Japan Moms

For all the Moms(and Dads) with a Sailor in Japan

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  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Well this site is jumping. Nice to see teh new moms "jumping into teh water" - aka - talking and sharing. .

    Nice to see you are back to your bussy bee self Blondie. And miracles do happen - so Angel actually step up to the plate.

    Between babysitting and trying to finish details for a camp out - I fell off the earth. Luckily my safety harness was on so I could get back on here. the last night I was texted - the camp out was canceled. Not enough boys signed up. And this time the camp out was totally ready with activities - 2 troops helping and good weather predicted. I even had all the thank you gifts made. I still plan on giving the items to the troops and persons - the camp was ready to go.

    I got so busy with home and camp out - I forgot to wish Kim a Happy Birthday. I sure hope you had a great one adn that you celebrated for 7 days. Check in and share all the fun.

     Talking about fun - Anti M - any stories and pics to share about the Burn?

    And did anyone get to see that Super Full Moon adn the eclipse? We had total cloud cover. I was so bumped.

    I just thought of Maggs. She takes great pics - hey Maggs did you get any pics of teh Super/Eclipse Moon?

    We;, I need to split all. Wish all great week. hugs

  • DREW7062

    Hey everyone, my son is in Yokosuka Japan and he calls very rarely says it costs him 100 yen a minute lol I said what the hell is YEN Laughing. But anyway, does anyone know a way he can call where he doesn't have to spend 100 yen a minute. Also, he has some cheap cell phone he purchased over there, although he still has his I phone 6 I bought for him here in the states he took to Japan. Someone said he can text, call home, FaceTime, etc. for virtually nothing but he dissent know what to do. Does anyone know if there's an App he and I can download.HELP! someone mentioned LINE but he says it's not working....
    Thanks
  • 2tymeNavyMom

    We do the same as Drew7062 says...use the "Line" app for calls and sometimes it is easier to text/message my son on Facebook Messenger.

  • pizzamom

    In my case my son has been there 3weeks now and has been calling me from the USO for free.He says when out site seeing he stops in and calls.He has had free wifi on his ship and has emailed with his phone he took with him.

  • Anti M

    pizzamom, tell him to be careful of using his stateside phone.  Even though he is texting, not calling, there can be roaming charges, high ones.  One kid used his phone for music while deployed and got smacked with a four figure phone bill. 

  • Anti M

    The USO is great.  I can't send many gifts to my sailor on a sub, so I donate to the USO as a gift.  They rely on private donations to offer services, they are not a government agency.

  • pizzamom

    Thanks Anti M We are being very careful and manage our bill on line.He is super cautious on all devices.And a wonderful ideal to donate to the USO he is so layed back he never wants us to send gifts from home.Can you please post the address where to send donations.I always feel we as a family don't do enough for our service members.

  • Cheryl-TedsMom

    Haven't been been on-board for a while but finally came up for air. Co-chaired our local Historical Museum's 10th Birthday yesterday. 70-80 in attendance. Not bad for a Town with a pop. of 5,000. Here I am taking a short break with my new buddy Burton. [Owen is sitting next to me holding the reins pretending to be in charge]

  • Anti M

    @pizzamom ... donating to the USO is very simple.  I give when I  can, usually a small monthly donation.  We need a new roof, so maybe not this year.  As a retiree dependent, I can still use the USO myself, although I haven't recently.  I sure did when I was active duty!  If I could volunteer at one locally, I would.

    https://secure.uso.org/OM_NEX/?sc=WS15PSGGBR&utm_source=google&...

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Blondie, I forgot to thank you for posting about Nick. He looks great!!!! I remember we all sent him cards and even packages. I think Shark sent him a harmonica and pictures of herself. Good to hear your daughter is ok with this flooding.  I plan on calling two friends who live out in teh areas too.

    And thank Anti m for the website for the USO donations.

    Have not heard from my sailor for a while. He is busy on base and having a part time seasonal job. He wants to fix the patio doors at his new home. Plus, he said working this seasonal job he can get all his Christmas/Birthday shopping done and at discount.

    How is everyone's weather? WE have the heat on! It is damp and cold. Gee- just turned off the air conditioner two weeks ago!  I know Indian Summer has its ups and downs, but really.

    Not watching grandson today - he did not sleep all night and was pulling his right ear again. That has usually meant an ear infection - so the kids took him for a check up. Plus, both kids not doing so hot either. Both look feverish and are stuffed up. Son said some bug was going through his work place - I think it stopped in for a visit.

    And I woke up with  a sore throat and stuffed up too. Wonderful.

    Pizzamom - my sailor said he didn't like packages form home too BUt honest, he loved everyone he got. So at times, the pet turtle - Shark would send a package or letter. That made his day. So if you have a pet - let the pets send him home packages.

    Need to get - Laundry Fairy is visiting and I have to be a nice hostess. Wish all a good day hugs

  • momplus2

    Ladies...my son is HOME!!! Yeah! I haven't seen him in 3 years! Need your help, he feels sick...no fever...but he feels warm. He has an appetite but feels like crap. We live in the Sacramento area..just wondering if he sees a doctor, can he go anywhere then get re-imbrued? or what ? The closest base is 1 hour away. Any information would be greatly appreciated...Thank you in advance. Navy Hugs

  • momplus2

    Thank you Blondie....I did post he was coming! I posted I wanted to get on my roof and shout out loud with joy! We went on a little vacation to Mexico. We got home last Thursday. Last night he mentioned he wasn't feeling good. Had temp of 101...but no fever today and resting. Thank goodness. Love having him HOME! Thanks again for your support. Navy hugs:)

  • 2tymeNavyMom

    momplus2

    My son in law was down visiting and we had the same issue.  I looked it up on the Tri-care site and it said they had to get prior authorization if it was outside of their command.  He got the authorization but then insisted that it had to be a Military facility.  I disagreed since I looked up Tri-care facilities and one was 3 miles away but not Military.  The closest Military would have been an hour a way for him as well.  There has to be something closer for them.  Just does't make sense.  He had the flu bad and was throwing up and passing out.  They can not expect you to drive like that.

  • momplus2

    2thmeNavyMom-That is just not right. I am wondering if they use a Tri-care facility that is not Military will they get reimbursed? Does anyone know? Thank you

  • momplus2

    Michael's Mom...thank you so much. Fortunately, my son is feeling much better. I did share this information with him so he has it for the future. Thank you again...Navy Hugs:)

  • Anti M

    We have a camp out this weekend, we will sleep in the pickup bed rather than pitch a tent for one night.  We are having freaky weather,  in the 80s!  Way too warm.

    Getting financing and roofing estimates, bleh.  But a leaky roof sucks and is a Bad Thing to ignore.

  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Collect those hugs!! I am so glad your sailor is home. But how sad he got ill. I agree, something has to be closer than an hour away. When you can share some pics and please share a hug form us. :).

    Blondie, our weather is jumping around too. The air conditioner was back on. 80 degrees and muggy.  Hope the State Convention was not too boring.

    Where did you camp out? We have friends who do "Can Camping". They not on longer have their reed lodge  - they are historical re-enactors for rendezvous. So if they are asked to participate in an event - they camp out in their van in the parking area.  And will you keep the same type of roofing material or get something different? Metal is becoming the "in thing" around here.

    I thought I would get on this computer more to visit, but my dil has mandatory work files to complete on some weekends. She feels bad to ask me to use mine, but unitl my son can get her one - I told her to just go and get on.

    HEY Hey - the Cubs are in the play offs !! This is the year !!!!!

    Need to get along - wish all sweet dreams.  hugs

  • DREW7062

    Hi everyone my son is in Yokokusa and he is paying 100 bucks a month for a phone however he can call the states. Does anyone think that's expensive?
  • Rhonda-S12D347

    My son is in Yokosuka and he pays about $80 a month.

  • T-Lynn

    Hi I guess the cost went up. Hopefully they can find a better deal.

    Just had to share pictures

  • T-Lynn

    My Grandson is 9 months. Daddy dressed him up as Stitch and he had a great time finding his first pumpkin

  • Anti M

    My nephew is home from deployment and finally got to meet his son!

    http://kticradio.com/abc_health/service-members-meet-their-newborns...

  • Shelly

    Good Morning ,

    I don't see any resent activity but I hope someone can help.

    My son's orders are for Sasebo. He leaves tonight and I have so many questions about his travel. His sponsor hasn't been the greatest  communicator. He is uneasy exactly what to do once he arrives in Tokyo as far as his checked bags go. Airline itinerary has him connecting a flight to Fukuoka. Does anyone know if he has to claim his checked bags and then recheck them in Tokyo or will he be able to collect it once at his final destination?. I called the airline, and after checking she told me the only time he needs to retrieve his bags will be in Fukuoka but I have read elsewhere something entirely different. If anyone can please help me ease his mind with this , I would be very grateful. This is a hard enough transition and for him not to know exactly what to do makes me frustrated. .   

  • Kim

    Shelly, he will clear customs in Tokyo, so he will claim his bags to take them through customs.  Then he will re-check on a domestic flight.

    I been lurking lately, but reading every post.  I met my sons mother-in-law and her sister from Sasebo two weeks ago.  I will post a picture.

  • Shelly

     Kim ,

    Thank you soooo much for your fast response :)  Im looking forward to learning more through this group ! My son will be on the USS Bon Hommie Richard and is very much ready to start his next journey. I think its me that worries about him being half a world away haha.

  • MaggieMay

    Hello everyone!  Wow so many people on here I don't know....sorry I've been slacking alot.  To all you newbies this is a wonderful group these ladies are so helpful and full of info.  I do hope all your sailors are enjoying Japan.  Mine loved it.  I think he's already missing it over there!  He's currently and slowly making his way to his new home here in the states.  Just got word they've pulled into a port in South America so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a phone call.  

    T-Lynn, as hard as it is for me to say (you know I'm a Cards fan) I congratulate the Cubs on their win...enjoy your Victory!!! Phew that was hard for me to say LOL!!!!  

    Take care everyone...I'll keep stalking you LOL once a 'pan mom always a 'pan mom!  I love the pics!!!  

  • CLAMOM

    UPDATE ON MY DAUGHTER!!!

    Hello my Japan mothers and fathers, my daughter got new orders!!! So she will remain in Virginia another 3 years assigned to the Bush.  I'm so grateful for this because as much as I love my grandson I was not looking forward to being a full-time parent to a toddler.LOL...I had him this weekend and lord have mercy on me!!!

  • scully_the_skeptic

    Just joining this group - my son is stationed in Yokosuka for the next 3 years.  He's been there since completing A school on July 28 (Pensacola).   Was very happy to finally find a navy group for moms (my son is 24 so a tad independent).

  • DREW7062

    Scully the sckeptic: welcome my son is also in Yokosuka and he's been there a few months he loves it. He will be there for 2 years hope he gets to come home for the holidays .
  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Thank You Joshmom  - when teh Cubs play the Cardinals - its hard to watch too. My southern relatives are Cardinal fans. So when teh Cardinals play anyone else - I always want them to win.  right now - Cubs and Mets are playing. And dam - Cubs not doing too well. But I till believe.

    I wonder where you were Kim. And I really felt you the other day. So I made Me Time to get on and if I did not see a post from you - I was sending out a search team. Yes, want pics!!!

    Blondie- here training or tutoring cost extra. About $22 to $30 an hour. I suggest you submit your bill after the training them. Conor is so grown up. He looks so proud.

    Clamon - doing teh happy dance for you!!! My grandson is only 9 months, but he can run in his walker. I have bruises on the tops of my toes! And even though your daughter is not going to Japan - you  are stuck with us :).

    Keep us posted about your sailor Shelly. Want to know he got there ok. Hey Scully and Drew - let us know if your sons meet up. When my sailor was stationed in Sasebo, another Navy Mo's sailor was on the same ship. Turns out - they were room mates on the base! That kept our sailors on their toes at times.

    Need to get back to the game to see how my Cubbies are doing. Sweet Dreams all

     hugs

  • scully_the_skeptic

    DREW7062: my son is in IT and currently on the Chancellorsville.  I hope you get to see your son for the holidays!

  • tytulip40

    My sailor wasn't able to call before he got on the Reagan - so last night (early morning, we are talking 2 am - on dream 3 by this point) phone rings, I quickly turn it off, then the caller calls back, I answer angrily - it was my boy on the other end!  We talked for an hour.  One of his fellow sailors had a phone and asked him if he wanted to call anyone - he didn't hesitate!  I've been on cloud 9 ever since.  :) 

  • DREW7062

    Yay tulip: that's wonderful!!! My boy is in Yokokusa and he facetimed me the other night and showed me the mountains and the people driving in the WRONG side of the road lol. I miss him terribly but very proud of him and AL the youngsters that's serving our country. GO NAVY!
  • T-Lynn

    HI

    Tytulip - welcome to what we call Navy Time. It means - we moms have to adjust our time to hear/see our sailors by Navy Time = when the Navy lets them call or see us.

    We had many calls at 2 AM our time. Promise you WILL soon know your sailor's ring on the phone! I too am so happy you answered that phone. Hope you had a wonderful talk.

    Hugs

  • T-Lynn

    Tytulip - this is for you :).

  • T-Lynn

    By the way - on this site it is standing rule - Navy Moms get first chance for ALL phone calls. When sailors get home - Navy Moms get the first hug and kiss !

    All other family members and friends have to stand in line.

  • Kim

    Yep, All calls at 2AM must be our sailor.

  • Kim

    Daddy is a crazy driver.

  • Kim

    Not much going on here.  I have been sick with whatever this bug is going around.  Baseball - I am still a Blue Jays fan.

    Welcome new moms.  We are a big family here and no one is allowed to leave.  I lurk more than I post these days, but I always enjoy all of the stories.  Jump in and tell us all about yourselves and your sailors.

  • mtnmom

    Hello moms;

    I just lit my Blue Candle.  Please say prayers for our deployed sailors.

    Gen

  • Anti M

    Weather is finally cooling off here, we have had an extended summer.  Good thing too, we have a roofer coming this week.  I was hoping we could get through one more winter, but no, the roof is leaking over the kitchen.  Slow leak, and the plaster ceiling "heals" itself when dried out, but won't for very much longer.  Sigh.  Means we had to do a second mortgage.  Good rates, but debt is debt.

  • T-Lynn

    this just says it

  • T-Lynn

    Ok so I had a little bit to much Withes Brew

  • T-Lynn

    But Riker's first lesson went very well

  • T-Lynn

    Happy Halloween !

  • T-Lynn

    This was last Halloween for us. We knew he was coming.

  • T-Lynn

    This is 2015 Halloween for us !

  • T-Lynn

    Lighting blue Candle with you mtnmom :).

  • T-Lynn

    Hi all.

    Well the weather earlier this week was great! Even saw the first day of teh full moon on Monday - how beautiful and silver it was. Now rainy and overcast and cold! I hope it blow through for Halloween.

    BLONdie - I would love a Bear Hug from him. I can see why your day was brighter when he arrived to your home. And happy be-lated anniversary!!! looking forward to you joining the computer age in your home. Yippe - more gossip.

    Kim - he is so - SO - adorable!!!! Sorry to hear you are under the weather. Reiki is coming. You have to be fit as a fiddle to enjoy Halloween.  Had a felling about you. Next time - let me know.

     Maggs- know you are busy - but any new pictures? How are your students this year? How is the family? If you can't guess - I am BEGGING for gossip here.

    Anti - M, sorry to hear about a second mortgage. But I feel better that you have a new roof.  Maybe soon you can share some stories from teh Burn?  Did you and your hubby help out with teh fire dancers?

    Finally heard from my sailor. He was getting ready to take his Harley for a ride through the mountains. And he did send me a picture of HIM and the bike. Now I have to get it off my phone! Finally a picture of ALL of him and not just his foot.

    Need to get along- Laundry Fairy is visiting.

    Have a wonderful Halloween. hugs

  • DREW7062

    Blondie: Happy Friday!!!! Got a question I have a son in Yokosuka and I want to send him a bike/scooter for Christmas HELP I don't know the first place to look. I live in the states but I want to send a bike to him. Should I buy it here and have it shipped to Japan or can I buy it like Sears, jc penny, and have him pick it up at the sears, jc penny's in Japan??? Also he's been there for 2 months and he says they don't have an address yet where he can send me says they haven't seen gibpven him an address yet????? Or is there a dire that I can look at that is over in Japan that I can look online at to order a bike for him again HELP
    Thanks