Japan Moms

Yay - all missing boxes suddenly appeared and full of their contents = happy sailor!  

So sorry Blondie - sending prayers. 

s.m.r.  I am excited to welcome you to this site.  We are already friends from the NY navy moms.  My sons was 3 years Sasebo, 2.5 years San Diego and finishing up 3 years shore duty as a recruiter in NY.  My DIL is currently visiting Sasebo with my grandson that was born at West Point.  She has 1000 cousins in Sasebo, her family has a fish market business and I am adoring my pictures of my grandson visiting his cousins.

Warning, Japan moms are not allowed to leave (it is a rule).  This is a great group of ladies and there is a ton of advice on here.

HI

Back from California and I have my heart full of collected hugs from my sailor. I think I could have stored a few hundred more though. When I have more time will share about the trip and hopefully have some pictures to share.

 Maggs !!!!! Positive Energy flowing as I type. I actually have chills and that to me has always been a good sign. So sending Reiki to hubby and will look for a spell to help your son. some how I don't get the feeling that accident was his fault.  How about some Reiki for you too? Hugs dear friend.

 Kim - any pictures you can share of grandson in Japan? So glad they both made it ok to Japan and they can get some rest before visiting with family. how is your back?

Blondie! Gee - I think there is a rain cloud over you sometimes. But then that means a rainbow will appear. Will send Reiki to Melissa and to Blondie Jr too.

Anti M - Just wondering how you doing?

Welcome aboard New Mom. and Kim is so right - once you join up here - you are stuck with us :).

So good to hear that sailors are visiting home and packages are arriving. Another friend of my families was in the Navy. When he got a package, he always said he would get his favorite cookies - Crumbled Cookies! They might be crumbs - BUT the taste was great. Just got a big spoon to eat the crumbs.

 Need to get - Laundry Fairy visiting and hubby and I have meetings to attend tomorrow and Saturday. I am the secretary - boy am I going to be typing al weekend.

Sweet dreams all

Oh Blondie - Shark said she will start a letter to Melissa

Mail to a deployed ship can take two weeks to over two months.  All depends on where they are during the deployment cycle, and what the other ships/aircraft are doing at the time.  Just send it with fingers crossed, wishes and prayers.  Send nothing valuable. Vac-seal the cookies.

Blondie, prayers for you! 

Hi All!

Just checking in. I have been reading and not posting. Crazy busy with work (when will they hire another hygienist???).

Prayers for a complete healing to all who are in need.

Cats are still driving me crazy although I could not live without them.

Corpsman is doing great....saw him for a week in May and don't remember if I posted. He is studying for the advancement exam now among other things (working on his degree as well).  Met the new girlfriend....she's a cutie. Really enjoyed the time spent with her.

Still trying to fine tune the autoimmune stuff. Every time I try to add in something, I pay for it so I am just sticking with the strict AIP for now. As you all know, some days are diamond, some are stone.

Hoping to audition for something in the future but I don't have the time or energy to devote to it right now.

We have had a pretty mild Summer in the NW except for the last few days. In the 90's today and I don't have air conditioning.

Take care everyone! Hugs to all of you.

HI

Drama - I would love to hear that you are on the stage again. I do feel son you will be. Can't keep a shining star on the side lines for long. hugs

Maggs - glad you see things coming out for the better. Sometime it has to be slow , so nothing gets left behind that needs fixing. A good foundation to grow.

Blondie - ! I know what you cure you. A vacation. A REAL ONE !!!! Get on your fet - don't tell anyone where you and hubby are going and JUST go. Relax - have fun - no cooking - no cleaning - let the hotel do it all.  Then send us all a post card or tweet here. And all of us will do happy dancing to celebrate with you. Take care sweet lady.

Sorry - not have a time to get here and write stories. And I have some too. Sailor even had a tantrum! But it worked out. So promise I will get here - and share .  Fingers crossed I get the pictures off the camera and here! Been having some computer issues. I just been able to post on facebook today

so sweet dreams all hugs

Was at fellow staffers wedding yesterday. Please meet the new Mr and Mrs Clifford Andrews. Fun and loving wedding

Found this one! sailor put it on fb and I stole it here!! He took us out to fresh sea food. I really needed two bibs.

wow, I can't believe how many comments I didn't see... and I'm a wallflower - I watch the posters. 

drama - my son is in Yokosuka - he's from the great NW. I saw the weather is supposed to be hot, hot, hot this weekend. very unusual (I lived there for over 20 years).

my husband and I are looking to plan on going to japan in the spring - we've got the one son in Yokosuka and one in Okinawa and would love to see both of them.  so that's going to be "fun" trying to see if they both can get time off during our trip and it doesn't have to be at same time. 

those are great photos!!!!

all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I forgot who posted about a PIR in sept. congrats!!!!!

I have been stalking.  Enjoyed every post.

My sailor came to visit this weekend.  His wife and son are in Japan for a month.  We chatted on video tonight.  He said bacha, which is close to grandma.

My youngest was hired as an ATC for the FAA and passed the training this week.  They just left for my 3rd son's house to celebrate together.  Sailor is moving to SD and youngest is moving to D.C. area.

I need advice for the son moving to D.C.  It is Leesburg, VA.  and he starts this week.  They do not pay anything for relocation. 

Blondie, you suggested a website for renting a house in D.C.  I found sites for renting a room.  He needs time to find out where he wants to live, but I don't know if he should trust these sites.

HI

Let me contact my girl friend in Maryland. she had to use some sites to find a place.

Fingers crossed for Melissa. After I finish three projects - I will start taking dictation from Shark, so Melissa can get a letter.

fingers crossed starting now! I want to hear that you get to go to Japan and have both sons on leave to have a great family vacation.

Sorry that I have not gotten any more photos up. Been a bit busy here with a Rendezvous coming up on Saturday and starting back with ScoutReach.  Then today we learn just how bad my hubby's brother is. We knew a while back he had a form of cancer - but we were told it was under control Not - it is going into his bones. He looks not good - but will not show any pain. He wants to be with little Riker so much - so now all effort is being made to go see him. If we had known - but nothing was share.  Will keep you all posted. and I already feel the hugs and positive energy from all of you

Have sweet dreams all hugs

My husband was in Sasebo a long time ago.  It is a smaller base, in a nice area.  Japan is amazingly safe and clean.  He will need to buy a new phone there.  He should be asking for a sponsor now, to guide him.  He will go to an intracultural course when he arrives, learn about the base, and about the food, language, culture etc.

Hi All,

   My son arrived in Yokosuka a couple of weeks ago.  He facetimed today & told us that the Ronald Reagan will be deployed until November and I am concerned that we won't be able to contact him via cell phone, facetime, or e-mail, from what I've heard. Is this true?  How do you keep in touch with your kids? 

Thank you Blondie & Scully,  My son is not big on texting & e-mailing us.  I will e-mail him, though and hope for the best. I do worry about that typhoon, althought I guess it is better if they are out to sea rather than in port.

Blondie, Thank you for your encouraging words. Good to hear from someone who knows the ropes.  Hopefully we will hear from him in a few weeks.  His birthday is coming up in September.  I hope I can at least get an e-mail to him. We can't mail any packages or letters, can we?

wheatonpup - you can send mail even when they're deployed.  they still get mail when deployed, just takes a little longer. and use USPS flat rate boxes - you stuff 'em to the gills.  our post office ladies know the ropes for sending to the military - told us which boxes to use, and the right customs form to use on the box. :) 

I usually end up sending 3 emails to my sailor's every one email or call. and when he's deployed he does tend to have longer days so less time to communicate, too.  I'm on his schedule. 

thanks for the info Blondie - good to know these things.  my sailor is 25 so he's less forthcoming with info and has been on his own for a bit.  I do follow his ship on FB - that's been good - I've managed to see him in a few published pics - so that's been really awesome.

Weatonpup, mail comes to the ships with supplies.  They replenish at sea frequently.  My son communicated better when he was deployed.  He had a computer where he worked.  You can ship a birthday cake from any company that delivers to an FPO Box.

If this is your sons first deployment, he will be cranking.  He will be working in the kitchen or laundry on top of other duties.  He will have very little free time.  You won't hear from him too much if he has to line up to use a computer.

Send him emails to his ship mail address.  Every day if you want.  Keep them short, send a picture, tell him you are proud of him.  He will enjoy reading them when he has time.

Emails are monitored when they are deployed.  Don't put anything in the email that you do not want the captain to read.  He cannot discuss future positions of the ship, so do not ask.

The navy frequently publish pictures of the ship when they are underway.  Google the ship.  It is cool when you see your son in a picture.  You can forward to your local paper and they sometimes print the picture.

Weatonpup - my son has deployed a few times on the Reagan - the first week or so I don't hear anything, then i'll get bombarded with emails, then silence for a week - depends on their schedules.  I send goodie boxes - that, as others here have heard, I don't have the best of luck on - but at Post Office they have flat rate box - I choose the large, it's $16.90 out the door - and the form is pretty explanatory. Emails - like others have said - our sailors are taught not to say anything, so in other words, don't ask just keep it simple and sweet.  I'm working on that one, momma bear always wants to know everything - I'm getting better. I've spotted my sailor in a few of the FB ship pics - they are good about posting stuff - eases our conscience. And another note, this page is a good place to come and vent, laugh, realize you are not alone.  Welcome. 

well deploy set for wed delay till sat halleugh well GOD IS WITH THEM ALL PRAYERS TO ALL PARENTS WHOM HAVE A MAN OR WOMAN SERVICNG OUR COUNTRY.THANK THEM ALL.

tytulip,Kim & scully, Thank you for the info.  We still don't have the ship's address, but are hoping to hear soon. I will certainly get the flat rate box. How is the food on the ship? Do they get goodies? I am glad to know that we will have some communication.  My son has a laptop computer with him.  Can he use that, or only the ship's computer?  ...so many questions!

He can use his laptop when he is off the ship in port.  Cyber security and communication are big issues when ships are deployed.  The captain may suspend their ability to send emails for numerous reasons and there is usually someone assigned to read all incoming and outgoing emails. 

There is also a pay phone on the ship.  It is costly and there are lines to use it.

Here is a cute article about cranking:  http://www.navyjoe.com/2015/04/things-my-recruiter-didnt-tell-me-ho....  Most sailors do it their first deployment.  I did not hear from my son on his first deployment.  They kept him so busy that all he did was sleep when off duty.

Hi Maggs, I just went to the USPS website and ordered boxes, now all I need is an address. I will send the box as soon as I can.  One thing my son always liked were those washcloths that you get at the dollar store that expand from a tiny square to a regular washcloth.  Do you think they could have a small remote control car? That might be fun.Maybe 2 so they could race. Is that silly?   and granola bars!

Our dog is a Wheaton Terrier, a golden wheaton color. Much smaller than your Irish Wolfhound!

Hi Kim,  That was a good article about "cranking."  Thanks! How long was your son's first deployment? I think my son's is going to be about 2 months or so. I DO hope we can hear from him at least once.  We did the facetime thing a couple of times when he first arrived in Japan. But haven't heard since.  He DID have a lot of watch when he was at Great Lakes. Maybe that was some type of "cranking" as well...

"Standing watch" is something that they all do.  If it falls outside of their duty hours, then they work 4 extra hours.  It is tough when they have to stand watch in the middle of the night.  But, they hate being scheduled during port visits.  My son's first deployment was Spring patrol and was 3 months.

HI

Wow - what news you all have shared.

Great news about Melissa - Blondie Jr. pregnant - hubby better with cancer - Maggs joining the Sexy Grand Pan Moms gang - ( note - Grandpas are sexy ! )and baby pictures. Conor - OH he is all grown up!!!! What a handsome lad. Hope he has a great year at school.

Yes, I was reading - I saw the hurtful news too. Promise will put ALL hurts on my Positive List look at every morning - so good vibes are sent out.

Sorry, I have not been on - I fell off the side of the Earth and just climbed back on. Last Thursday - Riker came home sick from day care. Naturally we all were hoping this was a minor thing. HAHA. By Saturday morning - his Dada was throwing up/diarreha mode - next Grandpa - then Mama and lat Papa. I am just eating - well - eating somewhat now.

Luckily - all of us back to work today - Riker is at day care. And I start work. A bit nervous, but all should be ok.

I'll try to get on on later and share a few stories of my trip. Sorry I have not. Need to pack up for work.

Oh - Blondie - Yes, all three projects are going. Only thing - two got done and two new ones joined the group. - figures.

And Shark is mad at me - I have not been available to take dictation. But I should be free this weekend.  And Melissa will get a letter. Also, don't worry about the mean relatives who posted teh news on FB - Karma is coming . And I think you will just have a great time with your grand daughter :).

OK- Official - Baby Pool is open!

I say March 17, 2017 - Girl 6pound 9 oz.

Wishing all a wonderful day.

 hugs

Keep sharing your talent! Great photos

My daughter has been in Iwakuni almost 2 weeks now.  She seemsto be adjusting okay.  Her clinic is small and they have taken her under their wings. 

Dutchess

It's good to hear she is doing ok and that she is being taken care of.  It makes it easier on our Mom hearts when we know they are gong to be ok. 

My son is stationed in Yokosuka at the Navy Hospital since Sept 2015.  Loves it.  Just climbed Mt. Fuji with his buddies this last weekend.  There is lots to do and see and it is a beautiful country.  We went at the end of March to see the Cherry Blossoms and had a wonderful time. 

Take care,

Awesome!  He climbed Mt. Fuji.  My sailor did that too. And talks of wanting to do it again.  So very glad you were able to go and be with him.

And Dutchess - promise you will be feeling better about her being there.  She will do great.  but sending you gentle hugs.

Alicia - welcome! My son has been in Okinawa since April and he loves it there. Do you know where your daughter is probably going to be stationed and will she be on shore duty or shipboard?
I think once she gets there and settles in, she'll get in a routine and it'll be easier - she'll meet people, she'll have a sponsor and then a mentor (they can be the same person but don't have to be so if she doesn't click with her sponsor, then let her know she can pick someone else as her mentor - my son did) to help her learn the ropes and get involved.

I make a point of writing every week and sending boxes about once a month - mostly snacks and a book and fun stuff (nothing that takes up much space - they have limited space).

be aware that it sometimes takes a little longer to get all the paperwork and medical done for an overseas assignment so she may end up on admin hold for a little bit after graduation - my son graduated A school Mar 10th and wasn't home on leave until the 22nd