on the move

We're moving soon.  Again.  It's coming up quickly, and I don't feel like it's real!  It seems like we just moved here to South Carolina, but we've been here 6 months now.  But I never really felt settled in here since we knew we wouldn't be here long. 

And now we're trying to formulate a plan that involves as little headache as possible.  As little hotel time with littles as possible.  As little time driving in the car with littles as possible.  But of course it's not working out that way.  We will have to wait until we are in Missouri to find a house.  We were lucky to be able to come down and scope out South Carolina and pick out a house before getting here with our kids.  That's not happening this time around.  So now I get to stay up at night worrying.  Worrying that we won't find a house.  Worrying that all the houses will be crappy.  Worrying that all the good ones will be taken the day before we arrive.  You know.  Worrying about really USEFUL things.  I'm a worrier!

But we've been through all this before.  We got to meet Rachel, from Smile and Wave, the other night.  We got to know her wonderful husband while he was down here at the same base doing his own training.  She is just as lovely and friendly as she seems on her blog.  (And of course they're moving AWAY from Missouri just as we get there) But they are going through this for the first time with their own two littles.  We talked a lot about finding a house, making a home, and doing in all with kiddos in tow.  Being an Army wife and an Army family is not for the faint of heart!  But as we were discussing all the logistics of moving across the country, I realized that we'll be ok.  We're not the first ones to do this.  And we won't be the last.  There are thousands of military families out there doing this every month.  Making new roots for their families to grow where they land. 

I pretty much attack any Army or military brat I meet with an intense interview.  How do you feel about the way you were raised?  How did you feel about moving?  How did you make new friends?  How did your parents do it???  Let's face it.  This wouldn't be nearly as daunting if it were just Brian and me.  But add in the littles and now I get to worry about how they will cope with moving around every couple of years.  But!  The overwhelming response to my interviews are positive.  I hear lots about learning about different cultures, seeing the world, having pride in our country, and having experiences that most people don't get in a lifetime.  And I hear a lot about how important their siblings are to them.  How they become best friends.  Confidants.  Buddies.  And it lasts into adulthood.  I so want that for my own children.  I want that so intensely that I want to pop out 5 more babies, stat.  (Don't worry, I won't) 

In the meantime, I'll be doing a lot of praying for the perfect home.  For an easy trip to Missouri.  For luck with sleeping in hotels. That we have cable hooked up before the new season of Mad Men starts.  And sending out thanks that we get to have these experiences.  I'll send up the same prayers for Rachel and her family, too.