One (not so) Little Word

Reading this post reminded me that I had better get on my "one word" for 2013.  I mulled it over, prayed about it, but in the end, I came back with my first inclination; which incidentally is the same as the author's. 

HOME. 

So meaningful in so many ways.  I have been evolving toward this focus in so many different ways from years past, but now it has come to the forefront.  A lot of my goals and ventures are still the same as last year so I will spare us both writing more about it.  I am continually looking at avenues for improvement, and shoring up areas in which I have been slipping.  Always always always a balancing act.   I am finishing up a work project that will be my last for some time, even though I will still have some activities and events to attend after.  I am SO ready to be done. DONE.  I love the professional side of me, but realized at this time in my life, it is my ministry.  I can always focus on that once my kids are older.  I don't regret any of my choices, but now am ready for some different ones.   I have given up (mostly) reading my Facebook newsfeed, although I still run my "business" page and post on my personal page.  Mostly it is a great connection tool and address book, when I need it.  Other than that, the political, social, and other ideological crap is just getting to me and I don't think it is good to waste my precious time marinating my brain in that.

And since we are planning on homeschooling, home as my watchword is really a good choice for us as a family.  I am constantly changing the look of the house based on feel and functionality.  Usually it is in a state of flux, never quite completed due to time constraints with activities and small children (who especially of late aren't giving mommy her nap-time respite!).  My brain is on fire with plans and projects for the upcoming school year, and already budgeting for school supplies, curricula, and other materials.  We are all really excited about this!

 We have a good working rhythm of the house, and I am hoping to get it where I'd like appearance wise. Enjoyed gardening last year, will be happy to start again once the ground thaws.  Emily enjoys working with me in the kitchen, and we have done a lot of baking, canning, and food prep.  I look forward to expanding this as we have more time at home next year.  All part of the learning process!   As far as with our faith, I am amazed watching my daughter blossom in her understanding of our God and Jesus, and our Catholic faith.  We are MUCH more involved and comfortable in our church here, and I look forward to deepening my own personal faith and devotional practices.  Coming home to my self and my higher power.  Relationships with each other continue to take priority and we model what we'd like to see with our own behavior.  We are trying to be the change we wish to see in the world, and doing our part for world peace by encouraging love and respect in the home. Our conscious choices regarding consumerism, food/nutrition, the environment, and parenting remain the same, and we continually are educating ourselves and learning learning learning.  Money - well, a work in progress, but we have a solid plan.  Not where we want to be, but we are on our way.  Baby steps.  Enough said. 

Bottom line, we enjoy being together as a family, even with no agenda or itinerary.  We just like each other's company (well, most of the time anyways).  It is a time for us to turn inward toward ourselves and each other.  I envision home to mean a comfortable, safe place where one actually wants to be; a sanctuary, a retreat, a landing spot.  This year, my focus is to create that place anew.