Thank you everyone for all the welcomes! My Sailor Son is 19, he is my youngest, I have 3 other sons. My second to youngest just got an apartment a month ago which made me an empty nester! Brandon will be going to Yokosuka I believe. He is a MA. I was so shocked when he called and said Japan! I thought he would hear about possible stations and we would get a chance to talk about it. He passed the OC spray on Monday and picked his station the next day! He said he was hoping for Spain but the sailor before him chose it. From what I've been reading on this site I'm sure he will be happy and I will be happy for him but he's been so close with my husband and myself that I am finding this very difficult. I also don't like flying and have usually found other ways to get where I'm going but you can't get any farther than Japan unless you are going to the moon.
Oh - Blondie that is the perfect thing to give up for Lent - Winter . Still laughing.
Barb - fantastic. You even received a responds. Will be joining my 2 cents worth soon.
Hey Miss :). Right only in the south. My aunt in TN was saying how they closed when they get a what we call up north a dusting of snow. And we have one derby go long already. The cars were to close for comfort for the judges - so the cars ran alone and were timed. The District race is April 13 - that will be my long day.
WAIT - BADma - you are telling us to wait for stories?ok we will , but I'll complain. Wishing a beautiful day for the wedding :).
Hi Huskies :). By the way - WAIT is a bad word for us Navy Moms and it will be the one word you will hear alot. I'm still not use to it. Hng on - we are right beside you :).
Hey got some news . Sailor cannot come home, but we can go to him!!!!! Leaving today and will get to be with him for weekend. So now you all have to "wait" for details :).
Huskies...My son reports to Okinawa with MEF in the Fall. He told me it's a 3 year deployment. I take a deep breath before I say that out loud. Gotta ask, are you in Washington....as in north of me here in Portland Oregon?
Well...to all of you walking wounded...I joined your ranks. Had a cortisone shot in the left knee yesterday (love the long acting anesthetic used!) because I tripped back stage in the dark (they forgot to charge the glow tape with a flashlight) and tweaked that knee. This left knee has been through a lot since 1982 when I originally injured it in an instructors aerobics class. After 3 ACL reconstructions, 2 arthroscopic cartilage clean-ups, it tends to get injured. Also the same side as the torn plantar plate (doing Yoga) and sprained ankle (Tupac tripped me up going downstairs). There is a word in Yiddish that describes me to a "T"...KLUTZ!
BADma...LOVE THAT PICTURE!!
I did have a wonderful conversation with my Corpsman yesterday. He is doing soooo well. I love hearing him talk about what he is doing. He has been teaching ACLS with his buddy an HM3 in addition to his work in the clinic, killer workouts (really...legless rope climbs in combo with crunches?). He just moved into housing off base with the HM3 and is learning to drive a stick shift as he bought a 2000 Outback (also known as the State Car of Oregon). He hasn't burned out the clutch yet and he discovered that you can't start from a dead stop in 3rd gear! LOL! I have a car that is a standard transmission and I won't let him drive it yet! He will be coming home in the middle of April for 11 days.
Weather here...rain...rain...rain. It's okay. It's putting lots of snow in the mountains so it's okay.
Drama Soul, No, we are in N.E. PA. He is just finishing A school and I was just wondering what happens next. All I know is Yokosuka, Japan. No details yet.
Huskies...it may depend on their rate, I think.My son is an MM and had a 3 year contract. He is out of Japan later this Spring. He arrived there in May 2011.
Huskies, it will be spelled out on his orders. My sailor just became a navy recruiter, just over an hour from you. Middletown, NY. I live west of Philly. I predict another Japan mom meeting.
Drama Soul, I'm a klutz too. I love the term "walking wounded".
Hi Ladies!Even though i don't comment often i read your post every day. I didn't realize so many of us are in Pennsylvania either. I'm in Wyncote Pa right outside of Philly. My Sailor is on the GW and will be there at least 2 more years of a 3 year contract. He loves it there.
Huskies...you WILL survive because you have found this page and this great group of moms. My sailor will be at another far away duty station for 2 years after he leaves Japan. I, however probably will not leave this page because these ladies are so great, fun, loving and understanding.
I hope I can remember what i want to say. I have been laughing so hard. Between teh pics and stories. Gee - so glad I peed first.
Oh, Hi.
What a surprise for the bride!!!! Her brother home for her wedding. Oh what a great picture of him meeting his niece. And we need more details of the wedding - we are dying here for DETAILS . Start sharing BADma.
Ok - so did you get a puppy?
So big and bad Angel. Maggs - write a book! It would be hilarious. And look at the great pic Blondie found. When I saw it, I thought of Angle even before I read it.
Blondie - volcano ? Where ? All ok? Glad you had some spring weather.
Kim - sounds like Navy Pan Mom of PA greet and meet.
And Drama - ouch ! I have heard one is to say " break a leg' to an actress before a show for good luck. But it appears you are very dedicated.
Well, I got the hug first ! When we finally arrived , he ran into my arms and just held me so tight. He told us how happy he was that we came. We then went out to The Irish Lion to eat. The place made me feel like Ireland. Food - excellent. The Irish Coffee - yummy. Naturally I had to end the meal with a 5 layer chocolate cake.
The next day we drove to Louisville, Kentucky. Sailor just had to see the Louisville Slugger Factory/Museum. He even purchased a bat with his name on it and the Cub logo. One happy boy there. Then we visited one of the many mansions built in the early 1900. So beautiful and all the details to their lives. I thing that sticks in my mind was seeing the cruise diary of the young lady of the home. She wrote about her everyday events.And being at the captain's table - Mr Smith. by the way - this captain later became the captain of the Titanic. that is when I got chills.
Even though our visit was short, I got many hugs and he got to talk and talk. Good for all of us. He was in Indiana for a training and he had the weekend off.
Well, its late, I need to sleep. I have to bead some patches in the morning.
I think I'm slowly starting to get back to the land of the living. Our Sailor left out the 3rd and has been able to call his Dad once. He said that he got a cell phone but doesn't have internet and couldn't get the phone to work. He's posted some pictures on FB as well...so we at least know he's eating and drinking. When he first got his orders he told me this was 4 years over there but when he came home that changed to two years. Nothing he's told us originally has been correct. That's why I love ya'll! I've gotten more information off this site that's been right than he has being in the Navy. :D
He was here for a month so I know I've been away from things for a while and the time change really kicked my &*$ yesterday so I couldn't get anything done at work.
I haven't even thought about finishing his room or trying to figure out how to send the flat rate boxes with his goodies to Sasebo without an address. For that matter, I'm not sure how to ship overseas anyway. When my Dad was stationed in Japan, my Grandparents would send letters to California base and they would send them on from there...I'm sure things have changed in the last 40 some years...this was way before me...
Huskies, you have found the right place to be. These people are amazing! I'm afraid I didn't get to read all the details but I thought there was something about a puppy...
As a proud dog Mom of 3; Raven, 16 yr old Lab mix; Reese, 3 yr old Pit Bull; and Annabelle, 1 year old Blue Heeler, I can tell you, almost nothing takes up more time than a new puppy. Except maybe a baby. We got Annabelle at 6 weeks and she's adorable but a handful and very smart. Raven and Reese have been very patient with her and my husband takes her to work with him every day. Here's a pic of her and her big brother with the new toy he just had to get for her. Well, that he talked me into buying for her. It's a great big rubber ball with a handle on it. Sort of shaped like those heavy things you see the strong men throwing...don't know what they are called.
It has been 8 days now and I am starting to feel more excitement than heartache. I know he's safe and happy and off on the adventure of a lifetime. This is what we all want for our children, right? His brother's having a difficult time with it but it's getting better for him as well. Since their mother went back to her home (5 hours away) it's been easier on all of us.
Drama, I hope your knee feels better soon. My mom has some experience with those shots. She gets them in her back. Said it makes both legs numb sometimes but not right away so it's always a surprise when it happens. But they do help...for a while.
OH! I forgot to tell ya'll. We went to Longhorn Steakhouse on Sunday, the night before he left. He had been asking to go since they don't have those in Florida and had a few family and friends go with us. He wore his digi camo for them so their pictures would turn out better (his words). Our waiter asked if he was coming home or leaving and they talked about it a little. When the check came, the manager came out and told us his meal was on them and thanked him for his service. I was a very proud Navy Mom and was almost in tears over it. I know I had this big stupid grin on my face, but I'm so glad they did that.
The flat rate boxes just go to the post office and you fill out a customs form. The post office handles them until they get to the fleet PO, then the Navy handles them until they get to the post office on base in Japan. Is he on a ship? It isn't hard to find the general FPO address.
That was a terrific thing for the manager of the Longhorn to do!
BADma, love the pictures! Beautiful bride and handsome hubby! They look very happy. I love the one with you and your good looking Sailor. Looks like you survived! Please share more pictures.
I am one blessed and thankful Mom (every day) but feeling it today for sure. My daughter is on Spring Break and working on getting everything together for Mission Fuge this summer. She is in Jackson, MS about 4 /12 - 5 hours from home. She called yesterday that she had been involved in a traffic accident on the interstate. The traffic in front of her stopped and she managed to stop but the car behind did not. He drove her into the SUV that was stopped in front her and that lady into the car in front of her. My daughter is fine, just really sore, her air bags deployed and the one on the drivers side hit her in her chest, so she said it was very sore this morning. She's got a rental car and is busy again this morning. She has a friend that lives right outside of Jackson that she called he came to her aid, and helped to get the rental, and her back to the campus that she is staying at this week. I will have to go to Jackson and get her on Thursday and then we will be car shopping this weekend. She is sad about her car, but I told her they are made and bought everyday. I am SO THANKFUL SHE IS OKAY! When she sent me the pictures of her car, it brought me to my knees. GOD IS GOOD!
Grayce and Huskie, hang in there! I promise it does get easier. When you know they are getting an opportunity to see and do things that otherwise they would never get to do, it makes it easier for them to be so far away. Always, be excited with what they are telling you, no matter how much you are missing them. They will love calling home to share their excitement if you share this with them. Come here to share your frustrations, we all understand and will listen and be supportive.
Blondie, you crack me up! Hang in there girl. I would love to send you some of buttercups that are blooming!
OH...the Longhorn Manager story reminds me...after the wedding rehearsal, The Hubmeister, sailor & honey, bride to~be , groom and myself went to dinner. When the waitress brought our bill she said we were only charged for 5 meals and partial bar tab because their manager comped our sailor's tab. I cried...I always read those stories and think they are so cool.
DramaSoul-welcome to the walking wounded club! Had a PT session today and have exercises to do for my ankle. I also have bad knee, but have learned to live with that! Good luck with your production!
BADma-great wedding photos-looks like the weather was beautiful too. Glad sailor could make it to the wedding.
Mississippi mom-glad to hear your daughter was not hurt-a similar thing happened to me years ago and I ended up with whiplash-did therapy for that too.
Okay, I read that moms say "Saying farewell to their sailor at leave is worse than when they left for boot camp". I have been in a funk ALL day because last night was my time for farewell. He is staying at his honey's. They had plans for today. Tomorrow is go time.I am really trying to take comfort in knowing that is time in Japan is almost up.
All the stuff I wrote disappeared! What did I do? Well anyway I will try tomorrow. Got to get some sleep. The people from the rescue are coming to do a home visit tomorrow night! This might really be happening!!! I feel...pregnant!
I sent a package to my sailor on the USS Bonhomme Richard on Feb. 15. Will I get know when he receives it? Any way to contact him? Trying to sell his car, but we do not have written consent.
My daughter is on uss Ashland which is in same fleet. She has a navy email that she can check sometimes. They do not have wifi and will not be able to use their phone. Packages will eventually get to them.
Another reminder to think before you post. Although this page is a 'closed group', it's a good reminder too think before posting on other social medias.
Good to hear of sailors being acknowledged for their service:)
cbcmom-everything is out there so lightning fast these days, most people just assume everyone knows. Good reminder, they need to get some protocol in place to avoid these situations, if that is even possible in this day and age.
AntiM, love the bright colors. nice fridge:)
Badma, Love all the great pics-your sailor resembles you. Your daughter looked beautiful! You too-love the dress color. What a great wedding gift that your sailor was able to attend-special times:)
T-lynn, yeah! road trip to see sailor. What an interesting weekend you had! That is a great story about the ship's captain.
Missmom-So glad your daughter is ok! So scary.
Dramasoul-ouch, hope it heals nicely.
Maggs, uh oh, look out dog! Cute story. Amazing sky! I could look at that pic all day.
Grayce-hugs to you-always harder on us than on them. Glad he is settling in and happy.
Good luck with computers Blondie!
We had that huge temp drop here too. 50's yesterday. Blizzard today, going down to 5 degrees tonight. About 15 in. of snow-all schools were closed and many businesses. Grateful that no one had to leave the house as it rained before the snow and it was very slick out there. It's been a long winter, but it's pretty and it melts, so we're good.
Blondie...I need to remember to check out your posts AFTER I have emptied my bladder! I almost wet my pants every time!
BADma...love the pictures!!
Actually...love all of the pictures everyone posts. The knee is getting better...slowly. I was told it would be 2 weeks post-cortisone injection before I might feel better. I was feeling a little sorry for myself, especially when I have only 2 more performances. Generally when you put a character to bed after the run of a play, there is some grieving. This one is a little more personal since I was really channeling my grandmothers and mother for this show. Just when I was starting the pity party, I heard from my son. He sent me texts thanking me for always knowing the right gift to get him. When he graduated from A school in Ft. Sam, I had given him a really high quality stethoscope engraved with his name. For his birthday, last week, I sent him a professional quality otoscope (for checking ears, noses and throats). He said he has used them EVERY MORNING when he does triage at the clinic. His fellow Corpsmen and his superiors have all commented on his good equipment (and his ability to diagnose with said equipment). He actually sent me texts thanking me!! And...I didn't have to prompt him as this just came out of nowhere! Sigh. I am so easy. It takes so little to make me happy. :)
Maggs...love Pi day. My daughter is a 4th grade teacher. My mom was a teacher and I was married to a teacher. I LOVE teachers! Don't ya' just love those 'aha' moments when you can see the light bulb go off above their heads?
Barabara10/08....love the picture. Reminds me of the movie 'Cars'!
I got to work at 0615 and I can hear the birds tweeting in the trees outside my operatory! We actually had SUNSHINE yesterday....yep...right here in Portland, Oregon! Too many exclamation points?
Have a great Friday and a super weekend. In one month my Corpsman will be home for 11 days. Not getting excited or anything. I did text him the Passover goodies I would have when he was here. He said he was drooling. :-)
Because I live in a city, it is illegal for residents to push their snow (or leaves in fall) into the street or gutters. Doesn't mean people don't do it, but the city can fine them if it is bad enough.
Lots of early flowers now, johnny jumps ups (violas), crocus and a few daffodils. My hyacinths and and tulips are showing green and even the bleeding hearts have heads above the soil now. Almost time for real gardening! Too early for most veggies, we have to wait for Mother's Day or run the risk of spring freezes. I guess my spinach can go in, and I can get some pansies for the front planters.
Beautiful wedding pics. And love how our sailors are honored with a free dinner. Nice feeling :).
Hope everyone is doing better, hurts ( emotional and physical) are getting lighter and soon will be gone.
Adding my thankful heart - your daughter is ok!
Its always good to hear from sailors, their voices can make our day.
Oh National Pie Day!!! So what kind of pie is everyone having? I think it will pumpkin here.
but Maggs - your bragging about your kids was one of the best stories . Please brag more. And remember - it is because of you those kids enjoy learning.
And weather - *_)*(^*^%&+_))+_))(* here .
Really Spring is around the corner?
Sorry, didn't mean to be a bummer. For some reason I cannot get my groove even going. Since the change of time, I cannot get caught up. I feel like I am doing nothing but hurrying to finish a project - only to find out when I do - I am late finishing another. Anyone else feeling this ?
And hubby is seeing better and better. Only thing is both eyes are trying to be dominate. So that is some difficulty. BUT guess who is catching a cold - again? Right - hubby ! Can't get it out of this place. So tomorrow I am on attack. BLEACHING the bathroom - washing all teh beddings andsteam cleaning teh kitchen . I have to find a way to get this cold bug out of here. Jack Daniels is not enough!
Need to get - have to get ready to play with the cub scouts.
I love the pictures. Badma, your son looks like you. So adorable. Do you remember the soon to be new Navy Mom that joined us for lunch? I spoke to her today for about 45min. Her son has been at boot camp for a short time now. She just got the box. We talked about all kinds of things. I was happy to be able to talk to her. I hope I helped her a bit.
I really love hearing all the stories. My world is boring compared to some of you. Our weather is good, no snow. No rain. No weather at all. Wait, it was a bit humid out today and there was some rain. Just enough to get my truck dirty but not enough to wash it clean. I don't have family drama. So I just read all of your stories and laugh, cry, worry and pray with all of you.
I'm just being lazy on my sofa right now. Puppies at my side and waiting for the hubby to get home from work. He always stops at some fast food on his last day before his 5 days off. What will it be, McDonalds or Taco Bell? He is a junk food specialist. The puppies want McDonalds. They love to beg for food. And he loves to share with them.
Have a great weekend everyone.
I'm with Blondie. What is a steam punk flying saucer? I've heard of steam punk jewelry. Kathy, maybe you could share a picture.
Blondie, I would welcome you anytime. The only problem is my guest room is filled to the top with car parts. My hubby has decided that all the parts that came off the 65 mustang he is building need to be in that room. Maybe you could sleep in the sofa. Anytime my dear, anytime.
Had a GREAT time at the St. Patricks Day parade here in Scranton today! No news on puppy yet. Home visit lady didn't think fenced area was big enough! Maybe they want me to fill in the pool...
BADma I guess it doesn't get any easier saying goodbye. I am looking forward to having my son back home after A school but don't know how I'm going to hide my feelings as each day that goes by will be one closer to Japan. I keep thinking of the day we drove our son to the recruiter station before Basic. I was sitting in the back seat and my husband and son were in the front. I was starting to panic and all I wanted to say was turn the car around and go home.
Mississippi Mom, thanks for the advice. I had my first experience with keeping it positive when my son told me he was going to Japan. I tried to sound excited by the news! I told him how happy I was for him and how it would be a great adventure. I'm glad he couldn't see my face though! My husband said my face was so red my blood pressure must have been through the roof!
Hi all! I'm way over due to be checking in and I've been pacing the floor for the past hour worrying about my husband and youngest so in an attempt to calm my nerves I thought what better place to go than Navy Moms! They have been on their annual all guy trout fishing trip since Thursday and have had great weather but this morning Mother Nature decided to drop a bomb and drastically dropped the temps and is giving us freezing rain & sleet which is suppose to change over to snow...yesterday was 75 and sunny!...anyhoo they are on their way home but the road they have to travel is hilly, curvy, no shoulders, no cell service for over half the trip, and they are pulling our camper. If they weren't pulling the camper I wouldn't be so worried but I keep having these visions of that camper sliding all over the place on the icy road and them crashing! I'll be sooooo relieved when I see them pull in. Our state does a good job of putting chemicals on the roads but that's not giving me much consolation right now...sigh
On to another story....to help get my mind off things! I am blessed with a very fun loving family and yesterday me, my mom, sisters and nieces had a girls day out. We went to check out a new local winery which I must say was the prettiest around. We got there at noon and it was suppose to close at 4:00 but we didn't leave till after 6:00...the owners were awesome and the wine was great! We originally planned the day to celebrate my oldest sisters birthday...now she happens to be the fuddy dud of the family and very seldom partakes in our girl days but we had hoped she would join us so we could surprise her with a little bday celebration. On Friday she informed us she would be going but she didn't show yesterday. That didn't totally surprise us even though we were disappointed (we had brought gifts and cupcakes) but the real clincher was when we took mom home dad tells us that Sandy (the oldest) had come by to visit him. She had to drive right past the winery we were at. She knew we were there and didn't stop! Ugh I guess there's one in every family! We'll probably all think twice before inviting her to the next outing.
Ok I've ramble on long enough thanks for listening. I'll try to check in more often. Love all your stories and pictures!!!!
Hubby and son arrived home about the time it switched over to heavy snow. I was so relieved to see them pull in that I ran out to the driveway to greet them and my husband gets out of the truck laughing "now that was a slippery ride" uuuggghhh MEN! It's probably a good thing I wasn't on this trip I may not have been able to handle the ride home!
joshmom...thank you for letting us know they got home safe!! I have a relative like your sister. Sigh.
Huskies...I know I will be in the same frame of mind. My son will actually be home a couple of times before his forward deployment to Okinawa. I have always kept it positive since he is so excited about this choice. But when I am alone with my cats, it's crying time. I am guessing I will be here a lot when he actually leaves. Right now I am adopting Scarlett OHara's attitude....I won't think about it now. I will think about it tomorrow at Tara!
So the whole break-a-leg thing my friends have stopped saying to me since this isn't the first time I have injured a foot or leg for my art! The show just closed. I am going to miss this show. Playing my grandmother was such a joy. We brought a lot of joyful memories to people who saw it. Now I have to get my tax stuff done. Oh joy!
Joshmom, So glad to hear your family is home safe. Thanks for letting us know. Sounds like you had a great time at the winery, leaving 2 hours after closing!!!
I have been sitting at my desk at home for a couple of hours now. Backing up my pictures from my phone to my computer, or at least one of my computers. I have a laptop and an Mac desktop that used to be my sailors before he left for the Navy. He got a new laptop and we got his old Mac. Its been 2 years that I have been using the Mac and it still confuses me at time. My cell phone is acting funny so I thought I better copy the pictures before I loose them. So many important pictures, my sailor at MEPS, Graduation, and all kinds of pictures of my puppies.
Since I have been looking at all these old pictures, I found a funny one of my sailor. It was during his visit after A school and before C school and leaving for Japan. The look on his face makes me laugh. I will try to post it.
My sailor. Oh my, how I miss that young man. This was taken in our back yard. You can almost see the 2 puppies at the bottom left. They were running around in the yard. Its so hard to believe its been over a year since this was take.
Josh mom, I wonder if you asked your sister if something is wrong. I can't imagine not wanting to be with my sisters any chance I can. They have gotten me through some of the worst things life can throw at you. There is nothing like sisters!
DramaSoul, what does "forward deployment" mean? What is your son doing now? It is funny you said "I won't think about it now". The last couple weeks before my son left for Basic I kept planning where we would go and what we would do everyday so I wouldn't have time to think. I think it's a gift to be able to NOT think!
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY tomorrow everyone! May your day be filled with shenanigans and green beer!
Huskies....My son referred to his next duty station as being a forward deployment with a Marine unit. It is considered sea duty...at least that's what he told me. He will not be coming home for 3 years. The Navy will ship his stuff to Okinawa. He is a Corpsman with the Marines and is currently stationed in 29 Palms Marine base in California.
Shelly...love the picture! My Sailor doesn't wear his uniform when he's home. He looks great in it but he only wears it when he has to. He does not travel in it either. He prefers to travel 'under the radar'.
Huskies
Mar 6, 2014
T-Lynn
Hi All !
Oh - Blondie that is the perfect thing to give up for Lent - Winter . Still laughing.
Barb - fantastic. You even received a responds. Will be joining my 2 cents worth soon.
Hey Miss :). Right only in the south. My aunt in TN was saying how they closed when they get a what we call up north a dusting of snow. And we have one derby go long already. The cars were to close for comfort for the judges - so the cars ran alone and were timed. The District race is April 13 - that will be my long day.
WAIT - BADma - you are telling us to wait for stories?ok we will , but I'll complain. Wishing a beautiful day for the wedding :).
Hi Huskies :). By the way - WAIT is a bad word for us Navy Moms and it will be the one word you will hear alot. I'm still not use to it. Hng on - we are right beside you :).
Hey got some news . Sailor cannot come home, but we can go to him!!!!! Leaving today and will get to be with him for weekend. So now you all have to "wait" for details :).
Wish all a great weekend hugs
Mar 7, 2014
BADma
Mar 7, 2014
Huskies
Mar 8, 2014
DramaSoul
Blondie...that could be my cat Tupac!
Huskies...My son reports to Okinawa with MEF in the Fall. He told me it's a 3 year deployment. I take a deep breath before I say that out loud. Gotta ask, are you in Washington....as in north of me here in Portland Oregon?
Well...to all of you walking wounded...I joined your ranks. Had a cortisone shot in the left knee yesterday (love the long acting anesthetic used!) because I tripped back stage in the dark (they forgot to charge the glow tape with a flashlight) and tweaked that knee. This left knee has been through a lot since 1982 when I originally injured it in an instructors aerobics class. After 3 ACL reconstructions, 2 arthroscopic cartilage clean-ups, it tends to get injured. Also the same side as the torn plantar plate (doing Yoga) and sprained ankle (Tupac tripped me up going downstairs). There is a word in Yiddish that describes me to a "T"...KLUTZ!
BADma...LOVE THAT PICTURE!!
I did have a wonderful conversation with my Corpsman yesterday. He is doing soooo well. I love hearing him talk about what he is doing. He has been teaching ACLS with his buddy an HM3 in addition to his work in the clinic, killer workouts (really...legless rope climbs in combo with crunches?). He just moved into housing off base with the HM3 and is learning to drive a stick shift as he bought a 2000 Outback (also known as the State Car of Oregon). He hasn't burned out the clutch yet and he discovered that you can't start from a dead stop in 3rd gear! LOL! I have a car that is a standard transmission and I won't let him drive it yet! He will be coming home in the middle of April for 11 days.
Weather here...rain...rain...rain. It's okay. It's putting lots of snow in the mountains so it's okay.
Okay...back to Saturday...laundry...my favorite.
Mar 8, 2014
Huskies
Mar 9, 2014
BADma
Huskies...it may depend on their rate, I think.My son is an MM and had a 3 year contract. He is out of Japan later this Spring. He arrived there in May 2011.
Mar 9, 2014
Kim
Huskies, it will be spelled out on his orders. My sailor just became a navy recruiter, just over an hour from you. Middletown, NY. I live west of Philly. I predict another Japan mom meeting.
Drama Soul, I'm a klutz too. I love the term "walking wounded".
Mar 9, 2014
Huskies
Kim, I live just north of Scranton. GREAT place to visit!!!
Mar 9, 2014
dawny64
Hi Ladies!Even though i don't comment often i read your post every day. I didn't realize so many of us are in Pennsylvania either. I'm in Wyncote Pa right outside of Philly. My Sailor is on the GW and will be there at least 2 more years of a 3 year contract. He loves it there.
Mar 9, 2014
BADma
Huskies...you WILL survive because you have found this page and this great group of moms. My sailor will be at another far away duty station for 2 years after he leaves Japan. I, however probably will not leave this page because these ladies are so great, fun, loving and understanding.
Mar 10, 2014
DramaSoul
Blondie....PRICELESS!!!
Mar 10, 2014
Huskies
Mar 10, 2014
Anti M
Yay! Puppy stories!
Mar 10, 2014
Huskies
Mar 10, 2014
T-Lynn
I hope I can remember what i want to say. I have been laughing so hard. Between teh pics and stories. Gee - so glad I peed first.
Oh, Hi.
What a surprise for the bride!!!! Her brother home for her wedding. Oh what a great picture of him meeting his niece. And we need more details of the wedding - we are dying here for DETAILS . Start sharing BADma.
Ok - so did you get a puppy?
So big and bad Angel. Maggs - write a book! It would be hilarious. And look at the great pic Blondie found. When I saw it, I thought of Angle even before I read it.
Blondie - volcano ? Where ? All ok? Glad you had some spring weather.
Kim - sounds like Navy Pan Mom of PA greet and meet.
And Drama - ouch ! I have heard one is to say " break a leg' to an actress before a show for good luck. But it appears you are very dedicated.
Well, I got the hug first ! When we finally arrived , he ran into my arms and just held me so tight. He told us how happy he was that we came. We then went out to The Irish Lion to eat. The place made me feel like Ireland. Food - excellent. The Irish Coffee - yummy. Naturally I had to end the meal with a 5 layer chocolate cake.
The next day we drove to Louisville, Kentucky. Sailor just had to see the Louisville Slugger Factory/Museum. He even purchased a bat with his name on it and the Cub logo. One happy boy there. Then we visited one of the many mansions built in the early 1900. So beautiful and all the details to their lives. I thing that sticks in my mind was seeing the cruise diary of the young lady of the home. She wrote about her everyday events.And being at the captain's table - Mr Smith. by the way - this captain later became the captain of the Titanic. that is when I got chills.
Even though our visit was short, I got many hugs and he got to talk and talk. Good for all of us. He was in Indiana for a training and he had the weekend off.
Well, its late, I need to sleep. I have to bead some patches in the morning.
Wish all sweet dreams and hugs
Mar 11, 2014
Grayce
I think I'm slowly starting to get back to the land of the living. Our Sailor left out the 3rd and has been able to call his Dad once. He said that he got a cell phone but doesn't have internet and couldn't get the phone to work. He's posted some pictures on FB as well...so we at least know he's eating and drinking. When he first got his orders he told me this was 4 years over there but when he came home that changed to two years. Nothing he's told us originally has been correct. That's why I love ya'll! I've gotten more information off this site that's been right than he has being in the Navy. :D
He was here for a month so I know I've been away from things for a while and the time change really kicked my &*$ yesterday so I couldn't get anything done at work.
I haven't even thought about finishing his room or trying to figure out how to send the flat rate boxes with his goodies to Sasebo without an address. For that matter, I'm not sure how to ship overseas anyway. When my Dad was stationed in Japan, my Grandparents would send letters to California base and they would send them on from there...I'm sure things have changed in the last 40 some years...this was way before me...
Huskies, you have found the right place to be. These people are amazing! I'm afraid I didn't get to read all the details but I thought there was something about a puppy...
As a proud dog Mom of 3; Raven, 16 yr old Lab mix; Reese, 3 yr old Pit Bull; and Annabelle, 1 year old Blue Heeler, I can tell you, almost nothing takes up more time than a new puppy. Except maybe a baby. We got Annabelle at 6 weeks and she's adorable but a handful and very smart. Raven and Reese have been very patient with her and my husband takes her to work with him every day. Here's a pic of her and her big brother with the new toy he just had to get for her. Well, that he talked me into buying for her. It's a great big rubber ball with a handle on it. Sort of shaped like those heavy things you see the strong men throwing...don't know what they are called.
It has been 8 days now and I am starting to feel more excitement than heartache. I know he's safe and happy and off on the adventure of a lifetime. This is what we all want for our children, right? His brother's having a difficult time with it but it's getting better for him as well. Since their mother went back to her home (5 hours away) it's been easier on all of us.
Drama, I hope your knee feels better soon. My mom has some experience with those shots. She gets them in her back. Said it makes both legs numb sometimes but not right away so it's always a surprise when it happens. But they do help...for a while.
OH! I forgot to tell ya'll. We went to Longhorn Steakhouse on Sunday, the night before he left. He had been asking to go since they don't have those in Florida and had a few family and friends go with us. He wore his digi camo for them so their pictures would turn out better (his words). Our waiter asked if he was coming home or leaving and they talked about it a little. When the check came, the manager came out and told us his meal was on them and thanked him for his service. I was a very proud Navy Mom and was almost in tears over it. I know I had this big stupid grin on my face, but I'm so glad they did that.
I'll write more later...got to work now!
Mar 11, 2014
Anti M
The flat rate boxes just go to the post office and you fill out a customs form. The post office handles them until they get to the fleet PO, then the Navy handles them until they get to the post office on base in Japan. Is he on a ship? It isn't hard to find the general FPO address.
That was a terrific thing for the manager of the Longhorn to do!
Mar 11, 2014
BADma
Mar 11, 2014
BADma
Mar 11, 2014
BADma
Mar 11, 2014
Mississippi Mom
BADma, love the pictures! Beautiful bride and handsome hubby! They look very happy. I love the one with you and your good looking Sailor. Looks like you survived! Please share more pictures.
I am one blessed and thankful Mom (every day) but feeling it today for sure. My daughter is on Spring Break and working on getting everything together for Mission Fuge this summer. She is in Jackson, MS about 4 /12 - 5 hours from home. She called yesterday that she had been involved in a traffic accident on the interstate. The traffic in front of her stopped and she managed to stop but the car behind did not. He drove her into the SUV that was stopped in front her and that lady into the car in front of her. My daughter is fine, just really sore, her air bags deployed and the one on the drivers side hit her in her chest, so she said it was very sore this morning. She's got a rental car and is busy again this morning. She has a friend that lives right outside of Jackson that she called he came to her aid, and helped to get the rental, and her back to the campus that she is staying at this week. I will have to go to Jackson and get her on Thursday and then we will be car shopping this weekend. She is sad about her car, but I told her they are made and bought everyday. I am SO THANKFUL SHE IS OKAY! When she sent me the pictures of her car, it brought me to my knees. GOD IS GOOD!
Grayce and Huskie, hang in there! I promise it does get easier. When you know they are getting an opportunity to see and do things that otherwise they would never get to do, it makes it easier for them to be so far away. Always, be excited with what they are telling you, no matter how much you are missing them. They will love calling home to share their excitement if you share this with them. Come here to share your frustrations, we all understand and will listen and be supportive.
Blondie, you crack me up! Hang in there girl. I would love to send you some of buttercups that are blooming!
Hope all of you are having a great week.
Mar 11, 2014
BADma
OH...the Longhorn Manager story reminds me...after the wedding rehearsal, The Hubmeister, sailor & honey, bride to~be , groom and myself went to dinner. When the waitress brought our bill she said we were only charged for 5 meals and partial bar tab because their manager comped our sailor's tab. I cried...I always read those stories and think they are so cool.
Mar 11, 2014
blm
DramaSoul-welcome to the walking wounded club! Had a PT session today and have exercises to do for my ankle. I also have bad knee, but have learned to live with that! Good luck with your production!
BADma-great wedding photos-looks like the weather was beautiful too. Glad sailor could make it to the wedding.
Mississippi mom-glad to hear your daughter was not hurt-a similar thing happened to me years ago and I ended up with whiplash-did therapy for that too.
Mar 11, 2014
BADma
Maggs... those skies are GORGEOUS!!
Okay, I read that moms say "Saying farewell to their sailor at leave is worse than when they left for boot camp". I have been in a funk ALL day because last night was my time for farewell. He is staying at his honey's. They had plans for today. Tomorrow is go time.I am really trying to take comfort in knowing that is time in Japan is almost up.
Mar 11, 2014
Huskies
Mar 12, 2014
DebbieH
I sent a package to my sailor on the USS Bonhomme Richard on Feb. 15. Will I get know when he receives it? Any way to contact him? Trying to sell his car, but we do not have written consent.
Mar 12, 2014
blm
Mar 12, 2014
Anti M
Brrrrr! We are lucky, having nice spring weather. Doesn't mean we are done with snow, just having a break.
Nothing exciting here... finished the big painting, sold another painting (my first sale), and got a new fridge.
Mar 12, 2014
Anti M
Mar 12, 2014
cbc mom
Another reminder to think before you post. Although this page is a 'closed group', it's a good reminder too think before posting on other social medias.
http://keepcalmandhaveacosmo.blogspot.com/2014/03/racing-facebook-n...
Mar 12, 2014
Huskies
Mar 12, 2014
DramaSoul
Anti M...LOVE the painting! And the fridge is hilarious. Get the feeling someone is watching you???
Mar 12, 2014
barbara10/08
Good to hear of sailors being acknowledged for their service:)
cbcmom-everything is out there so lightning fast these days, most people just assume everyone knows. Good reminder, they need to get some protocol in place to avoid these situations, if that is even possible in this day and age.
AntiM, love the bright colors. nice fridge:)
Badma, Love all the great pics-your sailor resembles you. Your daughter looked beautiful! You too-love the dress color. What a great wedding gift that your sailor was able to attend-special times:)
T-lynn, yeah! road trip to see sailor. What an interesting weekend you had! That is a great story about the ship's captain.
Missmom-So glad your daughter is ok! So scary.
Dramasoul-ouch, hope it heals nicely.
Maggs, uh oh, look out dog! Cute story. Amazing sky! I could look at that pic all day.
Grayce-hugs to you-always harder on us than on them. Glad he is settling in and happy.
Good luck with computers Blondie!
We had that huge temp drop here too. 50's yesterday. Blizzard today, going down to 5 degrees tonight. About 15 in. of snow-all schools were closed and many businesses.
Grateful that no one had to leave the house as it rained before the snow and it was very slick out there.
It's been a long winter, but it's pretty and it melts, so we're good.
Mar 13, 2014
DramaSoul
Blondie...I need to remember to check out your posts AFTER I have emptied my bladder! I almost wet my pants every time!
BADma...love the pictures!!
Actually...love all of the pictures everyone posts. The knee is getting better...slowly. I was told it would be 2 weeks post-cortisone injection before I might feel better. I was feeling a little sorry for myself, especially when I have only 2 more performances. Generally when you put a character to bed after the run of a play, there is some grieving. This one is a little more personal since I was really channeling my grandmothers and mother for this show. Just when I was starting the pity party, I heard from my son. He sent me texts thanking me for always knowing the right gift to get him. When he graduated from A school in Ft. Sam, I had given him a really high quality stethoscope engraved with his name. For his birthday, last week, I sent him a professional quality otoscope (for checking ears, noses and throats). He said he has used them EVERY MORNING when he does triage at the clinic. His fellow Corpsmen and his superiors have all commented on his good equipment (and his ability to diagnose with said equipment). He actually sent me texts thanking me!! And...I didn't have to prompt him as this just came out of nowhere! Sigh. I am so easy. It takes so little to make me happy. :)
Mar 13, 2014
DramaSoul
Barabara10/08....love the picture. Reminds me of the movie 'Cars'!
Mar 13, 2014
DramaSoul
I got to work at 0615 and I can hear the birds tweeting in the trees outside my operatory! We actually had SUNSHINE yesterday....yep...right here in Portland, Oregon! Too many exclamation points?
Have a great Friday and a super weekend. In one month my Corpsman will be home for 11 days. Not getting excited or anything. I did text him the Passover goodies I would have when he was here. He said he was drooling. :-)
Mar 14, 2014
Anti M
Because I live in a city, it is illegal for residents to push their snow (or leaves in fall) into the street or gutters. Doesn't mean people don't do it, but the city can fine them if it is bad enough.
Lots of early flowers now, johnny jumps ups (violas), crocus and a few daffodils. My hyacinths and and tulips are showing green and even the bleeding hearts have heads above the soil now. Almost time for real gardening! Too early for most veggies, we have to wait for Mother's Day or run the risk of spring freezes. I guess my spinach can go in, and I can get some pansies for the front planters.
Mar 14, 2014
T-Lynn
Hi.
Beautiful wedding pics. And love how our sailors are honored with a free dinner. Nice feeling :).
Hope everyone is doing better, hurts ( emotional and physical) are getting lighter and soon will be gone.
Adding my thankful heart - your daughter is ok!
Its always good to hear from sailors, their voices can make our day.
Oh National Pie Day!!! So what kind of pie is everyone having? I think it will pumpkin here.
but Maggs - your bragging about your kids was one of the best stories . Please brag more. And remember - it is because of you those kids enjoy learning.
And weather - *_)*(^*^%&+_))+_))(* here .
Really Spring is around the corner?
Sorry, didn't mean to be a bummer. For some reason I cannot get my groove even going. Since the change of time, I cannot get caught up. I feel like I am doing nothing but hurrying to finish a project - only to find out when I do - I am late finishing another. Anyone else feeling this ?
And hubby is seeing better and better. Only thing is both eyes are trying to be dominate. So that is some difficulty. BUT guess who is catching a cold - again? Right - hubby ! Can't get it out of this place. So tomorrow I am on attack. BLEACHING the bathroom - washing all teh beddings andsteam cleaning teh kitchen . I have to find a way to get this cold bug out of here. Jack Daniels is not enough!
Need to get - have to get ready to play with the cub scouts.
wish all a great Pie Day and weekend hugs
Mar 14, 2014
Shelly
I really love hearing all the stories. My world is boring compared to some of you. Our weather is good, no snow. No rain. No weather at all. Wait, it was a bit humid out today and there was some rain. Just enough to get my truck dirty but not enough to wash it clean. I don't have family drama. So I just read all of your stories and laugh, cry, worry and pray with all of you.
I'm just being lazy on my sofa right now. Puppies at my side and waiting for the hubby to get home from work. He always stops at some fast food on his last day before his 5 days off. What will it be, McDonalds or Taco Bell? He is a junk food specialist. The puppies want McDonalds. They love to beg for food. And he loves to share with them.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Mar 14, 2014
Shelly
Blondie, I would welcome you anytime. The only problem is my guest room is filled to the top with car parts. My hubby has decided that all the parts that came off the 65 mustang he is building need to be in that room. Maybe you could sleep in the sofa. Anytime my dear, anytime.
Mar 15, 2014
BADma
Shelly.... YES, I remember the new mom! I am SO happy that she called you! I'll bet your conversation did her a world of good.
Mar 15, 2014
Huskies
BADma I guess it doesn't get any easier saying goodbye. I am looking forward to having my son back home after A school but don't know how I'm going to hide my feelings as each day that goes by will be one closer to Japan. I keep thinking of the day we drove our son to the recruiter station before Basic. I was sitting in the back seat and my husband and son were in the front. I was starting to panic and all I wanted to say was turn the car around and go home.
Mississippi Mom, thanks for the advice. I had my first experience with keeping it positive when my son told me he was going to Japan. I tried to sound excited by the news! I told him how happy I was for him and how it would be a great adventure. I'm glad he couldn't see my face though! My husband said my face was so red my blood pressure must have been through the roof!
Mar 15, 2014
MaggieMay
Hi all! I'm way over due to be checking in and I've been pacing the floor for the past hour worrying about my husband and youngest so in an attempt to calm my nerves I thought what better place to go than Navy Moms! They have been on their annual all guy trout fishing trip since Thursday and have had great weather but this morning Mother Nature decided to drop a bomb and drastically dropped the temps and is giving us freezing rain & sleet which is suppose to change over to snow...yesterday was 75 and sunny!...anyhoo they are on their way home but the road they have to travel is hilly, curvy, no shoulders, no cell service for over half the trip, and they are pulling our camper. If they weren't pulling the camper I wouldn't be so worried but I keep having these visions of that camper sliding all over the place on the icy road and them crashing! I'll be sooooo relieved when I see them pull in. Our state does a good job of putting chemicals on the roads but that's not giving me much consolation right now...sigh
On to another story....to help get my mind off things! I am blessed with a very fun loving family and yesterday me, my mom, sisters and nieces had a girls day out. We went to check out a new local winery which I must say was the prettiest around. We got there at noon and it was suppose to close at 4:00 but we didn't leave till after 6:00...the owners were awesome and the wine was great! We originally planned the day to celebrate my oldest sisters birthday...now she happens to be the fuddy dud of the family and very seldom partakes in our girl days but we had hoped she would join us so we could surprise her with a little bday celebration. On Friday she informed us she would be going but she didn't show yesterday. That didn't totally surprise us even though we were disappointed (we had brought gifts and cupcakes) but the real clincher was when we took mom home dad tells us that Sandy (the oldest) had come by to visit him. She had to drive right past the winery we were at. She knew we were there and didn't stop! Ugh I guess there's one in every family! We'll probably all think twice before inviting her to the next outing.
Ok I've ramble on long enough thanks for listening. I'll try to check in more often. Love all your stories and pictures!!!!
Take care everyone!
Mar 16, 2014
MaggieMay
Hubby and son arrived home about the time it switched over to heavy snow. I was so relieved to see them pull in that I ran out to the driveway to greet them and my husband gets out of the truck laughing "now that was a slippery ride" uuuggghhh MEN! It's probably a good thing I wasn't on this trip I may not have been able to handle the ride home!
Mar 16, 2014
DramaSoul
Huskies...I know I will be in the same frame of mind. My son will actually be home a couple of times before his forward deployment to Okinawa. I have always kept it positive since he is so excited about this choice. But when I am alone with my cats, it's crying time. I am guessing I will be here a lot when he actually leaves. Right now I am adopting Scarlett OHara's attitude....I won't think about it now. I will think about it tomorrow at Tara!
So the whole break-a-leg thing my friends have stopped saying to me since this isn't the first time I have injured a foot or leg for my art! The show just closed. I am going to miss this show. Playing my grandmother was such a joy. We brought a lot of joyful memories to people who saw it. Now I have to get my tax stuff done. Oh joy!
Mar 16, 2014
Shelly
Joshmom, So glad to hear your family is home safe. Thanks for letting us know. Sounds like you had a great time at the winery, leaving 2 hours after closing!!!
I have been sitting at my desk at home for a couple of hours now. Backing up my pictures from my phone to my computer, or at least one of my computers. I have a laptop and an Mac desktop that used to be my sailors before he left for the Navy. He got a new laptop and we got his old Mac. Its been 2 years that I have been using the Mac and it still confuses me at time. My cell phone is acting funny so I thought I better copy the pictures before I loose them. So many important pictures, my sailor at MEPS, Graduation, and all kinds of pictures of my puppies.
Since I have been looking at all these old pictures, I found a funny one of my sailor. It was during his visit after A school and before C school and leaving for Japan. The look on his face makes me laugh. I will try to post it.
Have a great week everyone!!
Mar 16, 2014
Shelly
My sailor. Oh my, how I miss that young man. This was taken in our back yard. You can almost see the 2 puppies at the bottom left. They were running around in the yard. Its so hard to believe its been over a year since this was take.
Mar 16, 2014
Huskies
DramaSoul, what does "forward deployment" mean? What is your son doing now? It is funny you said "I won't think about it now". The last couple weeks before my son left for Basic I kept planning where we would go and what we would do everyday so I wouldn't have time to think. I think it's a gift to be able to NOT think!
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY tomorrow everyone! May your day be filled with shenanigans and green beer!
Mar 16, 2014
DramaSoul
Huskies....My son referred to his next duty station as being a forward deployment with a Marine unit. It is considered sea duty...at least that's what he told me. He will not be coming home for 3 years. The Navy will ship his stuff to Okinawa. He is a Corpsman with the Marines and is currently stationed in 29 Palms Marine base in California.
Shelly...love the picture! My Sailor doesn't wear his uniform when he's home. He looks great in it but he only wears it when he has to. He does not travel in it either. He prefers to travel 'under the radar'.
Mar 16, 2014