Debbie (Stephen's mom)

Female

Alsip, Illinois

United States

Profile Information:

A little about me:: I have two children, a daughter in college and my son who will be leaving for boot camp November 18th. I work in a school (in the office). I love water sports. My favor color is blue.
I am here to support my: Child/Stepchild
Stage of (Sailor’s) Navy career?: Thinking about joining
When I heard “Navy,” I...: Was concerned or afraid
The Navy offers opportunities that...: My son seems very excited about this move in his life, I am happy he finally has a goal in his life.
Our Navy experience so far...: It was positive and maturing. Our relationship has grown stronger.

Comment Wall:

Navy for Moms Admin

Hello & Welcome to N4M’s!
My name is Catherine the Admin and I want to thank you for joining us! To help you know the “Do’s and Don’ts” for the community- I wrote up a quick little ditty for you to read. So click here and read them (pretty please with a cherry on top because the rules are enforced)! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns afterwards- please don’t hesitate to contact me.
So, enjoy your time here and I'm looking forward (along with the community) to reading more about you. :D
Sincerely, Catherine

Nov 12, 2008
carols_kitchen

I just love a sailor in dress blues!
BTW, under the "events" to your right, if you go to March 21st, there is a parents meeting in Galina.
Carol

Jan 31, 2009
carols_kitchen

HI there
Like your pix of "the boys" in front of the fireplace!

Feb 4, 2009
Jody Gault

2nd floor 221

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

Not that I'm aware of. His just said he was in the IT building when we went into the complex the first time.

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

Justin graduated 1-30-09-so they're about 2 weeks apart. He said tonight that his schooling doesn't start tomorrow but, rather, Weds. I emailed him your sons picture, telling him that his first name is Stephen and that he graduated 1-15-09 (although that always seems to throw them because they only know last names-but Lord don't tell me your son's last name or we'll get 'grounded' by N4M-haha). I'll let you know if he's seen him around. Here in Orlando it started warming back up yesterday. Was near 70. Today was a little warmer and sunshiny like we're used to. Nights still chillier than we like at around 40-50. PNS is so far north that we'd thought it'd been colder there but, according to Justin, it's been nice. However, keep in mind he's been in minus 7 degrees or whatever up in IL for 2 months so this is warm to him.

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

Thanks for the compliment. I just 'peeked' at your pictures-they're nice too. I have many more that I'll load when I want to go to the trouble. My hubby took sooo many last weekend. Picture 4 on my page shows Justin in front of his 'dorm' (that's what we call it). It's in front of a gazebo and girls are on the other end of the building. I guess we are very fortunate to have him pretty close. It's a 6-8 hr. drive. Plus we can fly it anytime we want too since we fly for free. Not many families are that lucky. Just worrisome that won't last very long so we are spending as much time with him as we can as we know those times will be pretty scarce the next several (or longer years). He wants to go to Japan-great for him not so much for us. Don't think we'll fly to Japan-but you never know.

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

Oh BTW I pulled out of the PNS A schoolers group. It was just too big and busy-I couldn't keep up and I guess I find I like talking more about our sailors than other stuff. So find me in IT A schoolers or Sailors holding or in school at Corry Station.

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

Their PIR was 2 weeks apart but if, and that's a big if, Justin's classes truly start this Weds. they'll only be 2 days apart and maybe graduate A school together. I think we can load 5 pictures onto our site at a time (I think that is how many slots there were). However, I'm not sure if they then post them on the community pictures or not-I think they do. I really don't care if they do anyways. If find I don't really look at those too much because they're so many. You know on this N4M site I can't even imagine how many hours/days/weeks straight you would have to sit to see it all. It's infinity I'm sure. Yes, I know traveling is very expensive for familes and , at least, that I feel very fortunate. When USAir closed up down here 6 yrs ago I was on furlough. Last year they sent me this request if I wanted to waive my rights of recall and accept retiree benefits. I thought heck yeah free flight benefits for life for myself, my husband and my parents, for my kids til they're 24 and I get other perks too. It's been very handy. I feel bad for Justin's roommate. The kid is from Missouri. None of his family could go to PIR and then he saw us there in PNS with Justin the first weekend. Justin said he hasn't even gotten a box of anything from anybody yet. I just want to hug him. I cannot imagine families not showing the love. But, ya know, they're out there. Talk to you soon.

Feb 8, 2009
Jody Gault

N4M is the abbreviation for Navyformoms.com (it's all of these different things we can look thru). You can have more than 5 pictures on your page. I've seen some moms that have hundreds. You just can only add 4-5 at a time. But if you want to add more you just go back again and add more. I just can't figure out how to delete ones you've added. I put one in there of our dog and I found a better one so we don't need both. Any ideas how to do that? I tried edit but that didn't work out for me. Yeah we didn't even meet Justin's roommate until we were leaving. He says the boy is really quiet and the first few days all he did was sleep. We're going to let Justin know if he'd like to invite him out with us this weekend that it's fine for us. That'll be up to Justin though.

Feb 9, 2009
Jody Gault

Oh yea, my job with the airlines ended in January 2003 when they closed up the reservations office. I could've transferred to another state but wasn't going to uproot my whole family. Plus it was a good decision since I know people that have had to transfer 3-4 times to other states since then to keep their job. After the office closed I took my 401k and opened a ladies only fitness franchise. Did really well with that until hurricanes hit then business started to falter. I had the gym sold but the buyer backed out the last day of finalizations. So, at that point, it was choosing to keep the business and it's struggles or to keep our home which had just been fully re-built as we lost it in the hurricanes. Our family was televised 3 different occassions on our hurricane story on CNN. I closed the gym in March 2006 and didn't work again until August 2006 (by choice). That's when I found my job at SunTrust that I loved. Lost that job, very suddenly with no notice, in November 2008 and have been looking ever since (although not seriously looking until last month).

Feb 9, 2009
Jody Gault

Hey, Debbie, thanks that worked. I deleted one of Nala's pictures (our doggie). Didn't need 2 pictures of her on there. You know I didn't think about it but now that you said it I guess when that door opened for each division and you see your childs division and you know they're in there somewhere that is when your heart skips a beat. So, yeah, I guess that was "one" of my favorite parts. I probably didn't tell you...(this is funny) when they were about to call liberty to go to get your sailor our youngest started to jump the gun. When they called it she was one of the first (if not the very first) to her brother. I laughed and said she was stomping all over old ladies and dogs to get to her brother. haha

Feb 10, 2009
Jody Gault

To answer your question....3717 r-221

Feb 11, 2009
Jody Gault

Nah, this is his best friend (not the parents) getting the room. David (Justin's best friend) is 21. He's from here but is going to college in Gainesville (he's a Gator). He's such an intelligent kid and such a good kid. We know the family really well-they're excellent neighbors. They're Asian Americans and every last one of them are brainiacs to the hilt. The boys were in boys scouts together for many years and David went on to get his Eagle-Justin dropped out in middle school but still helped the troop whenever needed. They took Justin a few years ago with them to New York for a week and wouldn't let us give them any money. (I sent this to you because it feels like we're the only ones talking on there).

Feb 17, 2009
Jody Gault

When Justin left for BC Tina called for him to come over. She gave him $50 because she just wanted to. She's been writing him and sending him care packages. She says Justin is just like her son because she's watched him grow up and is very proud of him. We adore her 2 kids as well but just don't have the free cash to hand out like they do. Their daughter was our kids babysitter until Justin was old enough to watch his sisters. She (the daughter) got a scholarship to Stamford out in California. Like I said they're very smart. So when David and the 2 other buddies go to PNS I know that even though they're old enough to drink that they will be sensible good kids-I trust them.

Feb 17, 2009
Jody Gault

I talked to Justin today and I didn't know but he was offered 5 yrs with a bonus of $4,000. I asked him why he took 4 yrs instead of 5 with such a good bonus and he said incase he didn't like it. I told him for $4,000 1 extra year might have been worth it but too late to turn back now. I had to step out of our group to tell you this as I'm getting information overload there right now (stuff I know nothing about and don't really care to since we're not there yet).

Mar 22, 2009
karen p

Thank you for all your kind words . I am so glad we became friends. Karen

Oct 26, 2009
Carol

Flower Comments - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Had to stop by and give you some flowers for your page all the other ones i sent are gone LOL have a great t day Debbie!! ahh i like the song that you have when you come here!!!! i need to get a box now but cant figure out how to get in on my page LOL my daughter will help me well you have a good day!!

Jul 1, 2010
Carol

Independence Day Graphics - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Debbie i hope you have a great 4th of July day!!!!!!! how fitting this song is today!!! just love this song when i come here!!

Jul 4, 2010
Carol

New MySpace 2.0 Layouts

and to say thanks for stopping in on my page!! ahh i,m doing much better !! its just hard eating on one side all the time , it gets tired LOL, well i sure hope your son likes his new duty station and he get what he wants, i,m hoping for the same for my son, he really seems to like it over in Virginia!! i also hope for your sake it aint to far from home!! i,m about 7 hrs away from my son, and it has been nice!!! i,m so happy you get to talk with your son alot, it sure does mean alot , now doesnt it!! well I hope you have a real nice day!! glad you liked my page!! i really tried, i couldnt get back the theme i had on the last one, but this one will do.so i,m trying to beef this one up LOL still have to put pictures and music LOL gotta figure out how to put a music box on LOL

Aug 10, 2010
Carol

Weekend Glitter Graphics - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

I love coming to your page with that song playing, i just love that song!!!!well you enjoy your weekend!!!!

Aug 19, 2010
Carol

Flowers Comments

well Debbie you should be here it is so cold right now, i guess the rain cooled things off!!! yes back to work next week for me, i guess you can say it is time LOL i did have a nice summer too, having my pool sure did sweeten the pot!! and with the heat , it did feel good!!! as for my son didnt hear anything about his orders, i guess he is waiting for some to be put on the table, i think thats how it works, i cant wait to hear whats next for him should be interesting, i think he wants to stay in Virginia, he seems to like it there, well i,m heading for the doctors today to get my results kinda dont want to know LOL they always seem to find things , ya know well i ,ll let ya know how i made out talk with you soon!!

Aug 24, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

Yes--they can have visitors while they are in the VA Med Center. Building 134-3B the nursing home rehab unit. No check in points--I just walked in last weekend! Third floor --off elevator straight ahead through unit door. Room 314.

Halee is my daughter (will be 22 on the 16th)--she was running her last PFA and in her stride got immense pain and the second stride took her to the floor--Shin splint fracture--they call it a Quad fracture--she was checked out like a week or so before with complaints of shin pain & was cleared...she was only 3 days from BS21!

Victoria is from Alaska and is 19 I think and she was in week 3. She had dislocated her hip & fell fracturing her femur requiring surgery!

They just added an 80 year old woman to their room--tonight should be interesting. While there they can phone & also have internet access. Halee's therapy won't be near as intense as Victoria's will be!

THANK YOU!
Tracy

Nov 1, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

Yes--it's only a few minutes from the base! http://www.northchicago.va.gov/visitors/directions.asp

Building 134--3rd floor--B side! the main entrance is actually next to the ER entrance Blue awning area--but go to the right--elevators on the left to 3rd floor--walk straight out of the elevator ahead go through unit door--next to last door on the right!

Nov 1, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

Thanks Deb--I guess last night wasn't a good night with the new roommate--keeping the girls up. I appreciate it so much!

Nov 2, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

I think it's AT aviation tech or aviation computer tech --its one or the other? She's to go to Pensacola Fl for A training. She signed on for 4/4 but I think she may go for life--unless this down time really gets to her. But once she's beyond this--she'll do so much better! traveling on that train really wore me out and I'm home sick today--going to use my friend the Netti-pot and then back to bed for me.

Nov 2, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

Hi Deb! Thank you! I'll go snatch the pictures :-) Not a problem at all! LOL As if I haven't already posted some!

I'm feeling much better--the Netti-pot is my friend!

:-)

Nov 3, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

Hi Deb
Status Quo--still at the VA! Told her back to RCU today--but again--communication seems to be a major issue! LOL--she ordered out Pizza tonight! LOL I'm hoping they keep her there until long cast removed--2 1/2 more weeks---so that could mean visiting her for Thanksgiving--at least that's what I'm hoping for!

Getting ready to skype with grandbaby & eldest daughter in Utah! More details later!
Tracy

Victoria is doing well also--Halee can't wait to get the long cast off! Most she's ever sat still in her life! LOL

Nov 12, 2010
AmeliaGrumma (RCU)

That was the plan Deb! But that all changed a little while ago--she went back to base to the RCU today! :-( No more calls, tv, or internet for awhile for her! She was able to call me a couple times this AM before therapy and after--they changed her cast again--her leg was getting smaller and it was getting loose. Then one more call and she borrowed a cell phone to send me this picture. Still has pain--but they gave her 3 days supply of all the meds until they get her scripts -- I guess? I'll know more once she can call & write me.

Tracy

This says it all:

Nov 15, 2010
Carol

wow i really need to check my home page from time to time, i,m just reading this today! sorry about that, well i,m glad you liked the little card, i really like the part where it says, i hope your face hurts your smile is so big LOL to funny LOL well i can say this it is real hard to forget you Debbie your such a sweet person, who could forget you!!

you are a great friend too!! and i cherish our friend ship!!!! the one thing i really like is we can all understand the missing part, i know sometimes the men or other people dont understand, but i know i do!!! thats why this navy for moms is good!! and we over at the Dolphins have a great group of girls who all are very understanding and caring!!

Jan 4, 2011
Carol

Happy Birthday Graphics - Tumblr Themes
Happy Birthday Debbie!!!!!!!!! i hope you have a great day!!!!!

Jan 7, 2011
Carol

Havent come to your page in a while thought i drop a flower for you!!

Flower Pictures

More Glitter Graphics and say hello!! love that song!!!

Jan 20, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Hi Debbie,

My son is going to be in Advanced IT. He's leaving Nov. 17th, 2011. I read one of your postings regarding "Stephen being back on base in Italy, did not know where the Navy sent him". Is that somethiing we will have to experience too? What was your experience when he left around the same time my son is leaving? Was bootcamp longer? Did he go to Pensacola right after graduation or was he able to come home? His recruiter told us that he might not come home after bc and A-school maybe on the way to C-school. it depends. He has a 6 yr. active and 2 yrs. reserved contract. I like to hear what others have experienced. I don't see very many IT moms on this site. Anyway, thanks and have a wonderful day!

Cristina

Mar 30, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Hi Debbie,

Wow, it sounds like a lot has changed since your son left. My son wants to go to Italy too, but he said he's really not that picky, LOL! Yeah, my son's ship date is Nov. and from what I've learned since it's near the holidays, that bc is longer than 9 weeks. Since he has a 6 yr. contract he has to go to C-school. We plan on seeing him at GL, it will be tough as we wil be coming from California and we probably have to drive, flights are too expensive for a family of four :( But it will all be worth it just to see him :) I'll send you another message if I think of another question. It is so hard that he has to wait this long to go but at the same time, it's nice to be able to spend time with him. It's quite an emotional ride, highs and lows. Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cristina

Mar 30, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Yes, I got some great information from Pat. I guess you're right about him waiting, I don't mind it but I think he is getting on his sister's nerves lately, LOL. He has 2- a 14 yr. old and a 10 yr. old. what can I say, he's got too much time on his hands :) well, he does work part-time but not enough to keep him busy, so he bugs all of us! I think even my dogs wants stay away from him:) I have a pug and a beagle and he took them for a very looong walk yesterday, he ended up carrying the pug all the way home, LOL! Anyway, thank you again for the tips, oh and just so you know you will be hearing a lot from me, hehe!

Mar 30, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Hi Deb, I uploaded some pictures on "my page" check them out :)-Cristina

Apr 1, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Hi Debbie,

Yes, they are the love of my life, husband, 2 daughters and my only son and ofcourse my two doggies :) Thank you. Robert asked me one day if his dogs will still remember him. I told him they'll never forget him. I'm sure Stephen misses his dog. Wow, you had a 15 yr. old dog? She lived a long good life, I'm sure. Robert is actually doing good. He's been working a lot and on his days off, he likes to spend it with us. So I'm always planning something with him. I took him to lunch yesterday cause he cleaned his room (haha), it's a reward, LOL! Anyway, he asked me why do people say "thank you" to him once they find out he is going into the Navy. I told him that people show their appreciation to young men and women that makes such a big decision to serve their country and making all the sacrifices. I said you have no idea that the decision that you've chosen is HUGE! He said he's looking forward to his future. BC doesn't scare him. He was a cross country runner and the training is equivalent to hell week in football. He's used to being pushed, yelled at and teamwork. he said the only thing that scares him is being homesick. We are a very tight family, we spend a lot of time together. He's a homebody, so that's one thing that I'm worried about him being homesick. I already plan on writing little notes and slipping it into his bible. Anyway, hope you're having a good day. Can you believe it's Wednesday already?

Hugs to you,

Cristina

Apr 13, 2011
Cristina (Robin'sMom)

Hi Debbie,

Remember me, my son is almost done with bootcamp and will be off to Pensacola to Corry Station. I'll be in Great Lakes on the 18th-21st. It has been a roller coaster ride, can't wait to see my son. He is also the division honor graduate, sooo proud!!!

Jan 7, 2012