NUKE moms

ProudNukemom - Awesome picture!  Congratulations to your son.  

Bigsky21 - I totally understand what you mean about your son being a different man coming out of boot camp.  My son was not big on the mushy stuff and now he tells me every time we talk he loves me and thanks me often.  It warms my heart.  Also, when I offer to send him stuff, he tells me not to worry about it, he can get it himself!  A complete 180 from before boot camp.

Kai cat - that's great.  Gotta love boys who want to make their moms happy!

Co-twinsailorsMom - oh my goodness! And here I was relieved that my boot camp letter writing days were over.  Boy how naive is that!!   

Oh almost forgot, I briefly spoke to my sailor today and asked about the roommates.  They are all the same rate, including his suitemates.  He said they try to group the rates together when possible.

Mona - welcome to the group!!  The mom's here are the bomb!  As far as your sailors needs in GC... Chipmunk and Kai cat pretty much covered it.  My sailor preferred to buy his own stuff at the mini NEX.

Letters - I have not sent letters to GC.  We text or call.  I have sent a few packages but I need to step up my game. He has a test tomorrow and is stressing out about it.  He receive a care package from his church youth group today and it really brightened his day.  

WLH, thank you.

Both my husband and I wrote regularly to our sailor while be was in GC.  Sometimes I sent small boxes of cookies or smoked salmon and local cheese. The small boxes from the post office were perfect sized, they cost about $7 to mail no matter the weight or distance. I followed B'snuke suggestion, kept a stack of them in my vehicle with tape, ready to send any time.

When he was in A School and PS and living on base, the mail room would sometimes get lazy about searching for large boxes I sent. So I taped them with bright colored duck tape, so my sailor could describe the box color. This worked. 

Ladies with all this talk about mail I thought I'd mention that my daughter always told me to send any packages UPS and to give her the tracking number.  She found that she had an easier time picking up the package when she could give them the tracking number.  We had very bad luck with packages send USPS.  My daughter sent me a gift via USPS and it never appeared.  She had a tracking number and they still couldn't figure it out.  She eventually had to demand the money from the insurance.  It just seems that the mail is not so reliable in Goose Creek, either on or off the base.

Rebecca, I'm so glad that you got to go to that, sounds like it was an incredible experience.  I will say that experiencing your child's ship/sub makes all the difference.  It somehow makes it easier when you can picture where they are and what their surroundings are.  I was fortunate enough to spend a few days on my daughters carrier for a Tiger Cruise.  That experience gave me a whole new perspective. Now when she calls and says "oh that hall that we take, or the rack in the next 6 pack" I can picture it and her and it just makes me feel much better.

As for being a NUB it's all part of the life.  My daughter was relieved to finally be qualified at something and those "somethings" grew quickly.  I'm sure he'll bond with the crew and be part of the team in no time.  My daughter isn't super social and it has surprised me how quickly she's bonded with her shipmates.

kai cat - I agree with what has already been said.  My sailor prefers emails and texts, so once he got back his phone and laptop, he really preferred communicating that way.  Although he has said many times he just doesn't have time to communicate.  He does like getting a package now and then, so I just ask him, what can I get you that you can't get there and he asks for snacks - mostly protein bars.  He asked for some sheet music too.  He plays piano and apparently there is one there so on occasion he plays.

Happy 1st day of spring!

RebeccaJ - so glad you had a good time at the commissioning.  I did see some pictures online and yes, it did look cold!

B took us on a tour of the Truman during one of our visits to VA and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  Even though it's a large carrier I still can't believe how small some of the areas are.  With that being said I just couldn't imagine being on a sub!

B'sNukemom - I needed that laugh!! Loved the plant sign!!

Anyone else trying to plan trips with AAA online TripTik - I just figured out how to turn off the annoying red dots!! You will understand if you have dealt with it. (They aren't points of interest, just the AAA offices!!)

Thank you Chipmunk, and Kai Cat for the help!! My son said he will be able to get some things the day he arrives, but he is not a shopper, and I assume will be tired, and adjusting to his new surroundings. Trying to give him all the support and help I can. I like the idea of shipping some stuff over ahead of time! :) 

Bigsky21 - DesertRose - I totally get what you mean about your sailor being a totally different man coming out of boot camp.  Growing up my son's bedroom always had 2 piles of clothes thrown on the floor - one clean and one dirty.  Most of the time I couldn't tell which was which.  He seemed oblivious. And when it came to homework and study more because he could do better and he just said, I'm doing just fine.  Then he went to BC.  When I went to PIR, we met  to go to dinner after and as I walked ahead he stopped me and said wait, your tag is showing.  Something he never would have not even noticed before.  And because he was THU, we spent and had extra days, we went to Chicago and walked along the lake and got ice cream and he refused to walk while eating saying, not in uniform.  And he held my chair at the restaurant and then when it was time for me to go back home he made sure to hug me and say Love you mom.  I was so impressed by the change in him.  And then when he got to GC, he texted me to say how relieved he was because his roommate was neat and they did really well on inspection.  And after his first exam he says I did really well, but I can do better, I just will put in more study time. At this point I was thinking about that movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and wondered who was this person.  :-)

Rebecca J  - that is so great that you actually got on the sub to see.  And to see the commissioning.  Incredible indeed!!!

soccermom, we all have those stories. I have said here many times I gave the navy a boy and he came out of BC a man. Now he is married with kids and is so responsible. During this last deployment his wife had to have their dog put down. It was heartbreaking. When I emailed my son he said he left that dog to take care of his family and now they don't have her any more. He feels that responsibility, and it's the same at work. This was the kid who didn't crack a book and coasted by on charm. Now no more slouchy shorts and stupid t-shirts. He holds chairs and doors and always looks for ways to be considerate. Thank you Uncle Sam!

Mona - I don't think it is a good idea to send items to GC ahead of time before your son arrives there.

Also, there are many other sailors in the same situation as your son. Yes, they are tired but they will have the weekend to figure things out and it really is in their best interest to learn what to buy (laundry supplies) and where to buy them. it sort of connected all of them, I think to be able to start going and doing things on their own, that didn't mean I didn't have phone calls (and we were still traveling home) but my son, who other than camps, had never been away from home, was figuring out on his own what he needed to do.

Sending the extras like clothes, etc, I did after he was there a couple of weeks. ( I gave him his tennis shoes with his cell phone at the airport.)

As Moms we are use to doing things for our kids, and unlike when they go off to college, we aren't there to help the set up their dorm room, etc - so this feels very awkward for us, but they get it and they figure it out and if they have a great roommate that has been there, they will help them out with a few things.

Just for some perspective - if they fly out early they will be settled in GC by mid afternoon in their BEQ and have time to deal with things on Sat afternoon / eve and Sunday.

We do plan on meeting up with our son at the airport to give him some essential, Phone, Laptop, Socks, Underwear, Shoes exc.. Thought about getting a Walmart card, and maybe a Subway card to help him get started, Thanks again for all the suggestions.

My son was never much of a letter writer, he generally calls once a week with an occasional text or two during the week if he needs something :)

I try to send a care package once a month - his dollar shave club stuff still comes to the house so I send him that, plus protein bars, snacks, etc, but after the first one I sent sat for about a week before he even knew it was there I now mail to a local lady who loves making sailor deliveries - you can find her in the facebook group "Navy Nuke School and Power Training Unit Goose Creek & Ballston Spa"...she's easy to spot, she posts a picture of your sailor when she makes a delivery. Just pm her and she will give you the details.

Got a text from my son last night.  A School graduation is April 20th.  Anyone else with the same date?  He is 1803.  If so, give a shout out

And if anyone has any suggestions or recommendations or just general things that are good to know including places to stay overnight, please share.  Thank you!!!!

Commenting on the "conversion" conversation. My son sent me flowers for Valentines Day this year. What?? I thought they were from my husband until I read the card which said, " I love you so much and I am thankful for everything you do." Those darn Naval allergies kicked in big time. He's a great kid who is turning into a thoughtful and responsible adult. Something I just don't think would have happened as quickly if he had gone another route. 

It is so wonderful reading all your comments about how your sailors have become men.  I recall a story from when my sailor was home on leave and we were attending his cousins wedding.  The grooms dinner was held at the church hall after the rehearsal and the floors had recently been waxed.  We were moving some chairs and tables around and my son mentioned that we needed to be more careful as waxing floors was not an easy job to do.  I had to do a double take, because I could not believe that the comment came from him.  The skills they learn in the Navy.  

Rebecca, I can relate to your comment about your son being very quiet and reserved upon seeing him the first time after joining the fleet.  Quiet and reserved was not my sailor when he was growing up.  He was the talker in the family.  After a few hours he did return to his talkative self. 

He is doing well and continues to study so that he can get all his qualifications completed.  Currently out on an underway, and preparing for his first deployment in April.  It will certainly be an adjustment not being able to talk or text him, but I know he is happy and doing well so that keeps me grounded.

Thanks to all you ladies for sharing your stories, they are my lifeline.

 Rebecca J - It is just so exciting you had a chance to do that! I hope that I get the opportunity to do the same same thing when the time comes!

Buzzbeck - I am going to definitely use some colored duct tape on my packages thanks to your info!

soccermom19 - LOL! My son was also one of the ones with 2 piles of clothes on the floor - a dirty and clean! - and that's why I was so shocked when we saw him for PIR and he told us how to fold laundry the "right" way!

Mona - Just like Chipmunk says - Us moms want to buy everything and get all their stuff set up and ready for them at GC - like my son just did - he wanted to get his own lock and his roommate helped him with laundry supplies - I told him like 6 times to "just tell me what he needs and I will send it" but he wants to be a man and take care of himself and purchase his own things.  I just need to let go and let him! Also- not how helpful a Walmart card will be, but a NEX card and a Subway card and a Panda Express card would all be helpful because they are all on base - also my son and his roommate just got Domino's this weekend, so maybe a Domino's card too.

I guess they are in a tornado warning right now at GC and need to stay in their rooms. Also - I guess my son might be classing up tomorrow! With about 13 ppl.  He also sent me a nice video of the rain and puddles right now - but there is a beautiful forest right outside his door.  It is so strange to me (being from Michigan) that the door to their rooms go right outside - but it actually looks nice.

We're under a winter storm warning and have about 1/2 inch of snow in the ground. 

My Nuke is great at adulting as long as she doesn't have to talk on the phone.  Her best friends grandpa passed away last week and my Nuke called to tell me (the call actually surprised me as I thought she was on an underway). In any case, her exact words to me were, "do you know how to do that flower thing for the visitation?"  Goofy kid managed to send flowers to her husband while she was deployed on their anniversary but couldn't pick up the phone to call our local florist. At least she still needs mom.

Nukelukesmom - That is so sweet he sent flowers!

I'm happy to say my Nuke was home for the week I was off Spring Break.  It was a great time for his visit!  He caught up with his high school buddies, and had plenty of quality time with his girlfriend.  (They will have dated 3 years next month.)  

Now he's off to drive from Florida to Washington State and report sometime around the end of the month.  He will be on the Jimmy Carter as an ELT.  

Meanwhile, I'm a teacher in Florida, and we are wanting to move to SW Missouri or NW Arkansas.  I just got my Missouri Teaching Certificate and my Arkansas one should arrive any day now.  I've applied for 5 teaching jobs in Missouri and NOT ONE has called.  When I follow-up, I'm met with the, "Don't call us, we will call you," type of routine.

If there is any constructive advise out there, I'm open to it.

Rebecca J - Are you in the Philadelphia area?

Nukelukesmom - WOW!!!! That is so awesome.  Flowers!!!!  Lucky mama!!  That would have made me cry for sure!!!  :-)

I love reading all these comments, even though I don't always make my own comments!  All the chats here really make a difference for me!  I can really relate to these stories about your sons becoming men.  My son graduated high school last May, graduated Boot Camp in November and is in A school right now.  I can't begin to tell you how much he has matured.  I am so incredibly proud of him (and at times, don't even recognize him compared to the boy I had to pretty much drag out of bed last year to get to school on time!).  The Navy really does change them for the better.  For a son who was notorious for not telling me anything, he now calls home every Sunday and I just love our chats.   

My son was also one with clothes all over the floor - I have no clue how he knew which ones were clean and now... well, my goodness it's a complete 180!

HockeyLaxMom  How very true!

Me:  How do you even know those are clean socks? 

Son:  By the smell mom!  

I haven't been on here for over a week! There are so many exciting things happening - it just makes me smile to hear how everyone's kids are enjoying their experiences. I burst with pride thinking of what our son is going to be doing and then I tear up thinking about the times we won't be able to talk to him let alone see him! Thank you everyone for all the sharing on this page!! 

I am not sure, maybe if they sent them to me and I sent them to the obundsman. I doubt it though as I was instructed on how many to send. There is only so much room on the boat. Last time he deployed there was once where someone was going to meet the boat and would bring mail, so we got to send a card then. 

Isn't it true, you spend 18 years training this child of yours to be a good and independent person. Then one day, they leave and become what you wanted them to be.....But you are going, "wait, I was not ready"

can't seem to load the dolphins video.

So true CO_TwinSalorsMom. Seems like just the other day they we young people. I am still not ready.

Rebecca J  - Yes, it is.

Thanks for the laugh BsNukeMom!  Love the 'we wet our plants' picture.

Momc - not only did my sailor also learn how to wax floors, he also spent time scrapping the old wax off.  Nothing like hard work to make you appreciate what you have.  ;)

CO-Twin - Thanks for sharing the info on the letters during deployment!

Pooh'sMom - yes, FL to WA is a long drive. If he can take a month and enjoy the sites, there are a lot along the way. We have traveled to WA from MO and OK., and from several different routes - lots of pretty country. Now I am looking forward to driving east again with A school graduation coming up.

Regarding the job applications - something dawned on me - it is still early in the 2nd semester. Some principals might know of teachers leaving, but others not. Are these actual job openings that were posted, or did you just send in your application?  You may not hear things until the end of April, possibly even in May at the end of the school year, when they can start focusing on new hires. So, keep sending applications and don't loose heart.

Night all, great chatter today.

Chipmunk - Yes, I'm glad he has time to enjoy the drive.  
Who is graduating from A School?  Did I miss something?
Yes, I've sent resumes for posted positions for next year, but I'm hoping as the year ends, there are more job postings.

Does anyone know if there is a specific FB group for moms of officers at Goose Creek? The one listed on a previous posts (Navy Nuke School and Power Training Unit Goose Creek & Ballston Spa) indicates it is for moms of enlisted sailors. 

Pooh'sMom - my son is in his final weeks of A school, graduating the first part of April. And then my youngest daughter graduates the first part of May from OCU here locally. Never a dull moment in my family. My eldest, the teacher, is waiting to find out where her husband's job takes them before pursuing a new position for the next year.

Hi all - Happy Wednesday!

Pooh'sMom - fingers crossed something will come up soon!  I'll bet once it gets closer to the end of the school year things will start happening.

Not sure if it's the first day of spring or April Fools day here.  It started snowing yesterday and we're at 8" or so.  I'm working from home so my dogs are thrilled!  Sailors dog is white so this is the perfect camouflage for her  Here's my back yard today:

JayDee659 - Absolutely beautiful!!!  Great view!!!  I have a white dog too.  She is very small - 12 lbs.  There is no way to tell where she is when it snows like it will today.  Just getting started here. 

Jaydee- it’s beautiful! I know for you and those in the east dealing with these storms it might not feel that way. But your pic looks peaceful and beautiful.  Hope you and all are safe! Prayers to you all!

B'sNukeMoM⚓️MM  - LOL!!! Love it!!  I have to steal that one and post on my FB.

Ceej0347 it's pretty peaceful here.  It's still snowing and if the branches get too heavy we could have some power outages but so far so good!  I have friends further east and they've really gotten the brunt of this storm. 

Rebecca, hope your power stays on and that you can stay home today.

My sailors dog is a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix and is about 70#.  While she is visible in this picture, the black markings on her only aid with her snow camo.  She loves cold weather and just refuses to come in when it snows.