Christmas Slatterns are polishing our baubles and writing our christmas lists

[AliceandtheGinormousBaps]

Here you go ladies....

Hi everyone,
JKS if you don't get down to that cafe and pay for your coffee I will phone interpol, you will be arrested and put in solitary to spend christmas with Julian Assange .
It is sort of snowing prettily here. A bit half hearted though.
Off to friends this evening for supper but largely to watch 'Strictly'.
I am rotating between three jobs at the mo. putting drawings in clip frames,making a cake, and writing cards fr neighbours.
We are hoping to make it to N. Wales on Xmas eve. they have had heavy snow, SIL has the skis out. should be clear by end of week, [optimistic emoticon]

LOL Merry - no don't do that!!!
I think it's shut over the weekend - it's a community cafe place. I will be able to go next week no problem.
When my friends left the woman there didn't say anything to them about their friend not having paid so they prob didn't notice as we were quite a biggish group.
But obv I will go and pay as my conscience if alive and kicking, even if when i get there they are oblivious!

You are a very good girl JKS

That I am Merry, good but extremely forgetful

Have given up on the day and gone to bed with laptop & crosswords as bad cold is kicking in, thanks DS2. Looks like he's got through it fine which is good news (no asthma attack) just been overly generous with me.
DH taken over the boys, yey.

Sat:

• breakfast & tidy up DONE
• all dressed DONE
• Dad's Group DONE
• DB home at some point (give him presents for him & gfDONE) DONE
• paper DONE & crosswords Doing
• lunch & tidy up (Boys ate out DONE)
• tackle stuff off longer/Christmas lists
• laundry x lots WM & TD On And again
• DH out coal & turkey shopping DONE
• watch snow DONE
• hang up all Christmas cards arrived this week
• tea x 2 DH DONE
• boys to bed
• our dinner Lasagne cooking
• Strictly & bed

Longer term:

• Find new dentist that is taking on NHS nervous patients for me/investigate private
• get DH to ring his dentist re the boys
• Photos: a) move all photos from DH's PC onto time capsule, b) upload photos of DC to Snapfish & order
• order door curtain for front door; need to email seller about sizes (got measurements); Got recommendation for local place
• clean kitchen cupboard doors
• set up Time Capsule with DH's laptop (delayed again! try this weekend)
• pictures to label 'animals' & 'people' & 'cars' boxes
• pile of blankets to homeless centre (some basic shopping first & go through bedding/towels too; Started)
• DS2's new DLA forms; ask on MN, get HV to help, questions for friend with NT 3yr old, etc.; Writing rough notes
• research motability options for if/when we get mobility; Done More
• photos of bits for eBay; Take Photos DONE; Prices from RM DONE; Upload Photos Done Some; list on eBay
• go back to cafe to pay for tea

Christmas:

• cupboard stock up; Started
• get DH to sort specific food (turkey, etc.); DONE
• get any missing presents for boys
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• present for DS2's portage worker

for shitty week ali.

JKS hope your parents make it, also hoping I can get to mine because ALL the dc's presents and stocking stuff is already there so if we get stranded here they will have nothing to open My friend and her dd are meant to be coming (from kent) mon-thurs as well but that's not looking likely at the moment.

Have had a mini clear out, does anybody want either some plastic weaning spoons or an ITNG cover for a my first ready bed? The actual ready bed has a hole in it but if you already have one a spare cover may be useful...

Hi all,
Hope the snow is being kind to you.

We had about a foot of snow over night and it looks absolutely gorgeous. DH managed to get the car out and get a xmas tree this afternoon and we've got that set up now and it is looking lovely.

Still a fair bit to do and I have to be at work 3 days next week.

Tomorrow
Empty dishy
Tidy dining room
Clear out fridge
Sort out freezer
Washing
Light fire
Take bag to charity shop
Post Xmas Cards!!!

Meal plan for the week
Takeaway
Salmon and potatoes and cheese sauce
Fish pie
Fajitas
Chips and stuff

ok - I@ve got a zillion and one things to do before 4.30(ish) this afternoon when the DS's come back. I'm not going to get it all done so I need to prioritise.........

I need to

Iron school uniforms (the school choirs are singing at the carol service this evening)
Possibly do the rest of the ironing?
Cook dinner
Shower
Wrap presents?
Put the rest of the Christmas decorations up?
Tidy living room?
Tidy dining room?

The things with ?'s are the things that don't have to be done but I'd like to.........the things without I HAVE to do

Hi all
In the middle of making lunch & uploading photos to Tesco so I have a memory card clear for Christmas
have done the dusting
need to clear remaining clean washing (small pile)
need to make teachers presents (fingers crossed school is open tomorrow as dd2 has her nativity, and dd1 & ds have a advent carol service tomorrow night, but really don't want nursery play to be cancelled)

OKk - done from my list above

I'm showered
Dinner is cooked (soup - just needs blending up which will only take a minute or 2).

I need to try my hair, and iron my clothes, and the DS's clothes - then I can get dressed and decide on my next course of action

House an absolute tip. cards paper, knitting, cardboard, stuff everywhere. Friends dropped in, i'd not even brushed hair They will think I am a slattern. Off to carole service tonight.

Still doing cards.
wrap presents
admin/inv etc
decorate a bit
bring logs in
clean kitchen floor
change beds
bathroom
check online shop
washing

prep exhib
print invites
picture cord and fixings
hang

Hello slatterns

Snow here too, but not much, supposed to be -10 here tonight though

House is a complete hole. Grandparents and dad came over earlier, but got here while we were out so i had left a key (bit badly organised today) and was cringig at the state of the house

We did our christmas food shop today, meal plan for next 10 days (in ase anyone else is stuck for ideas) is

CHRISTMAS MEAL PLAN
SUNDAY - Roast ham
MONDAY - Ham, egg and chips
TUESDAY - Pizza
WEDNESDAY - Tuna bake
THURSDAY - Sausage and mash
FRIDAY - Chicken breasts stuffed with stilton, saute potatoes, cranberry sauce
SATURDAY - CHRISTMAS - Roast turkey, potatoes, veg, xmas pud, double cream
SUNDAY - Turkey fajitas
MONDAY - Turkey biryani
TUESDAY - Macaroni cheese

Going to do short bursts this evening

NEXT
Feed F - doing
Change F nappy
Put wet washing in tumble
Put washload on

THEN
Tidy hall
Sweep stairs
Sweep hall

Alice - v organised!!!

Day kind of passed in a blur, slow start, then sledging (for 5mins!) with friend & her DD, then back here for chat & roast (thanks DH), sending DH & boys up for a bath now.

AFAIK DB & his GF made it to Ireland, their plane showing as on time, should be landing about now, he texted from the gate to say they were 20mins delayed but otherwise looking good.
Only a sprinkling of snow today so hoping it clears over next few days & life returns to normal.

Sun:
DONE:

• DH up first
• breakfast
• tidy kitchen
• read papers
• lounge around in bed for a while, lol
• lunch
• meet friend & snow-time
• hot choc in pub
• kids playing/us chatting afternoon with fire, lovely
• roast dinner
• dw on
• some laundry

TO DO:

• boys bath & bed Starting
• clean clothes put away
• more laundry
• tv & bed

Longer term:

• Find new dentist that is taking on NHS nervous patients for me/investigate private
• get DH to ring his dentist re the boys
• Photos: a) move all photos from DH's PC onto time capsule, b) upload photos of DC to Snapfish & order
• order door curtain for front door; need to email seller about sizes (got measurements); Got recommendation for local place
• clean kitchen cupboard doors
• set up Time Capsule with DH's laptop (delayed again! try this weekend)
• pictures to label 'animals' & 'people' & 'cars' boxes
• pile of blankets to homeless centre (some basic shopping first & go through bedding/towels too; Started)
• DS2's new DLA forms; ask on MN, get HV to help, questions for friend with NT 3yr old, etc.; Writing rough notes
• research motability options for if/when we get mobility; Done More
• photos of bits for eBay; Take Photos DONE; Prices from RM DONE; Upload Photos Done Some; list on eBay
• go back to cafe to pay for tea

Christmas:

• cupboard stock up; Started
• get any missing presents for boys
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• present for DS2's portage worker
• more string up for cards & hang up cards

Hello :)

Feeling lots better today, colds etc definitely on the retreat.
It was MIL's birthday so we went down to SIL's for the afternoon. Needed a push to get the car out of their road, but all the main roads are clear. Really hoping we don't get anymore snow now before Christmas.

Alice that is v.organised!

JKS - glad your bro has got away safely!

Plum - hope your day goes as planned tomorrow, fingers crossed for no more snow :)

Mini - I hate people turning up unannounced, I feel violated!

TO DO
DS bath and bed
Another load of washing
FINISH CARDS!!!!
Some more wrapping
Clear kitchen before bed
Washing onto airer
Stash all the presents for DS we picked up today somewhere he can't find them!
Bed

Ali - glad you are feeling better, this cold I've got isn't that awful thankfully but i do feel a bit sorry for myself!

TO DO:

• boys bath & bed DONE
• clean clothes put away DONE
• more laundry TD On
• tv & bed

Mon:

• all up & breakfasted
• all dressed
• DH to work
• DS2's social worker meeting here (10am - assume she will make it)
• ironing & putting away
• more laundry on
• lunch & tidy kitchen
• friend & her DS coming round
• tea x 3 & tidy up
• boys to bed
• early night

Longer term:

• Find new dentist that is taking on NHS nervous patients for me/investigate private
• get DH to ring his dentist re the boys
• Photos: a) move all photos from DH's PC onto time capsule, b) upload photos of DC to Snapfish & order
• order door curtain for front door; need to email seller about sizes (got measurements); Got recommendation for local place
• clean kitchen cupboard doors
• set up Time Capsule with DH's laptop (delayed again! try this weekend)
• pictures to label 'animals' & 'people' & 'cars' boxes
• pile of blankets to homeless centre (some basic shopping first & go through bedding/towels too; Started)
• DS2's new DLA forms; ask on MN, get HV to help, questions for friend with NT 3yr old, etc.; Writing rough notes
• research motability options for if/when we get mobility; Done More
• photos of bits for eBay; Take Photos DONE; Prices from RM DONE; Upload Photos Done Some; list on eBay
• go back to cafe to pay for tea

Christmas:

• cupboard stock up; Pretty Much DONE
• get any missing presents for boys; DS1 DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• present for DS2's portage worker
• more string up for cards & hang up cards
• drop off tips for paper delivery kids

Morning

Crap night here, F is so unsettled again

Got bugger all done yesterday evening as F fell asleep on me, and he is being difficult this morning so looking unlikely to get stuff done this morning either

Feeling miserable and sleep deprived. DD is bored and there is nothing on for a few weeks and then she will start preschool anyway.

Sorry for being a grump, getting fed up of being on my own in the house with the kids, looking at the mess day in day out.

Need a realistic list really, but where do you start?

Hello all.
No list as such.
DH still home - his train service was on emergency timetable anyway, and then added to that, problems with something meaning 45 minutes delay... oh, and that is if he can even get to the station of course! Is it worth it? You might get into London, and never get back!

Ahh, well. So, maybe a bit more sledging, I will brave a few miles a bit later, when it is no longer minus 12, to the supermarket and back (DH's car much better for the job than mine, so will take advantage of that car being here today and get stocked up! Then only need a trip into town on Thursday to collect last few bits.

And DC going to PIL's for tea, so that is present wrapping time. Now or never!

Alice - i don't know sometimes either. I think you have to decide on something and do that, even if it's not a big thing or even a particularly useful thing IYKWIM?
So pick the washing up, turn the radio on and go for it.
Then reward yourself with a sit down

Well Social Worker been, forced me to tidy the kitchen before she came, lol!

Mon:

• all up & breakfasted DONE
• all dressed DONE
• DH to work DONE
• DS2's social worker meeting DONE
• sort plugs out properly for outside lights DONE
• look for cable needed for new phone to download photos DONE & FAILED hmph.

• ironing Started & putting away
• more laundry on
• lunch & tidy kitchen
• friend & her DS coming round
• tea x 3 & tidy up
• boys to bed
• early night

Longer term:

• Find new dentist that is taking on NHS nervous patients for me/investigate private
• get DH to ring his dentist re the boys
• Photos: a) move all photos from DH's PC onto time capsule, b) upload photos of DC to Snapfish & order
• order door curtain for front door; need to email seller about sizes (got measurements); Got recommendation for local place
• clean kitchen cupboard doors
• set up Time Capsule with DH's laptop
• pictures to label 'animals' & 'people' & 'cars' boxes
• pile of blankets to homeless centre (some basic shopping first & go through bedding/towels too; Started)
• DS2's new DLA forms; ask on MN, get HV to help, questions for friend with NT 3yr old, etc.; Writing rough notes
• research motability options for if/when we get mobility; Done More
• photos of bits for eBay; Take Photos DONE; Prices from RM DONE; Upload Photos Done Some; list on eBay
• go back to cafe to pay for tea

Christmas:

• get any missing presents for boys; DS1 DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• present for DS2's portage worker
• more string up for cards & hang up cards
• drop off tips for paper delivery kids DH DONE

DH is having a quiet day work wise, so is back home now keeping DD organised. F has finally settled and fallen asleep on me, which although lovely makes it hard to get stuff done

This morning i have managed to get breakfast and empty the dishy

should be ocupied, not organised

occupied ffs!

Morning everyone :)

Alice - I would just sit and enjoy the cuddles! Can DH manage a task or two inbetween amusing DD?

Anon - this weather is a nightmare for commuting isn't it? Really makes you rethink how far away you live from work/family etc etc.
DH has gone to the office today, but it is 45 mins away and it has started snowing - I am getting a bit twitchy.

DONE
All up and dressed
Washing on
DH to work
Post final cards (DH done)
Clear up kitchen from last night
Run dishwasher
Breakfast and clear up
Sweep kitchen floor
Tidy hallway
Ocado here 11am

TO DO
Put away shopping
Ring and cancel midwife at hospital for Wednesday
Fold washing
Lunch
Unload dishwasher and clear up kitchen
Ring grandma - DH now going to get her on Wednesday
Text friend about plans for Wednesday
Drop off repeat prescription and make community midwife app. for January

Spoke to Mum earlier, she's pretty sure they won't be travelling up here anytime this week. I don't mind really, a quiet Christmas with just us 4 sounds lovely to me! And means we can do it all again whenever they can make it up.

Mon:

• all up & breakfasted DONE
• all dressed DONE
• DH to work DONE
• DS2's social worker meeting DONE
• sort plugs out properly for outside lights DONE
• look for cable needed for new (old) phone to download photos DONE & FAILED hmph.
• ironing & putting away DONE
• more laundry on WM On
• lunch & tidy kitchen DONE
• dw unloaded & reloaded & on DONE

• friend & her DS coming round
• tea x 3 & tidy up
• shops round corner doing Christmas thing if we want to venture out
• boys to bed
• early night

Longer term:

• Find new dentist that is taking on NHS nervous patients for me/investigate private
• get DH to ring his dentist re the boys
• Photos: a) move all photos from DH's PC onto time capsule, b) upload photos of DC to Snapfish & order
• order door curtain for front door; need to email seller about sizes (got measurements); Got recommendation for local place
• clean kitchen cupboard doors
• set up Time Capsule with DH's laptop
• pictures to label 'animals' & 'people' & 'cars' boxes
• pile of blankets to homeless centre (some basic shopping first & go through bedding/towels too; Started)
• DS2's new DLA forms; ask on MN, get HV to help, questions for friend with NT 3yr old, etc.; Writing rough notes
• research motability options for if/when we get mobility; Done More
• photos of bits for eBay; Take Photos DONE; Prices from RM DONE; Upload Photos Done Some; list on eBay
• go back to cafe to pay for tea
• ring local hosp to cancel extra pg scan Tried no answer
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant

Christmas:

• get any missing presents for boys; DS1 DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• present for DS2's portage worker (for Wed)
• more string up for cards & hang up cards
• choose DH socks for stockings x 2
• stuff spare stockings x 2
• find old pillowcases x 2

Hope you are feling better Alice. If in doubt make a coffee!

I need a list!

wash pots DONE
sell shares to pay for boiler DONE
Collect daughter early as nursery shutting
Hoover
Dust
Bathroom
Kitchen
Washing
Ironing
Paperwork
Drink more coffee

I have my coffee

DD and i have made salt dough this afternoon and she is now painting. Hoping the dough turns out ok, got the kids handprints done into them, will paint them with gold glitter glue when cooked and cooled.

DH home again between jobs, so he is keeping F happy.

15min bursts:

Fold dry washing from tumble
Dry wet washing
Put another load on
Clear kitchen sides

15min bursts:

DONE
Fold dry washing from tumble
Dry wet washing
Put dishy on
Fill sink with hot water

NEXT
Put another washload on
Clear kitchen sides
Do washing up

Just feeding F atm, so back to it as soon as he has finished