The Home Life

Lately Toby has started to say 'Go Home' when we have been away from the house for a little while. I have started thinking more about the importance of 'home'. We recently went away with some friends for a long week end, and although we had a great time I think Toby missed being at home. He talked about 'Toby's house, Mumma and Dada's house, Baby Fin's house' a few times and said 'Go see Chico' a few times too (Chico is our dog who was at home waiting for us). I am so glad I am doing something right and that he actually loves being at home with me!

This year I am choosing to embrace the home life. For those of you who know me, you know I love people, I love being around them, being near them, loving them, encouraging them, being loved and encouraged by them. And yes I know there are 2 little people right here at home with me every day, but of course adult people are different to children people. If you know me, I have always been someone who loves to be out and about, moving around the place, not staying in one place for too long. I have this niggling desire to move to new places, new lands, meet new people, discover new cultures. I know that isn't a bad thing and one day I will be off on an adventure somewhere, but for now I am here, at home, NOT 'stuck at home' (although it can feel like that), just 'at home' and I am going to love it!

So the first step is seeing the value of being at home, of planting your tent. As John said, Jesus pitched his tent among us and he dwelt with us. Being present at home with my boys means they feel secure, they know I am here, present, happy, enjoying time spent with them. It is so important they can grow in a safe, wonder filled, fun, beautiful (and clean!) environment. Of course I want them to learn how to have adventures, discover their world, discover what they love but everyone needs a place to go home to, a place they first called home.

Leaving the house is crucial for your sanity so making time for that is so important and so needed, for me and for Toby. In saying that, I know this year I will have a lot of 'home days'. I am coming to realise that is OK. It's actually OK to spend time at home and I am going to CHOOSE JOY on those days. I have started to enjoy doing things around the house and in the garden to slowly improve our home. The challenge for me is to not feel too lonely. Although I love being with my boys and I love having moments to be creative and be alone, I still crave community. I love the noise and busyness of being with other families, people and kids, totally an extravert at heart. Although I am so grateful for the communities in my life, practically I know I am not always able to engage with them. With a toddler who I will be toilet training and a baby still adjusting to life outside the womb, I will need to be at home more than usual.

So this is me embracing 'the home life'. Internet shopping, countless loads of washing, endless washing up. When you are more excited about your son's new toys than he is. When leaving the house and going to Woolies at 10pm without the kids feels like a holiday and when having a bath is like winning a gold logie! When you actually do leave the house (which is much needed), it's like packing for a week end away, even though you are just going to the mall.

Watch out 'stay at home Mum' Grace, I'm coming at ya!