, so there could always be "the other side of the story." Glad those of you who commented had better experiences with your recruits. The evac last week sort of stalled the option of looking for churches at GC, but I appreciate the info. We actually had a great opportunity to phone conference our son into our Sunday School class and his comments added greatly to the discussion for a new couple who was unfamiliar with the Bible text we talking about.
Have a great weekend. B's mom, I always enjoy your little cartoon picture posts!!
I thought originally A School grads weren't going to be delayed by Irma, but it looks like they've been pushed back a week. Good thing I'm good at Semper Gumby! 'Course, that's mostly because I don't have money to do things ahead of time. LOL
Headed to Goose Creek in a few weeks to see our boy. Will get to spend the weekend with him :) (cant wait..boot camp graduation was way too short!) We rented a house close to the beach. :) (praying for no hurricanes) Any must do places to go/see and or places to eat? This is our first trip to that area! We are already planning another longer one next summer, but wanted to take him his car and some personal items now!
chipmunk when at GC my son went to Metro North for church. there are several churches to pick from depending on what you are accustom too. The Chaplin should be able to give you SR a list of them.
JayDee659 enjoy you trip to GC. I loved Patriot's Point and think it is a must see. we also walked around the old parts Charleston. Loved looking at some of the old houses and was able to go thru some of the old churches too. If in too history Fort Moultrie and fort Sumter.
My son didn't make it as a nuke. He has been rerated to another A school. I will be leaving the group. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the information. It was really helpful to read all the posts, although I wasn't a very active poster myself. I also wanted to say to any parents out there whose children are struggling, and may not make it, it's really ok. My son was disappointed in himself at first, but now he's happy. We are still so very proud of him and his service to the Navy. Best wishes everyone.
sjm4mom - we are in the same situation as you, but know that all will be just fine with those that don't pass. We were surprised that our g'daughter was looking into nukes to begin with. Now we wait and see what lies ahead. Hang in there and drop a line to keep in touch.....I sometimes feel like we're the only ones in this situation......all my love to all the others in this group; they have been wonderful
sjm4mom and carleys_nana, J's/S'smom is totally right. Thanks for being here with us and please keep us posted on what your sailors get up to in their navy futures. We all want the best for our kids but I know many of us care so much for the other sailors as they make their way. I feel like I know some of them! No matter what job a sailor does, they are part of the greatest navy the world has ever seen. I'm proud of every last one of them.
Someone mentioned earlier being glad she hadn't found the group earlier because she would be comparing what others are experiencing. I suppose we all do that a little. My son is a terrible communicator. One of the best benefits of his getting married was that his wife does a much better job of it. Those moms who hear from their sailors frequently are so lucky! My son and I are very close and when we're together it's wonderful. He just doesn't like to talk on the phone and when you ask what's new, nothing. <sigh> But I hang in there.
I talked to a woman last night who has been told she has to do mandatory overtime at her job because her company not only makes some kind of box that they need for electricity in the south and they are all under water due to hurricanes (I didn't ask details of the technology involved so forgive me) but they also make components for gas masks that they use in fires and they have gotten behind due to the fires in the west. Double whammy! We're all one country in the end, aren't we?
This morning's news reported a couple more officers have been relieved of duty due to the collisions in the 7th Fleet. Tragic all around. Prayers for all those families grieving those losses.
Have a great week, Sea Sisters! J's/S'smom, enjoy these last precious days with your sailor. {{hugs}} from all us other Navy moms!
I echo the supportive sentiments for Sailors whose paths leads to places other than Nukedom. We've been trying to tell DaughterSailorNukeintraining that "all Navy careers are good ones." So many people change career paths during, after, and even decades after, high school and college--why not here, too?
sjm4mom - tell your son nothing to be disappointed about. He will find a new rate that suits him and he will soar! We are proud of ALL our Sailor's. Best wishes to him.
StacieG5 - We did Patriot's Point too - if you sailor is in uniform they get in free. Also check out the plantations - we did Magnolia Plantation but there are several to choose from. Lots of history in Charleston - beautiful place. Hubby & I keep saying we need to go back since we didn't have enough time there. Look at the discussions above and you should find some more info on places to visit.
There's still so many people without power in FL. I just can't imagine :( And the heat they've had and now possibly other hurricanes heading that way....continuing to send prayers for everyone in FL & Texas. If you still wish to donate you might want to consider the HandinHand2017 hurricane relief or the JJ Watt Foundation.
J's/S'smom - enjoy the last bit of your visit! Get lots of hugs :)
I hope everyone had a good weekend and wishing everyone an even better week ;p
My son has realized that he may not be a nuke. He is not confident that he can make it through prototype, as his math skills are not as strong as he thought. He has made peace with this possibility, although he will still try his best. (He is still in A school.) It took some time to come to terms with it, but he's looking forward to alternative careers, if he doesn't make it. I'm so proud of what he is doing, no matter the direction it takes.
It's a very fine balance between being encouraging when your sailor is doubting himself and being realistic. We keep reminding our sailor that he's smarter than he knows, and that the navy selected him for the nuke program and they have some experience in this.
You're right, CSW. I think the best advice is think positive and keep doing your best. No effort is wasted and if a new rate is in the future, hard work will pay off in the next rate. To even qualify as nuke in the first place means he is a smart cookie. He just needs to do his best and see where it goes. I've been here more than 7 years and I've seen a lot. He'll be OK! MoMom, you can reassure him on that.
MoMom, there was a young man in my daughter's A school who had problems with math. In talking with my daughter he found that she was killing the math but had some problems with something on the mechanical side. They teamed up and helped each other out. My daughter is now on an aircraft carrier and that young man is now her husband and is assigned to a sub. Life has a way of working out, sometimes better than we could have planned.
B'sNuke, Thanks for checking up on me. I ended up quitting the Whole30 after 2 weeks, when I found out my illness wasn't costcondritis, it was pneumonia! It took 2 trips to my PCP and one to urgent care before my doc finally decided to do a chest x-ray. He was really surprised when he looked at it. I hadn't been coughing at all, just pain in my chest. Luckily a quick round of antibiotics did the trick and I'm feeling much, much better. I'll probably do the Whole30 again another time.
I just got back from 4 days at the beach with 15 other women. We are all part of a "Pints & Crafts" meetup group. We meet every Thursday evening at a bar (a different one every week) to drink beer and do crafts. Most of them are knitters, which I do not do. I'm a cross-stitcher. We did all sorts of fun crafts over the weekend: Knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, sewing, soap making, bath bomb making, sugar scrub making, paper-crafting, jewelry making and hair dying. Plus great food and drinks! It was really wonderful!! So much creativity, laughter and love!!!
PacNWmom - wow - I'm glad they figured out what is was (and wasn't) and you are feeling better now. That has to be a huge relief! Your "Pints & Crafts" sounds like fun - I wish I was closer so I could join you (I'm not a beer or wine drinker but I could have a margarita ;p )
MoMom - continue to encourage your son - your job is to be his biggest cheerleader! He'll have ups & downs (often times within the same day lol!). For my son it was Power School that was a struggle - he had to recomp - but he did it. He enjoyed Prototype the most - he liked the hands on. And now he's getting his degree in Mechanical Engineering - he wants to continue to be involved hands on. It all works out.
Thanks everyone for your very kind words. The nuke program is definitely not for everyone. My son is now at Groton for sub school, then Sonar A school arleys Nana, the only advice I have for you is to tell your granddaughter to be patient. My son was at DTP for almost 3 months before he was sent to his next training. MoMom, good luck to you and your son. If it's not his path, he will find what he is meant to do.
PacNWMom - your group sounds like an absolute blast! Wish I still lived on that coast!
B'sNukeMom - Speaking of being their best cheerleader...I sent my son a Snapchat message with the cheerleader filter and he sent back a scowling pic of himself (he rarely uses a filter) with "That's terrifying" on it. LOL! Sometimes I think his sense of humor died his senior year of HS, living with his dad. But I also think that he may not have made it in the Navy if he hadn't had that year.
I'm so much looking forward to A School grad. It got pushed back a week and that's ok. Gives me another week to make my crowded craft room into a space for him to sleep in.
Sorry I don't comment much. I read almost all the messages in email and laugh, cry and pray with you all! So grateful for this group!
Hi everyone! I'm happy to have found this group! Thanks so much B'sNukeMom!
My baby girl just got to BC last Monday. She's going to A school after graduation in Goose Creek.
She's PIR 11-10-17
StacieG5 - we just visited GC a few weeks ago. I highly recommend a Carriage tour. We had a super driver/guide. My husband and daughter aren't able to do a lot of walking so it was a great way to see and learn about a lot of the city. Also 2 great places to eat are Red's Ice House by Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant and Page's Okra Grill which is near there. Our nuke had been to Red's Ice House several times and I see why he really likes it.
NancyJo - what you shared about how your son communicates sounds so much like my son. When we're with him in person I feel like we're very close and can have some great meaningful discussions but he does not like to talk on the phone or even text that much. In high school he was never one to spend time on the phone even with his friends. So at times now I will find myself getting worried either from what other mom's are posting regarding things going on or because of my sons lack of communication - then when we do skype and especially when we went to see him in GC I could see that all is well and any worrying is for naught. So I just keep reminding myself how little he likes to talk on the phone.
It also reminded me of our conversations when I would pick him up after school - 'What did you do in math today?' - 'math stuff' - 'what did you do in science today?' - 'science stuff', etc. etc.
I'm encouraged and impressed by the attitude of those of you whose sailors find themselves either struggling or on a different path than nuke. With such wonderful supportive mom's I'm confident your sailors will do well in whatever path they end up on.
WonderGeekWoman - sorry to hear graduation got pushed back. It sounds like so far my son's grad date hasn't changed - I think they may be making up some of the time by forgoing any extra time off for Columbus day. So hopefully there are no more hurricanes - hoping Maria doesn't come anywhere near SC.
Welcome to the new moms - The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom good luck to your daughter.
PacNWmom, glad the pneumonia finally got diagnosed. Our bodies manifest symptoms in weird ways sometimes. My daughter has had urinary tract problems her whole life and when she got an infection, even as a child, there was never a symptom until it had reached her kidneys and her back ached. By then it was huge. I'm glad you got to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, that craft weekend sounds awesome! I used to craft a lot before my eyes got bad and now all I do is crochet. My daughters are crazy crafters. But what stands out is the fun of being with other like-minded women and just sharing laughter and creativity. Wish I were there too!
Welcome new moms. As you can tell from recent posts we share worries and triumphs alike. Hang on for the crazy ride that is the navy. Hooyah!
WonderGeekWoman - glad the extra week will help you out! Although I'm sure no matter what the room looks like your son will be happy to be home for a visit - enjoy! And don't worry about not commenting much - the main thing is that you know we are here for you!
NancyJo and JayDee - I made ribs in my IP on Sunday. First time and they were delicious! And yesterday we had leftover ribs and I made the Syracuse salt potatoes - they were wonderful (and so easy too!). If you haven't tried them you must!
B'sNukeMom, what recipe did you use for your ribs? I've been thinking about them but haven't pulled the trigger yet. The fact that the time is never right on my chicken recipes has me jumpy about trying new things. I don't really trust it yet.
Welcome The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom - glad you joined us. Your daughter will head to GC (Goose Creek) after PIR. She'll stay in GC for both A school and Power School. For her last school - Prototype - she could either stay in GC or go to Ballston Spa, NY. The whole process for nuke school - from PIR to Proto grad takes approximately 2 years. Be sure to read "Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" on the right under the member profiles. This will give you an idea of the time frame. I've also posted some other topics that give a good description of the different schools - read through those as you have time - and of course feel free to ask any questions you may have!
JayDee, I don't know if this is helpful but if your meat isn't completely thawed you have to add cook time. Also, if your meat is thick, like a whole chicken breast, that adds time also.
Yes, what recipe for the ribs? And I never heard of those potatoes.
NancyJo, I understand what you're saying, but when the recipe is "how to cook frozen chicken breasts" and the time is more than 50% off you have to wonder.
I've been seeing recipes for the salt potatoes and they're on my list to try! They look delicious.
NancyJo - I bought pre-seasoned ribs at Costco - pork - 2 racks. I put them on the trivet (curled up), about 3/4 can of coke, 1tbsp ACV and a couple splashes of liquid smoke. 27minutes manual, HP. Then I did a NPR for 15 minutes. Took them out, cut them up, slathered with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce & into the oven at 450 for about 15 minutes. Delicious! I also bought a 5 lb bag (at Costco) of these little tiny potatoes - they are bite size. 6 cups lukewarm water, 1 cup sea salt into the IP - stir to dissolve. Then just drop in the potatoes (3 lbs worth). 2minutes manual HP and then 15 min NPR. Strain into a colander - they will dry in a few minutes. I melted some butter & poured it over the top - they are so creamy inside - and they weren't too salty. Really good.
JayDee - I agree - some recipes need some tweaking. I still haven't tried the frozen chicken breasts alone yet mainly because I see so much variation in the time. I need to get brave & just do it!
*Sorry this isn't nuke related but a few of us have bought the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and we've been comparing recipes. Something fun to do and share :)
Hello, everyone! Sorry I haven't introduced myself yet. I joined because my son beta qualified for the Nuke program and had submitted his package for approval/acceptance. He just got the call on Friday that his package was accepted! He currently has a ship date to RTC next July, but was told that would likely change now that he's been accepted. At this point we're waiting for the new ship date to RTC. But I am so excited for him as he has wanted to be in the Nuke program since his Sophomore year in high school. He is currently a senior and is in the DEP.
B'sNukeMoM and JayDee... I cook frozen chicken breasts in my IP ALL the time! I shred them to throw in those premade bagged salads. If the breasts are the bagged frozen breasts that tend to be cut up breasts (smaller pieces), I do 25 min and then QR. If I freeze breasts from the package then I do 30 min and QR because they're a bit bigger/thicker. They shred perfectly every time!
Havasu - thank's for chiming in! Your son's ship date could very well change but at least with him being in high school you know it won't be any sooner. My son spent 10 months in DEP and his never changed. Just be prepared to be flexible :)
So back to the IP - it's nice to see someone else with one too! So you don't have any problem doing a QR on your chicken? I thought meat was supposed to be a NPR? Do you use trivet or no trivet and what liquid & how much do you use?
Thanks for the welome! My son ships to Great Lakes tomorrow, and so we really begin this new adventure! I'm sure I'll have many questions for you more experienced ladies once I just get through tomorrow! This one is one of my oldest of four boys, and the first one to leave home. His twin is staying home and attending college, so this is so hard! But I am so very proud of him, and excited to watch him grow and serve!
NukeBoyzMom - be sure to join the Boot Camp group. There you will find lots of info on what to expect during boot camp. Biggest thing is to keep your phone on you at ALL times because you never know when you might get a phone call. And remember "No new is good news!"
Tell your recruit he needs to make sure he stays in good physical shape as he prepares for RTC. His preparation prior to bootcamp will help! Our sailor went in a bit later in life....was working for the Union Pacific but furloughed for over a year and decided to switch paths. I think those two years of community college and working on the railroad made a difference in his ability to handle some of the challenges of NUKE school, but there are times when he still needs our support. This go round in power school has really been pushed because of the hurricane and now it's playing havoc with their schedule which means classes even on weekends now. We just keep telling him each day done is one day less to do! This is an exciting time for all and you should be very proud of your son!
Chipmunk
Glad for the update fingerprintchick. I am sure GC is ready for the new rounds of sailors coming their way. I wonder how many more females are headed to GC? My son's division was about half and quite a few flew out to Charleston with him.
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Friday!
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I hope you remembered your RED today ;p
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome LadyBug3 to the group!
Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to BoyWonderMom's Sailor! I hope he has a wonderful day ;p
Sep 15, 2017
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom I've not heard of the movie but would like to see it. I checked and Netflix doesn't have it :(.
I've got my red on and am heading out to host a sporting clays event for one of our customers. Ya'll have a great weekend!
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ TahoeZephyr!
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
JayDee - I think it 's just a Showtime thing. Here's a preview for it:
http://www.sho.com/video/33865/a-game-of-honor---army-vs-navy-footb...
Sep 15, 2017
Gmom
"Our recruit as well, had to give up church just to get all duties done for maybe 10 - 20 min to write. I was never bothered by the short letters, it wasn't till after graduation that I found out about church though. Now that he is at A school he has started trying to locate a church but that may still take some time"
My sailor was blessed by the Sunday worship at Boot Camp, but found the services at GC lacking. He now goes off base to a nearby Calvary Chapel, 4 miles from the gate, where he has gotten involved in helping with the Children's Ministry. The biggest negative is the Uber costs to and from the base.
Sep 15, 2017
JayDee659
Sep 15, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Sep 15, 2017
3B'smom
Sep 15, 2017
Chipmunk
Just to follow up on the church / letter writing time. I think a lot of it depends on your sailor, their command staff, and even what other responsibilities they have. Which is why I have to remember that we all have different circumstances and everyone's experiences are not going to be the same. My son often had to stand watch at night due to his other duties in the division, so that he could not do day watches. I am sure he used his time wisely to the best of his abilities and honestly, I never really minded just the short letters. I am actually thankful I didn't find this site early on in bc or I would have been doing a lot of comparing and worrying about why I hadn't heard more.
3B's Mom, I think that is great and very resourceful of your son to trade shoe shining for ironing!! I doubt my SR thought of that, mostly to make sure he did it right himself but it might have saved time.
Regarding church, I was disappointed mostly because the recruiters had given us the impression that Sunday's would be holiday - free time, they get to take long showers, write home, go to church, whatever. Well from what my SR said, they can - but everything else their chief says also has to get done and if you were going to church you had to sign up for and still get stuff done, beforehand and if you missed church when you signed up for it, then you were in trouble. That possibility of messing up just wasn't on my son's radar, so for him it was better to just miss. Again, this may have only been his commanders, not sure but it was his experience and I only had a brief conversation about this right after PIR, so there could always be "the other side of the story." Glad those of you who commented had better experiences with your recruits. The evac last week sort of stalled the option of looking for churches at GC, but I appreciate the info. We actually had a great opportunity to phone conference our son into our Sunday School class and his comments added greatly to the discussion for a new couple who was unfamiliar with the Bible text we talking about.
Have a great weekend. B's mom, I always enjoy your little cartoon picture posts!!
Sep 16, 2017
WonderGeekWoman
I thought originally A School grads weren't going to be delayed by Irma, but it looks like they've been pushed back a week. Good thing I'm good at Semper Gumby! 'Course, that's mostly because I don't have money to do things ahead of time. LOL
Sep 17, 2017
StacieG5
Headed to Goose Creek in a few weeks to see our boy. Will get to spend the weekend with him :) (cant wait..boot camp graduation was way too short!) We rented a house close to the beach. :) (praying for no hurricanes) Any must do places to go/see and or places to eat? This is our first trip to that area! We are already planning another longer one next summer, but wanted to take him his car and some personal items now!
Sep 17, 2017
JayDee659
Sep 17, 2017
topdog1p
chipmunk when at GC my son went to Metro North for church. there are several churches to pick from depending on what you are accustom too. The Chaplin should be able to give you SR a list of them.
JayDee659 enjoy you trip to GC. I loved Patriot's Point and think it is a must see. we also walked around the old parts Charleston. Loved looking at some of the old houses and was able to go thru some of the old churches too. If in too history Fort Moultrie and fort Sumter.
Sep 17, 2017
mattsmom
Sep 17, 2017
sjm4mom
My son didn't make it as a nuke. He has been rerated to another A school. I will be leaving the group. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the information. It was really helpful to read all the posts, although I wasn't a very active poster myself. I also wanted to say to any parents out there whose children are struggling, and may not make it, it's really ok. My son was disappointed in himself at first, but now he's happy. We are still so very proud of him and his service to the Navy. Best wishes everyone.
Sep 17, 2017
carleys_nana
sjm4mom - we are in the same situation as you, but know that all will be just fine with those that don't pass. We were surprised that our g'daughter was looking into nukes to begin with. Now we wait and see what lies ahead. Hang in there and drop a line to keep in touch.....I sometimes feel like we're the only ones in this situation......all my love to all the others in this group; they have been wonderful
Sep 18, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
sjm4mom and carleys_nana, J's/S'smom is totally right. Thanks for being here with us and please keep us posted on what your sailors get up to in their navy futures. We all want the best for our kids but I know many of us care so much for the other sailors as they make their way. I feel like I know some of them! No matter what job a sailor does, they are part of the greatest navy the world has ever seen. I'm proud of every last one of them.
Someone mentioned earlier being glad she hadn't found the group earlier because she would be comparing what others are experiencing. I suppose we all do that a little. My son is a terrible communicator. One of the best benefits of his getting married was that his wife does a much better job of it. Those moms who hear from their sailors frequently are so lucky! My son and I are very close and when we're together it's wonderful. He just doesn't like to talk on the phone and when you ask what's new, nothing. <sigh> But I hang in there.
I talked to a woman last night who has been told she has to do mandatory overtime at her job because her company not only makes some kind of box that they need for electricity in the south and they are all under water due to hurricanes (I didn't ask details of the technology involved so forgive me) but they also make components for gas masks that they use in fires and they have gotten behind due to the fires in the west. Double whammy! We're all one country in the end, aren't we?
This morning's news reported a couple more officers have been relieved of duty due to the collisions in the 7th Fleet. Tragic all around. Prayers for all those families grieving those losses.
Have a great week, Sea Sisters! J's/S'smom, enjoy these last precious days with your sailor. {{hugs}} from all us other Navy moms!
Sep 18, 2017
SailorsLIMom
Sep 18, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Monday!
sjm4mom - tell your son nothing to be disappointed about. He will find a new rate that suits him and he will soar! We are proud of ALL our Sailor's. Best wishes to him.
StacieG5 - We did Patriot's Point too - if you sailor is in uniform they get in free. Also check out the plantations - we did Magnolia Plantation but there are several to choose from. Lots of history in Charleston - beautiful place. Hubby & I keep saying we need to go back since we didn't have enough time there. Look at the discussions above and you should find some more info on places to visit.
There's still so many people without power in FL. I just can't imagine :( And the heat they've had and now possibly other hurricanes heading that way....continuing to send prayers for everyone in FL & Texas. If you still wish to donate you might want to consider the HandinHand2017 hurricane relief or the JJ Watt Foundation.
J's/S'smom - enjoy the last bit of your visit! Get lots of hugs :)
I hope everyone had a good weekend and wishing everyone an even better week ;p
Sep 18, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Sep 18, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome to our newest member ~ Stasi!
Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Sep 18, 2017
MoMom
Sep 18, 2017
CSW
It's a very fine balance between being encouraging when your sailor is doubting himself and being realistic. We keep reminding our sailor that he's smarter than he knows, and that the navy selected him for the nuke program and they have some experience in this.
Sep 18, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
You're right, CSW. I think the best advice is think positive and keep doing your best. No effort is wasted and if a new rate is in the future, hard work will pay off in the next rate. To even qualify as nuke in the first place means he is a smart cookie. He just needs to do his best and see where it goes. I've been here more than 7 years and I've seen a lot. He'll be OK! MoMom, you can reassure him on that.
Sep 18, 2017
JayDee659
MoMom, there was a young man in my daughter's A school who had problems with math. In talking with my daughter he found that she was killing the math but had some problems with something on the mechanical side. They teamed up and helped each other out. My daughter is now on an aircraft carrier and that young man is now her husband and is assigned to a sub. Life has a way of working out, sometimes better than we could have planned.
Sep 18, 2017
PacNWmom
B'sNuke, Thanks for checking up on me. I ended up quitting the Whole30 after 2 weeks, when I found out my illness wasn't costcondritis, it was pneumonia! It took 2 trips to my PCP and one to urgent care before my doc finally decided to do a chest x-ray. He was really surprised when he looked at it. I hadn't been coughing at all, just pain in my chest. Luckily a quick round of antibiotics did the trick and I'm feeling much, much better. I'll probably do the Whole30 again another time.
I just got back from 4 days at the beach with 15 other women. We are all part of a "Pints & Crafts" meetup group. We meet every Thursday evening at a bar (a different one every week) to drink beer and do crafts. Most of them are knitters, which I do not do. I'm a cross-stitcher. We did all sorts of fun crafts over the weekend: Knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, sewing, soap making, bath bomb making, sugar scrub making, paper-crafting, jewelry making and hair dying. Plus great food and drinks! It was really wonderful!! So much creativity, laughter and love!!!
Sep 18, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
PacNWmom - wow - I'm glad they figured out what is was (and wasn't) and you are feeling better now. That has to be a huge relief! Your "Pints & Crafts" sounds like fun - I wish I was closer so I could join you (I'm not a beer or wine drinker but I could have a margarita ;p )
Sep 18, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
MoMom - continue to encourage your son - your job is to be his biggest cheerleader! He'll have ups & downs (often times within the same day lol!). For my son it was Power School that was a struggle - he had to recomp - but he did it. He enjoyed Prototype the most - he liked the hands on. And now he's getting his degree in Mechanical Engineering - he wants to continue to be involved hands on. It all works out.
Sep 18, 2017
sjm4mom
Thanks everyone for your very kind words. The nuke program is definitely not for everyone. My son is now at Groton for sub school, then Sonar A school arleys Nana, the only advice I have for you is to tell your granddaughter to be patient. My son was at DTP for almost 3 months before he was sent to his next training. MoMom, good luck to you and your son. If it's not his path, he will find what he is meant to do.
Sep 18, 2017
WonderGeekWoman
PacNWMom - your group sounds like an absolute blast! Wish I still lived on that coast!
B'sNukeMom - Speaking of being their best cheerleader...I sent my son a Snapchat message with the cheerleader filter and he sent back a scowling pic of himself (he rarely uses a filter) with "That's terrifying" on it. LOL! Sometimes I think his sense of humor died his senior year of HS, living with his dad. But I also think that he may not have made it in the Navy if he hadn't had that year.
I'm so much looking forward to A School grad. It got pushed back a week and that's ok. Gives me another week to make my crowded craft room into a space for him to sleep in.
Sorry I don't comment much. I read almost all the messages in email and laugh, cry and pray with you all! So grateful for this group!
Sep 18, 2017
The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom
My baby girl just got to BC last Monday. She's going to A school after graduation in Goose Creek.
She's PIR 11-10-17
Sep 18, 2017
ProudOfK
StacieG5 - we just visited GC a few weeks ago. I highly recommend a Carriage tour. We had a super driver/guide. My husband and daughter aren't able to do a lot of walking so it was a great way to see and learn about a lot of the city. Also 2 great places to eat are Red's Ice House by Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant and Page's Okra Grill which is near there. Our nuke had been to Red's Ice House several times and I see why he really likes it.
NancyJo - what you shared about how your son communicates sounds so much like my son. When we're with him in person I feel like we're very close and can have some great meaningful discussions but he does not like to talk on the phone or even text that much. In high school he was never one to spend time on the phone even with his friends. So at times now I will find myself getting worried either from what other mom's are posting regarding things going on or because of my sons lack of communication - then when we do skype and especially when we went to see him in GC I could see that all is well and any worrying is for naught. So I just keep reminding myself how little he likes to talk on the phone.
It also reminded me of our conversations when I would pick him up after school - 'What did you do in math today?' - 'math stuff' - 'what did you do in science today?' - 'science stuff', etc. etc.
I'm encouraged and impressed by the attitude of those of you whose sailors find themselves either struggling or on a different path than nuke. With such wonderful supportive mom's I'm confident your sailors will do well in whatever path they end up on.
WonderGeekWoman - sorry to hear graduation got pushed back. It sounds like so far my son's grad date hasn't changed - I think they may be making up some of the time by forgoing any extra time off for Columbus day. So hopefully there are no more hurricanes - hoping Maria doesn't come anywhere near SC.
Welcome to the new moms - The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom good luck to your daughter.
Sep 18, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
PacNWmom, glad the pneumonia finally got diagnosed. Our bodies manifest symptoms in weird ways sometimes. My daughter has had urinary tract problems her whole life and when she got an infection, even as a child, there was never a symptom until it had reached her kidneys and her back ached. By then it was huge. I'm glad you got to the bottom of it. Meanwhile, that craft weekend sounds awesome! I used to craft a lot before my eyes got bad and now all I do is crochet. My daughters are crazy crafters. But what stands out is the fun of being with other like-minded women and just sharing laughter and creativity. Wish I were there too!
Welcome new moms. As you can tell from recent posts we share worries and triumphs alike. Hang on for the crazy ride that is the navy. Hooyah!
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Hi all - Happy Tuesday!
WonderGeekWoman - glad the extra week will help you out! Although I'm sure no matter what the room looks like your son will be happy to be home for a visit - enjoy! And don't worry about not commenting much - the main thing is that you know we are here for you!
NancyJo and JayDee - I made ribs in my IP on Sunday. First time and they were delicious! And yesterday we had leftover ribs and I made the Syracuse salt potatoes - they were wonderful (and so easy too!). If you haven't tried them you must!
Sep 19, 2017
JayDee659
B'sNukeMom, what recipe did you use for your ribs? I've been thinking about them but haven't pulled the trigger yet. The fact that the time is never right on my chicken recipes has me jumpy about trying new things. I don't really trust it yet.
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Welcome The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom - glad you joined us. Your daughter will head to GC (Goose Creek) after PIR. She'll stay in GC for both A school and Power School. For her last school - Prototype - she could either stay in GC or go to Ballston Spa, NY. The whole process for nuke school - from PIR to Proto grad takes approximately 2 years. Be sure to read "Your Sailor's Schedule Upon Arrival to GC" on the right under the member profiles. This will give you an idea of the time frame. I've also posted some other topics that give a good description of the different schools - read through those as you have time - and of course feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Sep 19, 2017
The Unicorn Navy Nuke's Mom
Thanks for all the warm welcome's everyone :)
Sep 19, 2017
NancyJo (NNPTC)
JayDee, I don't know if this is helpful but if your meat isn't completely thawed you have to add cook time. Also, if your meat is thick, like a whole chicken breast, that adds time also.
Yes, what recipe for the ribs? And I never heard of those potatoes.
Sep 19, 2017
JayDee659
NancyJo, I understand what you're saying, but when the recipe is "how to cook frozen chicken breasts" and the time is more than 50% off you have to wonder.
I've been seeing recipes for the salt potatoes and they're on my list to try! They look delicious.
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NancyJo - I bought pre-seasoned ribs at Costco - pork - 2 racks. I put them on the trivet (curled up), about 3/4 can of coke, 1tbsp ACV and a couple splashes of liquid smoke. 27minutes manual, HP. Then I did a NPR for 15 minutes. Took them out, cut them up, slathered with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce & into the oven at 450 for about 15 minutes. Delicious! I also bought a 5 lb bag (at Costco) of these little tiny potatoes - they are bite size. 6 cups lukewarm water, 1 cup sea salt into the IP - stir to dissolve. Then just drop in the potatoes (3 lbs worth). 2minutes manual HP and then 15 min NPR. Strain into a colander - they will dry in a few minutes. I melted some butter & poured it over the top - they are so creamy inside - and they weren't too salty. Really good.
JayDee - I agree - some recipes need some tweaking. I still haven't tried the frozen chicken breasts alone yet mainly because I see so much variation in the time. I need to get brave & just do it!
*Sorry this isn't nuke related but a few of us have bought the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and we've been comparing recipes. Something fun to do and share :)
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Another new member! Welcome to NukeBoyzMom! Feel free to jump in with any questions/comments you may have.
Sep 19, 2017
Havasu
Hello, everyone! Sorry I haven't introduced myself yet. I joined because my son beta qualified for the Nuke program and had submitted his package for approval/acceptance. He just got the call on Friday that his package was accepted! He currently has a ship date to RTC next July, but was told that would likely change now that he's been accepted. At this point we're waiting for the new ship date to RTC. But I am so excited for him as he has wanted to be in the Nuke program since his Sophomore year in high school. He is currently a senior and is in the DEP.
B'sNukeMoM and JayDee... I cook frozen chicken breasts in my IP ALL the time! I shred them to throw in those premade bagged salads. If the breasts are the bagged frozen breasts that tend to be cut up breasts (smaller pieces), I do 25 min and then QR. If I freeze breasts from the package then I do 30 min and QR because they're a bit bigger/thicker. They shred perfectly every time!
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
Havasu - thank's for chiming in! Your son's ship date could very well change but at least with him being in high school you know it won't be any sooner. My son spent 10 months in DEP and his never changed. Just be prepared to be flexible :)
So back to the IP - it's nice to see someone else with one too! So you don't have any problem doing a QR on your chicken? I thought meat was supposed to be a NPR? Do you use trivet or no trivet and what liquid & how much do you use?
Sep 19, 2017
NukeBoyzMom
Thanks for the welome! My son ships to Great Lakes tomorrow, and so we really begin this new adventure! I'm sure I'll have many questions for you more experienced ladies once I just get through tomorrow! This one is one of my oldest of four boys, and the first one to leave home. His twin is staying home and attending college, so this is so hard! But I am so very proud of him, and excited to watch him grow and serve!
Sep 19, 2017
B'sNukeMoM⚓️MMN(Vet)
NukeBoyzMom - be sure to join the Boot Camp group. There you will find lots of info on what to expect during boot camp. Biggest thing is to keep your phone on you at ALL times because you never know when you might get a phone call. And remember "No new is good news!"
http://navyformoms.ning.com/group/bootcampmoms
Sep 19, 2017
CSW
Havasu-welcome!
Tell your recruit he needs to make sure he stays in good physical shape as he prepares for RTC. His preparation prior to bootcamp will help! Our sailor went in a bit later in life....was working for the Union Pacific but furloughed for over a year and decided to switch paths. I think those two years of community college and working on the railroad made a difference in his ability to handle some of the challenges of NUKE school, but there are times when he still needs our support. This go round in power school has really been pushed because of the hurricane and now it's playing havoc with their schedule which means classes even on weekends now. We just keep telling him each day done is one day less to do! This is an exciting time for all and you should be very proud of your son!
Sep 19, 2017