Like many women, the level and variety of chaos in my life continues to amaze: children, husband, home, friends, family, work (or lack of work), moving to Portugal. Oh yes, that last one…the bit about moving…we’re moving to Portugal. While this may paralyze less seasoned nomads, I’m anxious to face the challenge.

And how is it that my family has the opportunity to move to Portugal? Well…I’ve gone back and forth about whether to address the fact that I am married to a soldier on this blog. I’m not the type of woman who wishes to be defined by her role as an Army Wife. I don’t watch the show, I don’t own a magnet for my car or a shirt advertising my husband’s unit. I don’t own a camouflage purse, camouflage hair bow or wear camouflage panties (not judging, just not me).  However, I do find as time goes on that I am becoming greatly defined by the Army and its specific form of chaos.

My adulthood has been constantly shaped by my service in the Army or my husband’s. We set aside a traditional wedding while we were young enlisted soldiers…the better to squeeze it into a long weekend and get our geographically divided families together. My college education, my career choice, our children…everything was timed and shaped by the Army (and our constant moves). This realization really hit me when our first child was born at a temporary duty station and I found myself packing up my Hyundai Elantra and driving to the middle of Texas alone…with a colicky 5 week old. Every decision I’ve made over the past 11 years of marriage was shaped by the Army and I’m FINALLY learning to embrace the Army and the role its played in shaping my life.

I can’t begin to list the changes since that cold February day nearly 5 years ago, where I found myself trapped on I-35 in the middle of Dallas rush hour with a screaming child. We’re now facing another change and another move. Our 14th move in 11 years. This time we have a total of two active, impish girls, two angry, crotchety cats  and a sweet weiner dog to add to the mix. Oh and two homes we would love to sell before that move just six months from now!

The bombshell of Portugal is still reverberating through the house…so many lists to make, things to clear out, and friends to enjoy before that fateful day. I love it. I’m relishing hours of sorting through my life and finally unpacking boxes that were packed three moves ago (I should probably just drive those to the dump). I finally have the motivation to finish all the little projects I’ve agonized over in my home and set aside those larger dreams that won’t be realized…one day, in another home though. I hope to enjoy every moment with my sweet friends and charming family before we say goodbye (or até a vista).

So why a blog? Why now, in the middle of chaos? I can’t think of a better time. This is the perfect place for me to sort through the clutter…to record the charm of a nomadic life, share my secrets for creating a beautiful, meaningful home (no matter where it is at the moment) and laugh at my girls’ amazing ability to transform even the most rock solid plan. I won’t promise not to disappoint, but I’m sure nomadic charm will (momentarily) satisfy the curious in you.