Last week I did something I haven't done in years: I filled an entire school year's worth of diary dates. Each of the kids' schools sent home calendars and without any hesitation, I plotted each day, every early dismissal, all holiday breaks. Start to finish. We really are home and the long transition, it seems, is over.

Up until that calendar day, I hadn't intended on re-attempting The Nester's 31 Days series this year, but here I am: ready for another go. 2011 found us in 31 days of transition, and last year we were neck-deep in 31 days of messy parenting.

But this year... this year it's a whole new ballgame.

October marks 9 months of being back in Ireland and this year I've been trying to cultivate and establish our new home. So seeing as I've had a few months practice now and would like to finish my "one word" year off with a bang, this month we'll be:

AT HOME IN IRELAND

We're not between houses and countries anymore. We are putting down our roots near the river -- the River Liffey, actually. We are parenting and working and friending and barbecueing and, well, living. I want to invite you into our home, sharing more about our neighbourhood and community, mothering here, shopping here, and just going about making our life and our home here. October in Ireland is brilliant, so there will be lots of photosharing, too!

So you know, just your average DIY/cultural analysis/house & home/travel-blog series.

Even with focusing on our new home here, I can't promise there won't be a day or two of homesickness scattered in. And I think I'd really like to do some sort of Q&A or Frequently Asked Questions about life as an expat in a new culture.

I would love for you to leave a comment with questions or thoughts, especially if you find yourself in a new place, home or season. And if you're joining the 31 days challenge, do post a link below and I'll follow along!

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