Back in Port

The RMD and its crew arrived safely.  Andrew is in Everett, WA and won't have another long deployment for about 18 months.

When I talked with him last night, he was cold . . . he's not used to the WA climate after his recent tour in South America! Guess it's time to "bundle up"!  Makes our KS winters seem tame?!  :-)

Near Everett, WA

KS Landscape

 

On Their Way

It's not much longer till the RMD is back at its base in Everett, WA!  In some ways, it seems like this 6 months has flown by.  In others, it's been an eternity.  Mostly I'm thankful that everyone on the ship is safe and will be reunited with family and friends in the very near future.

And that's cause for  a big sigh of relief from this Navy mom!  

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg110

Leave Dates Set

Andrew called home tonight!!!  He was in San Diego, headed back to port and then on to Chicago for "C" school.

His holiday leave begins December 16th and goes through January 2nd.  Looks like he'll be home for the holidays, after all!  Can't wait!!!

Getting Closer

After Andrew and I had a little e-mail spat,  he wrote and asked me if I could get his phone turned back on by Thursday.  There's no way they're that close to WA, but they must be within cell range if he wants his phone turned on.   Maybe they really will be back in the US by Thanksgiving.  That would be nice, regardless if he's in WA and we're in KS.  It just doesn't seem as far away as when he's out in the middle of the ocean.

Can't wait 'till they're back!  I'm finally beginning to think the end of this deployment is actually in sight!

When do our children stop being a pain in the ass?

Great News!

> 11 NOV 2010
>
> Dearest family and friends,
>
> It is with a warm heart that I am able to report that USS RODNEY M. DAVIS will be arriving home from deployment in time for Thanksgiving. The possibility of a second extension has gone away.
>
> Our arrival date is 23 November! To guard the exact arrival time, I will send out additional information separately in our next newsletter but you should anticipate a late morning arrival. 
>
> I am so proud of the RODNEY M. DAVIS family for accepting the adversity our extension may have caused and the continued positive support for your Sailors. 
>
> Both main engines are on line with a flank bell ordered up - our heading is northwest. We'll see you soon!
>
> Happy Veterans Day and Warmest regards, The Captain
>
> P.S. Emma Ray, Daddy's coming home!
>
> CDR Scott Robertson
> Commanding Officer

Request for First Meal at Home!

Andrew is out of River City and he is starting to think about his time at home.  He asked if we could have pizza and beer for his first dinner at home.  Funny what he wants after being gone for so long!  Guess he hasn't had any decent pizza during his travels. 

He said he wants to have pizza and beer with me and David and just sit and talk.  Wow!  What more could a mom ask for?  That makes my "mom heart" very, very happy!!!

Safe travels Andrew and RMD crew!!!  Can't wait til you're back in WA!

Info from RMD Public Affairs

Here's an article that tells about what Andrew's ship has been doing.  Interesting reading.  I can't even imagine what 2.2 metric tons of cocaine might look like.  Amazing!  And great job RMD crew!

RMD Makes Another Drug Bust

By Ensign Jack Dougherty, USS Rodney M. Davis Public Affairs

Thursday, October 21, 2010

 

Although USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 61) will be returning home to Everett shortly, the Davis crew continues with its drug trafficking mission. 
Late September, while Davis was on patrol in the Eastern Pacific searching for illicit narcotics trafficking, the crew made its largest drug bust of the 2010 deployment. Davis strategically located another suspected fishing vessel with the help of HSL 43 Detachment Four SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, and excellent intelligence from the Joint Intra-Agency Task Force (JIATF-South) based out of Key West, Fl.
The Pacific Ocean provides a massive area for drug smugglers to operate and provides ample opportunity to blend in with legitimate fishing vessels.
Once Davis was certain of their target, the ship discretely approached the unsuspecting drug traffickers and launched their Rigid Haul Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with the shipís Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team (LEDET) embarked. 
It did not take long for the drug runners to know they were caught, and they immediately attempted to eliminate any drug evidence by sending drug parcels over-the-side to the ocean floor.  Despite the challenge presented by the traffickers, the Davis teamís quick action was able to capture 2.2 metric tons of cocaine, worth approximately 60 million dollars. 
In addition to the cocaine, Davis took custody of eleven suspected drug traffickers, who will report to court.
USS Rodney M. Davis has been deployed since May 2010 in support of operations to counter narcotics trafficking and is commanded by Cmdr. Scott Robertson.

© 2010 Sound Publishing, Inc.

Some Light Shed and News of Delay

Here's a copy of an e-mail I received this evening.  It helps answer why river city has been so long this time.  Unfortunately, the ship will not return as scheduled, but it's only a short delay.  And it doesn't disrupt Andrew's leave dates, so it's o.kay.  It could be much worse!  It could have interfered with his visit home and that would have been very, very bad!!!  The CO would have heard from me on that one!  Well, maybe not . . . but 'ya never know!


Here's the e-mail:

27 Oct 2010

Dear family, friends, and Tigers,

USS RODNEY M. DAVIS will be delayed in our return to homeport in Everett, WA up to two weeks.  At this time, we will be home no later than 23 November 2010 – unfortunately, I can not give an exact date as our return is driven by the operations. 

As I mentioned in my previous email, the operations we are involved with in the Eastern Pacific are unprecedented and require the Navy’s best hunters of drug traffickers – and RODNEY M. DAVIS is one of them.  I understand the impact this extension has to you families back home and those who were planning to meet the ship for Tiger Cruise.

I am cancelling the November 4-9 Tiger Cruise.  With the unpredictability of our schedule I can not guarantee a date when we will arrive in San Diego, and find it unfair to those who are taking time out from work, school and sports, to not have a confirmed date to travel to meet the ship.  I am drafting a letter to the airlines to explain the unique circumstances which have impacted our schedule and ask for their support in providing refunds or airline credit towards future tickets.  I will send that letter out to all Tiger Cruise participants. Additionally, I am already in the processes of planning another Tiger Cruise opportunity which will most likely be offered in the Spring/Summer 2011 time frame. 

To the families, I ask for the continued positive support for your Sailors.  All of your homecoming preparations are very much appreciated and will make our arrival day very special.  I have conveyed to the crew that they have two options at this point:  1) become discouraged by the situation which may cast a shadow on the tremendous accomplishments they have achieved over the last six months, or 2) accept the change and focus on the good it is doing for the future of our country and understand that RMD Sailors are needed for this operation.  I am asking for your support in option number two!  The entire RMD family, from Sailors to you back home, need to rally through any adversity this situation may have caused.

I will be opening up email soon to allow you to communicate with your Sailors and work through the details this deployment extension will have.  I ask you not to ask about the specifics in what we are engaged in and wait until your Sailors returns home.  

Warmest regards,

CDR Scott Robertson

Commanding Officer

CDR Scott Robertson

Commanding Officer

USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60)

Still Waiting and Wondering . . .

Got this message tonight, which was a relief because I've been worried.  It's been a loooong time since I've heard from my guy!  Hopefully, they've been successful with their mission.  I can't wait to learn what they've been doing.

From:   "RODNEY M DAVIS OMBUDSMAN"

To:        undisclosed-recipients

 

Family and Friends,

I spoke with the CO on the phone and he assures me that everyone is doing ok and that River City will be over soon.  Take care. 

Please remember to not post information about the ship on any web sites.  We want all our sailors safe.
Respectfully,
Amy Webb
USS Rodney M. Davis OMBUDSMAN

Back in River City

The RMD is in River City.

River City Ends and Andrew Accolades

Received an e-mail about an hour ago that River City has ended for this go 'round.  Crew and ship are fine.  I'm waiting to learn what they were doing this time.

And, congrats to Andrew!  He has been selected to attend "C" school!  "C" school is for sailors who've shown outstanding leadership and capabilities within their jobs.  Shortly after he returns from sea, Andrew will be back in Chicago where he'll attend school.  Once he's finished with school, he'll go back to his home port in WA; he'll stay attached to the RMD. 

It's an honor to be selected to attend C school.  I'm very proud of him, and I think he's proud of himself too.   Andrew's only reservation about attending C school is that he really doesn't like Chicago and he especially hates their winters.  Maybe he'll become so engaged in his learning he won't think about the weather.  Probably not . . . this is Andrew we're talking about!!!  But I'm really proud of him. 

Way to go, Babe!   :o)

GSM Insignia

RMD in River City . . .

Here's a copy of the e-mail I received:

From:"RODNEY M DAVIS OMBUDSMAN"

To: undisclosed-recipients

Due to the Ship’s current operational situation they had to go to “RIVER CITY”.  RIVER CITY is when out going emails from the Ship is not allowed, Sailors can still receive email.  The Officers and Crew are doing well and they will be back online as soon as possible.  Senior Chief Hunt has access to his email, if you have any emergencies you can email him at cmc@ffg60.navy.mil and he will pass the message on to your Sailor - emergencies only please.  Thanks for your support and your patience.

Please remember to not post information about the ship on any web sites.  We want all our sailors safe.
Respectfully,

USS Rodney M. Davis OMBUDSMAN

From Wog to Shellback

What?  From "wog" to "shellback".  Do those terms leave you with a question in your mind?  If yes, then you're like me!

I got an e-mail from Andrew in which he told me he was going to be participating in the ceremony where he changes from "wog" to "shellback".  Hmmmm . . . those terms don't sound like Navy ranks that I've heard of before, so what could they mean?

Well, here's the answer.  And a I love the clever folklore that surrounds the ceremony.  Just another reason those guys on the ship become like family to one another.  They've each endured (and survived) these silly rites of passage.

So, good on 'ya Babe.  I'm proud of you for becoming a "shellback"!
 

The Shellback Initiation

The Shellback Initiation is a ceremony to celebrate a young sailor's first time passing the equator. It is a 'secret' in the Navy, and many of the rites of passage are supposed to be kept among sailors. One such rite of passage involves the 'wogs', or those who have not yet been initiated, plucking a maraschino cherry from the belly button of a high-ranking enlisted man known as a Chief Petty Officer. There are many other rites or contests, and the Shellback Initiation can vary from ship to ship. Sailors who complete the Shellback rites are given a certificate proclaiming them to be fit to understand the 'mysteries'.

Single Sailor Goodie Bags

I received the information below from the RMD's ombudsman.

I love the idea of gift packs for the single sailors, especially because I can't be in WA when Andrew's ship returns.

Anyone who wants to contribute can do so.  The deadline is October 25th.

USS Rodney M. Davis Families and Friends

We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of our loved one…
When they step off that bow and we can give them a great big hug…
But, let’s not forget about our single sailors on the RMD.

Each one of us can’t give them all a personal welcome home…so, we would like to show them a small token of our appreciation.
FRG would like to put together Single Sailor Goodie bags from the families and friends of the RMD.

We are asking families if possible to make a small contribution to put in the Single Sailors Goodie Bags.  We will be collecting the contributions at the Oct. 9th FRG Meeting.

 If you are unable to attend the meeting or reside outside of the local area and would like to make a contribution to the Single Sailor Goodie Bags, please email rmdfrgvicepresidentpm@gmail.com subject: Single Sailor Goodie Bags..Expressing interest
We will provide you with a mailing address to send contributions.
We ask that all contributions are received no later than Oct. 25th allowing us plenty of time to assemble with love and care.  We have approximately 50 single sailors.

A few suggested Items..

Bags of small candy bars
Case of small bottles of water
Slim Jims
Granola Bars
Individual packs of cookies/ crackers

What's In A Name?

Ever wonder what it would be like if you had a different name?  Or, have you ever wondered how different things might be had you named your own child something different?  Well, Andrew is experiencing life under a different name right now.

It seems that his "sexy" sweetie pie, who is completely enamored by him, likes to call him Andy.  Andy...really?  He's never gone by that name and when a CA relative once referred to him as Andy, he got a major attitude about it.  But he thinks it's funny when his sexy sweetie pie calls him Andy.  He said he didn't want to "piss her off" and tell her she couldn't call him that.  Hmmmm.  That alone interests me.

But, I'm not going to start calling him "Andy".  He'll always be Andrew or Drew to me!  Andy just doesn't seem to fit his personality.  But then again, I work with my clothes on.  So what would I know?

My clothes stay on while I work!

Out of RC

River City has ended and all is well with RMD's crew. 

Back in River City

Yep, that's right.  The RMD is currently in River City.  Although Andrew cannot send e-mails, he can receive them.  So, feel free to e-mail him.  He'll appreciate hearing from you!

Anchored Off the Coast and Skype Him!

For anyone interested in using Skype to talk to Andrew, here's his Skype name:  andrew.styes

If you aren't familiar with Skype, it's a great web-based communication tool.  And, you can use it for a video chat if you have a web cam or a built in camera in your computer.  You'll need to download Skype from the internet, create an account for yourself (it's free!), and set up a username.  Then, you'll want to e-mail Andrew and tell him your Skype name so he can add you to his address book.

Skype is really easy to use and it saves you from having to use an international calling service to talk with Andrew.

Currently, his ship is anchored off the coast indefinitely.  There are some major mechanical issues with the ship that they're hoping to fix asap so they can resume their duty at sea.  During the ship's down-time, he has more access to internet and cell connection which makes reaching him more likely.

River City Ends and Into Port

The RMD is out of River City and in port.  Everyone is safe and everything is fine.  Whhheeeewww . . . that's a sigh of relief from this Navy mom!  ;-) 

And, Andrew is accessible via phone while he's in port so if you have the number and international calling capabilities, your chances of talking to him are very good.

Back in River City

Here's a copy of the e-mail I received today from the ombudsman of Andrew's ship:

Due to the Ship’s current operational situation they had to go to “RIVER CITY”.  RIVER CITY is when out going emails from the Ship is not allowed, Sailors can still receive email.  The Officers and Crew are doing well and they will be back online as soon as possible.  CMDCS Hunt has access to his email, if you have any emergencies you can email him at cmc@ffg60.navy.mil and he will pass the message to your Sailor - emergencies only please.  Thanks for your support and your patience.

Please remember to not post information about the ship on any web sites.  We want all our sailors safe.
Respectfully,
Amy Webb

USS Rodney M. Davis OMBUDSMAN
OMBUDSMAN Phone Number:  425-210-5351
USS Davis Careline:  425-304-5026

Ring! Ring! Ring!

OMG . . . My cell phone rang,  I answered it, and it was Andrew!!!  Couldn't believe it!  He sounded tired and happy.   They were in port, originally for work duty, but later it turned into some leave time.  He purchased a phone, called home and we chatted for a while.  Yes!

If you want to call him, you can!  When I tried to dial the number from my cell phone, it wouldn't work.  I don't have international calling on the cell phone, but it should work fine from a land line.  E-mail me and I'll give you his phone number.

Call and chat with him.  He'll love it!

Navy Acronyms

Thanks, US Navy for pushing the envelope of my thinking.

Your acronyms cause me to slow down and process terms I'd otherwise quickly decipher and maybe even comprehend.  But oh no, Navy God . . . keep using those acronyms.  I love how you can shorten a word into one letter, combine that letter with another one-letter representation of a different word and build an acronym for one of your military terms.

The latest one I learned?  "RAS".  Nope, doesn't have anything to do with run, royal, red, or regal - the first "r" words that popped into my head.  It means Replenishment At Sea (RAS).  That's when the ship gets fuel from a different ship while both ships are floating across the ocean.  That, alone, interests me.  And when it's turned into an acronym (RAS), it becomes even more intriguing.

Thanks, US Navy, for stretching my learning today.

2 Navy ships conduct RAS procedure

Who Is This Man?

I've been thinking about this for a while now, but still haven't figured it out.  Hopefully, resolution is soon forthcoming because it's beginning to gnaw at my heart and brain.

When Andrew left for Basic Training last year (just a few days shy of the one-year mark!), we sent a giddy, all-knowing teenage boy to the Navy.   Away he went, still a child, despite his age.  I kissed him good-bye, wished him well on his adventure and felt my heart break.  At that moment I realized my boy was gone.  My long-time friend was leaving.  Cutting the apron strings - in one fell swoop.  Snipped.

Resolution came when we went to Chicago to see him graduate from Basic - an amazing, pride-filled ceremony filled with military pomp and regalia.  Truly a spectacle and the kids who graduated beamed with pride and accomplishment.  When I finally got to see our "Sailor" the hugs and kisses were like none other.  Reconnection at it's finest! 

Then came 2 trips home and I realized my sweet boy had not left . . . our "Andrew" was still there.   Still a little inattentive to details.  Still a little messy.  Still a little aloof.  Still Andrew!

Now he's been at sea for several months, with still more to come.  We communicate regularly via e-mail and that helps tremendously!  But e-mail isn't the same as seeing your child - actually talking face-to-face with him.  Looking him in the eye to understand the real meaning of what he's saying and thinking.  Like only a mother can do. 

I'm afraid that when he comes home after having been on the ship for so long he will have grown into a man - even more so than after Basic.  And the part that's hard for me is that I haven't seen the evolution along the way because we've been separated.  So much is learned, felt, communicated through unintentional habits and actions.  Andrew and I used to be so "in tune" with one another that it was pretty difficult for him to bullshit me.  Caught him mostly every time he tried!

So when he comes home again in December 2010 who will that person be?  I know he's become a man.  But who is that man?   How much of our Andrew will be there?  All of him, I hope.  Grown-up.  Mature. Responsible.  And still our Andrew . . .

Mojitos and More

In his latest e-mail, Andrew told me about getting his tattoo.  I still haven't seen a picture of it yet, but he tells me it's his favorite one.  Good thing he likes it.  Tattoos last a lifetime. 

He said he's had a great time in port and they're heading out soon with plans to return in a few weeks for a working party.  I'm not sure what they're going to work on, but they'll be doing some kind of work next time.

He discovered mojitos while he was at a casino, played cards there for 2 days and lost only $40.00.  He played a lot of Black Jack.  On his first game of Texas Hold 'Em he bet $20.00 and won.  Not bad for a first-time gambler!

Here's to good sailing, Andrew and crew!

Still 2nd . . . After All These Years!

First, I'm not thrilled with multiple tattoos.  One or two?  Love it!  But several?  No thanks!

When I got Andrew's e-mail this AM, I was interested in what he's been doing.  He talked about getting "stores" which is when a supply ship brings them more stuff: food, potable water, supplies, etc.  He also described watching two dolphins entertain him while he helped re-fuel the ship.  Then he asked me to scan a drawing he did a few years ago because when he gets into port, he's going to get another tattoo.  I was o.kay with that until he asked me for the year Grammy died.  What?  When do I get acknowledged in a frickin' tattoo?  I thought "Mom" was one of the first tattoos Navy guys got.  Guess I was wrong again!

So, being the good, responsive mother that I am, I scanned his drawing and sent the date along with it.  Guess I've missed out on the tattoo again!!   Forever his "second mother" . . . .

Image of soon-to-be tattoo

Crazy Parent Humor for Andrew

On our trip to Lawrence last week, David and I kept a video log that we'll send to Andrew soon.  Here's a silly clip from that log . . . and yes, the rest of them are just as nutty.

Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?

Remember that song?  Or maybe it was an actual tv show.  Anyway, instead of "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?", we're going to play, "Where in the World is Andrew's Navy Ship?".  And,  because I can't post his whereabouts on any website, I'll post some photos of where he is and hopefully you will recognize it.  I know that members of our family have traveled to this part of the world and we know someone who has a house there.   Looks beautiful!!!  Hope Andrew enjoys his time there!

More Adventures At Sea and Ice Cream!

It's so fun to learn what Andrew gets to see while he's out there sailing on the ocean.  Here's an excerpt of an e-mail he sent me a few days ago.    Tuna and dolphins . . . how cool! 

They put down fish call today so I did a little fishing today for about an hour. We walked out on the flight  deck and saw 2 dolphins circling around a school of tuna. The tuna were (-----) huge! They were like the size of me just swimming around trying not get eaten by the dolphins. 

We had an ice cream social this evening. I had chocolate chip ice cream with butter fingers as a topping,  then some soft serve ice cream.

Mailing Address at Sea . . . and More!

Wow!  Andrew's adventure has given him opportunities to see really cool stuff.  Here are excerpts from recent e-mails I got from him.  He has more experiences to add to his list of ways he can tell he's not in Kansas anymore!

First e-mail:

Had a good couple of days so far!  We are taking on fuel today so im gonna have busy afternoon!  Hopefully it wont take too long.  Did you get the newsletter about how we got fuel last time?  Did you see the pictures?  that's how we do it.  I tried sending you pics from xxxxxxxxx but it didn't send so next time we are in port ill send them!

Can you just buy a box of copenhagen wintergreen for me and send it to me?  Ill give ya some money when i get back to Everett.  We might do a tiger cruise our last week of deployment.  That's where you or papi get to come aboard for a week so if your interested let me know.  I gotta go.

Love ya

Second e-mail:

Yup saw lots of flying fish today while I was refueling!  Like at least 200 at once.  It was way cool.

Thanks for getting that for me.  I liked the beef jerky.  Maybe could ya send some candy like air heads, gummy worms, stuff like that?                                                      

                                                x x x x x x x
And for anyone who's interested, Andrew's address at sea is:

GSM FR STYES, Andrew
USS Rodney M Davis FG 60
FPO AP 96663-1514

 
It takes at least a month for him to get anything you send.    Slow boat to China?  Nope, slow boat to Andrew!

Happy 4th of July!

I like the caption on this photo . . . "the ultimate pledge of allegiance", so I'm posting it here in honor of Andrew and his fellow shipmates.   Thanks for keeping us safe and ensuring our country's freedoms!

I'm Catching On . . .

Yep, it's true.  I actually had this one figured out.  Guess I'm catching on!

I hadn't heard from Andrew for several days and instead of worrying about him, I thought about it, read what the moms and wives had been posting on the Navyformoms site, and figured out on my own they were in "River City".  That's when they're not allowed any outside communication.  I'm still not clear on whether they can receive e-mails, but I know for certain they cannot send any during River City.

While they're in River City, I wonder what job they're doing.  But he can't tell me . . . yet.

Here's a copy of the e-mail I got from him confirming River City.   

And saving the ship?  Wow!  Way to go, Babe!  I'm proud of 'ya for that one!

From: "GSMFN Styes" <styesa@ffg60.navy.mil>
To: "Kris Styes" <kstyes@buhlerschools.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2010 1:44:45 PM
Subject: RE: Earl Photo

Hey we have been in river city past few days. Everything has been going good. Found flooding in aux 3 the other day saved the ship. Then the day after I got qualified to stand sounding and security and a unch of my pqs done. So that's good. My face is starting to clear which is nice.  Hows all the company? Ready for them to leave? Gotta go back to work.           love ya

Adventures At Sea

Andrew e-mailed and said he's been doing some cool stuff lately.  He said that while he was out on the flight deck today, he saw a giant sea turtle.  His said it was at least 6 ft long and weighed 175 pounds.  


Here's a giant sea turtle photo for those of you who are like me and didn't really know what it might look like.  Duh, it looks like a giant turtle swimming in the sea! 

I love the idea that he's doing and seeing things different than what we have in Kansas!  "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!"

Wheat Harvest Time

Yes, it's time for wheat harvest in Buhler, KS, If Andrew were at home, he would have something to do with harvest, either through FFA or friends.

Thanks to my fellow 4th grade teacher and friend, Carla G, for sharing photos she took of a farm across from her parents' house in Buhler. 

I THINK I Know What's Going On!

Here's a copy of an e-mail I sent Andrew earlier today. I think I know what he's doing, but can't post anything about it on the internet.

Hey Babe!

Haven't heard from you for a few days, and I'm assuming you're doing something and can't e-mail.

Know that I love you and I'm very proud of you.

Stay safe and communicate when you can!

Giant mom hugs and smooches!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Sleeping on the Ship

One of my mom worries has been that Andrew wouldn't be able to sleep while on the ship. I thought there might be too many people, too much noise, too much "everything". But, I was wrong!

Through e-mail, I asked him about sleeping and this is what he replied. Let me tell you, it made my "mom heart" much more reassured! And, it sounds pretty peaceful! Maybe there's room for me on the ship too! O.kay, probably not! ;o)

Here's what he said:

Actually the ship rocks at night depending on how rough the seas are. It actually is kinda nice cause it rocks you to sleep. I sleep pretty well. I wake up occasionally; my body is on a schedule now.

The seas are pretty rough today and it's raining and the wind is blowing.

Andrew's e-mail Address

Here's Andrew's e-mail address while he's on the ship. I'm not sure how frequently he can check it, but I know it works because he's sent me a few e-mails from it. styesa@ffg60.navy.mil

IMPORTANT NOTE: All incoming and outgoing e-mails are screened. So, don't write anything you don't want the US Navy to know! :o)

Talked to Him! :-)

I can't believe it! I was reading the RMD group on Navyformoms.com, and several of the moms/wives said to keep the phone nearby because they thought we'd hear from our sailors tonight. And sure enough . . .while I was reading the site, the cell phone rang. The number said, "unavailable" and when I answered, it was my guy!!!!

We had a brief conversation (less than 5 minutes), and during that time I learned he is fine and doing great. He says it's hot where they are and the engine room where he works is hot. And, he said he didn't like standing watch twice a day, but they are soon switching to a schedule that requires him to stand watch less frequently.

I told him I was getting a box of goodies ready to mail him, and he said skip the baby powder (as suggested by the ombudsman), but please send several cans of Copenhagen instead. He tried to purchase Copenhagen in Panama, and it was $10.00 a can. So, he didn't buy it. Hmmm . . . maybe he's learned something? Hope so!

Overall, it was a GREAT, albeit quick, conversation with him. He sounded just fine - a little tired, but just fine. And that makes my mom heart happy!

Can't wait til I get to talk to him again!

Now I Understand!

I tried and tried to sleep last night, but just couldn't do it. I was too busy wondering why Andrew hadn't made contact with us since leaving the Houston airport. So, I got up and did some research on the computer and posted a message on the Navyformoms site. As expected, someone on that site answered my plea for understanding! Her husband shipped out with Andrew so she had a little information to share. They did arrive safely to their ship and apparently the ship is under "river city", which means they cannot send or receive communication.

I'm not sure what his ship is doing right now, but apparently it's important and they don't want interruptions from mothers. So, guess I'll have to wait until the communication ban is lifted.

David thinks they're out fighting pirate ships, which is highly likely. But until I hear from Andrew, that's just an assumption.

Crazy!! :o(

Argh! How many days are going to pass before my guy gets to communicate with us? Now it's starting to make me cranky, and I know it's not him. I know he'd call or send an e-mail if he could because he wrote letters during Basic Training. And Andrew is not a letter-writer. So I'm convinced he'd communicate if he could.

Still waiting, wondering and missing him!!!

How I am reminded of Drew each day

Each morning I awake very early to start my day (2-3 AM) I usually grab the flashlight and head out to our backyard and garden area. About 2 weeks past we placed one of Andrew’s a high school graduation gifts in our garden. It is a solar light with the U.S. Navy insignia on it

This is the first thing I see each morning. I think of Andrew each day, wondering what he is doing, where he is at sea and hoping he is happy. It’s nice to see the Navy insignia each morning.It reminds me of Drew and how much I love him. At times, tears trickle down my cheeks.

To Andrew: Naughty Cat!

Disclaimer:  Sometimes this blog will be a way for me to tell Andrew something . . . even when he's on his ship, half way across the world.  I've decided that jotting a note to him here will be a good antidote to missing him!

Hey Babe!

OMG . . . you taught your cat a very naughty trick!

I was sitting at the computer doing some work when I heard scratching on your screen, and guess who it was.  Yep, it was Bud cat.  He crawled to the top of the screen, was hanging by all four paws and meowing sadly (and loudly) so I'd let him in.  I opened the curtains to yell at him, but when I saw him hanging there, I didn't have the heart to scold him.  So I let him in.  And he was very thankful.  But, he's still a very naughty cat!

Then, Papi tried to scare me with his ball picker.  That didn't work because he made so much noise outside I wasn't surprised when he scratched on the screen.  He wasn't very scary when I could hear him gathering his supplies.  Good thing he's not a bank robber by trade.  He wouldn't be very successful!

Hope you're having a great night.  Call or e-mail when you can. 

Love you HUGE!!!!!
Smooches xoxoxoxox

USS Rodney M Davis FFG 60

Thanks to Adams, here's a great site to learn more about Andrew's ship and the base at Everett WA.

http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/FFG60/Pages/default.aspx

And, a photo of Andrew's ship at sea!

Anchors Aweigh

The Benefits of Small Town Living!

Here's a direct benefit of living down the street from Andrew's friend and Navy Recruiter:   It's not uncommon to stand in the front yard and chat awhile.  :o)

Tonight when I got home, Adams was outside with his family.  We started talking, and he asked about Andrew.  When I told him how much I miss hearing from him, he assured me it's normal that Andrew doesn't have time right now to call, e-mail or write a letter.  He said Andrew is so busy getting used to his new ship and everyone on the ship that he doesn't have time to think about home.

Plus, Adams is going to get Andrew's mailing address for me.  He told me that it takes about a month for Andrew to receive any packages and/or letters, but anything sent will be greatly appreciated.  Adams suggested putting together a "care package" to send to Andrew.  He said to put snacks like beef jerkey, trail mix, packaged cookies, etc., in the box because that kind of stuff is not available on the ship and Andrew will greatly appreciate getting such a box of goodies.  He also suggested sending DVD movies because the ship has a limited supply of movies to watch.  Adams said to send some photos too because despite the fun he's having, Adams knows Andrew misses friends and family so a photo would be a great thing to send him.

So, now I have my weekend job.  Get an "I love and miss you Andrew" box ready to send as soon as I get the address from Adams.

Guess there are benefits to living in a small town!!

A New Reality

Today was the first day without any communication from Andrew, and it felt weird!  As soon as I got home, I was tempted to ask David if he'd heard from Andrew yet.  I almost asked the question, and then realized we're not going to hear from him each day.

As usual, David and I ate dinner together but tonight we didn't say much.  We both confessed it felt odd not hearing from Andrew.  BUT - we reminded ourselves that Andrew is living out his dream and we should be thankful he's getting to do it.

Safe travels to Andrew . . . Hope you're loving your adventure so far!

Anchors Away . . . Well, Almost!

Around 2:00 this afternoon, Andrew called me at school.  Luckily, today we didn't have kiddos because as usual, our secretary transferred his call to my classroom.  She knew it was Andrew and knew I'd want to talk to him.  She's an AWESOME secretary - one of the best, but when I have kids in my room, it's hard to stop in the middle of my teaching to answer the phone. 

Anyway, Andrew called to tell me he loved me and he was leaving Houston headed for Panama City.  He sounded tired (only slept 2 hours last night) but very happy and excited.  He's not sure what to expect when he gets to his ship, but he's sure it will be an adventure.  And I hope it's an adventure of a lifetime!

So, safe travels to Andrew.  I'm anxious to get his next call!

 October 2009

Basic Training Graduation Photo

May 2010

Home for a visit before heading to Everett WA