Little Big Things

We've just returned from a longer than expected stint visiting my parents on the outskirts of Sydney. As soon as the borders opened, I booked flights. Go where the help is, right? I'm grateful for the time with family, knowing some folk are still waiting to reunite. I'm sure many of you can relate, whether your family is down a few too many windy roads, at the other end of the island or overseas.

It really is the little things that are the big things. The time for cousins to play together, banter with brothers around the dinner table. And, of course, help with the kids. I was on dinner each night, Mum did the washing, Dad was on Tully duty. And Uncle Dave was on Duplo duty on the floor for hours on end. Whether he loved it or not.

All those extra hands made the flight back, when it was just me and the two kids, feel even more jarring. By the end of the trip I was nearly in tears, and the kids had been ten times over. I was also covered in water from the plane toilet handbasin, and bits of biscuit and chips I'd stashed to keep the kids occupied on the plane trips.

The kids have more or less settled back into our Kiwi rhythm of daily life. Tonight, Hartley stood up on the chair and helped me cook dinner - very capably putting the potatoes onto the roasting tray and tipping the spice mix onto the meat. Such a good helper. He's recently been practicing "helping" tidy up, too, though his version is putting everything from the floor into a massive pile. Sometimes on the couch, sometimes just a new pile in the middle of the floor. I'm not sure where he gets that from... unless he learnt that from me?!

At our place, you'll find clothes on the bathroom floor. Dishes in the sink. The kids' artworks - they resemble scribbles to the untrained eye - collaged on the fridge. And, in my office, more of their artwork adorns the walls. I didn't appreciate them at the time, but I can smile at the colour they bring now. It's far from ideals of domestic bliss, but it's a house filled with love, character and laughs.

Winter marks the kick off - thanks to the Public Interest Journalism Fund led by NZ On Air - of our first of three thematic Shepherdess seasons. This one explores home and domestic life - there's three stories in this print edition, and we'll be sharing new stories twice a week on our website and social media. It's the stories you love, but on a much larger scale. We couldn't have done it without you - our readers. It's your thoughts, your challenges and your relatable chaos that guides us. You've all helped shape this season, and we hope it will be a little bit of pleasure - or comfort - in your day-to-day life.

Kristy