Christmas Slatterns are polishing our baubles and writing our christmas lists

[AliceandtheGinormousBaps]

Here you go ladies....

Mornin' I like banjaxed too, also pulchritude. Impressive done list Ali and Wasting.
Snowing here, main road looks passable but precarious as we live on top of hill. Dh has set off for work. I am keeping my fingers crossed for travel on Friday, but have decided to let go of plans and go with the flow.
Not feeling great, got a tight chest throat thing going on. Trying to ignore it.
Realised I have completely forgotten gifts for MIL and SIL and a close friend.
Still doing cards just let go now.
wrap presents doing
decorate a bit
bring logs in some need more
clean kitchen floor
change beds
bathroom
check online shop not b. coming
washing
prep exhib
print invites
picture cord and fixings
hang
feed birds

JKS I too am thinking.. days are getting longer now. Light a candle to that one.

Morning!

Good words and thank you Mini, not often I have such a stunning list, I could get used to it.

Today we are forecast snow. The one day we need to travel.

• up done
• breakfast done
• spatone oj and vits done
• potty and dress ds
• clean bathroom
• shower and dress
• out
• put the cards up
• feed the birds
• tea
• wash pots and tidy kitchen
• tidy downstairs
• DS bath and bed

To Do -

• copy CDs onto hard-drive - (approx 2/3 of the way there) finish before Christmas!

Christmas -

• final shop early Thursday
• cake, trifle etc. prep Friday
• thorough clean downstairs Friday (?)

Well its foggy here and no more snow forecast. All our plans are up in the air though, DH's flight back to the UK tomorrow is cancelled. That means he misses DS's consultant appointment which was arranged specifically because he was due to be here . He's a pilot and was also due to be flying Xmas day, but he might end up being here for Christmas now. Great news for me and the children, perhaps not for my mum as she hasn't catered for him and DH eats a lot!!

Hope no one else gets more snow (unless you want it) and that your trip is ok today wasting. Did I mention on here my 5 hour horror trip on Saturday??

Onto today. This is what I have to do:
Just repeating today's for now:-

OVERDUE
clean bathroom
admin IN PROGRESS
shred DID IT YESTERDAY!!!
update to do lists IN PROGRESS

WEDNESDAY
get dressed and do breakfast (love my lazy children )
change DC beds
one load of washing
empty dishwasher
defrost spag bol for dinner
tidy dining room
pick up turkey and beef for mum
wrap DH's stocking presents
plan trip to London
put away my clothes
hoover? (really a blue job but DH not back )
shred again

THURSDAY
DS consultant appointment in London
take turkey, beef and presents to mum's

FRIDAY
packing list for Xmas
last minute food shopping
pack stuff for Xmas at mum's

LONG TERM LIST
take old books and clothes to charity shop
finish wrapping xmas presents
get DH to put better shelves etc in kitchen cupboard of doom WOOD BOUGHT FOR SHELVES, BUT HE'S BEEN CALLED OFF ON A TRIP
sort out garage STARTED
sort out wardrobe and my clothes DONE
make wills
sort out storage in DD's bedroom
think about cleaner
plan redecoration of ground floor

Morning :) Much better sleep last night, still got this dreadful headache though. I think it's my sinuses, and of course I can't take anything useful... paracetamol will have to do!

Anon - the carol singing sounds lovely

Wasting - hope you get out - and back! - ok.

Purple - how lovely that you might have DH for Christmas after all!

TODAY
All up and dressed - not all dressed yet
Spatone + vitamins
Dry second load of sheets from last night - done
Another load on - done
Breakfast and tidy kitchen - done
Run dishwasher - done
DH working a half day from home - doing
Make beds and tidy upstairs - done
Wipe over bathroom - done
Hoover and sweep downstairs if needed
Hoover upstairs - done
Fold washing - done
Finish sorting spare room and make up bed
DH to Sainsbury's for lunch bits and some nappies to take away with us
Kitchen floor!!!!
Water tree
Friend and DDs here for playtime and lunch
DH going to get grandma
Clear up chaos
Fold clean washing and put away
Start some packing
Dinner - chippy?
Clear up
DS bath and bed
Post DS-to-bed tidy
Kitchen clear before bed

CHRISTMAS
Write and deliver cards to neighbours
Finish wrapping
Waiting on Handpicked order and 2 Amazon parcels
Decide what to take as our contribution and guest gifts for my parents - claret for Boxing Day and what else?

Confirm what days over NY friends are staying
Finish NY menu plan
Find DS' stocking
Pack up all presses to take to parents

Sorry you are feeling manky Ali. Short list for today

Buy milk and salt
Make Christmas decorations
Dust
Washing and Ironing
Clean hall floor
Ring mother
Make mince pies

That'll do I reckon...

Anyone else getting the 'attck site' warning, on MN.(using Mozilla)
Still doing cards just let go now.
wrap presents doing
decorate a bit
bring logs in some need more done
clean kitchen floor
change beds
bathroom
check online shop not b. coming
washing
prep exhib
print invites
picture cord and fixings
hang
feed birds done

I had to look up pulchritude mini That's two new words I've learnt recently (pulchritude and graupel)

I have the most amazing icicles along the front of my house, some are over a foot long!

My friend canceled coming to stay this week-the trains were all running ok but she was scared she'd get stuck here and not get home for xmas or she'd have delays and have a nightmare journey (5 hours without delays anyway!). I completely understand and would probably have done the same but it has left me a bit flat feeling! especially as last week I was isolated by sickly children and this week all our trips have been cancelled by snow.

Someoneat door but will pstlistlater-needonetoday!

Ali, being sick while pregnant and not being able to take anything is rubbish

Sorry about your friend Festive.

Doing ok so far today.

OVERDUE
clean bathroom DONE
admin IN PROGRESS
shred DID IT YESTERDAY!!!
update to do lists IN PROGRESS

WEDNESDAY
get dressed and do breakfast (love my lazy children ) DONE
change DC beds NOT DONE AS HAVE HAD TO CHANGE SPARE BED INSTEAD DUE TO DS NAPPY INCIDENT
one load of washing IN DRYER
empty dishwasher DONE
defrost spag bol for dinner DONE
tidy dining room
pick up turkey and beef for mum DONE
wrap DH's stocking presents
plan trip to London DONE
put away my clothes DONE
hoover? (really a blue job but DH not back )
shred again

THURSDAY
DS consultant appointment in London
take turkey, beef and presents to mum's

FRIDAY
packing list for Xmas
last minute food shopping
pack stuff for Xmas at mum's

LONG TERM LIST
take old books and clothes to charity shop
finish wrapping xmas presents
get DH to put better shelves etc in kitchen cupboard of doom WOOD BOUGHT FOR SHELVES, BUT HE'S BEEN CALLED OFF ON A TRIP
sort out garage STARTED
sort out wardrobe and my clothes DONE
make wills
sort out storage in DD's bedroom
think about cleaner
plan redecoration of ground floor

Sorry about your friend, Festive, what a shame, but it is a case of if you don't need to travel distances, it's probably best not to right now...

Our roads were much better today, there has been a very slight thaw. I took my gloves and hat but didn't bother wearing as it was so warm relatively, a mere 1 degree above.. WOW.

Anyway, here we go:

• Up, showered and dressed DONE
• General tidy, make beds etc DONE
• Finish wrapping presents
• One present needed
• Organise Christmas drinks/get togethers Started
• Fill/Run/Empty DW after tea
• New Year holiday - plan/book food delivery/taxis DONE
• Minimal Housework DONE
• Find Fish Kettle DONE - just needs a clean
• Ironing
• Check why DVD player on Mac not working DONE
• On line banking and check credit card bill
• Collect Printer Cartridges DONE
• PLACE WINDOWS ORDER DONE
• Get dehumidifier back DONE and working!
• Building project - tot up the finances
• Chickens DONE
• Dog DONE
• Festive Cinema with DC DONE
• Music playlists
• Friends for tea hot dogs!
• Get fire going
• Carol singing
• Make dinner

Festive -how gutting even if sensible.

Ali - 4head? works for me when pg.

Purple - tell us about the 5 hour trip??

No new snow here today, more supposedly forecast for tomorrow, we'll see. It's liberating feeling able to go out even if it is freezing out there.

Wed:

• all up & breakfasted DONE
• DH dressed & to work DONE
• us 3 dressed DONE
• Portage worker (10); give her Christmas presents DONE
• pop round corner to: recycle batteries, check on elderly neighbour, see if newsagents has Toy Story stickers for DS1, cash, pop in on new neighbour for cuppa & nose at house, lol DONE ALL
• lunch & tidy up DONE
• maybe meet up with friends? vs another lazy afternoon? Lazy winning!
• more string up for more cards (DH brought tonnes home from work ) Done 1
• window cleaner DONE

• tea x 3 (fish finger day)
• DH home for boys bedtime
• DH out/quiet night in for me

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
• eBay stuff (post Christmas)
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant
• look again for cable needed for new (old) phone to download photos/try emailing each photo to myself? Can't email from that phone; will try 'Bluetoothing' them to DH's phone later

Pre-Christmas:

• get any missing presents for boys; DS1 DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter

Christmas Eve:

• stuff spare stockings x 2
• make reindeer food!
• FC plate

Afternoon

JKS i want my house tidy because a)i always want my house tidy, and b)i hate it when you take pics of the kids and then don't want to put them in frames due to the amount of crap in the background

Festive so sorry your friend couldn't make it. What are your plans for christmas?

Purple rubbish about your DH. My DH works funny hours and it annoys the hell out of me sometimes. Hopefully he gets christmas off though.

Feeling a bit flat about christmas, but trying to get into the spirit of things by watching a christmas version of Green Balloon Club with DD We are planning on going to a short church service on christmas eve, i think DD will really enjoy it, especially as her friends are going.

Should do a list, but meh..

Alice - that is SO true!! And i never think of it!! And with my iPhone at the 'doctors' i am having to resort to my digital camera, except...i can't find it! Think DH may have taken it to work so asked him to bring anything camera-related home. I haven't used it since getting the iPhone, and was thinking of giving it to a friend who's lost hers.

Thinking about it, not sure i'm feeling Christmassy really, did it with PIL so many weeks ago feel like it's over already.
Also i think it's due to the snow ending (well for us, hopefully), like it's the end of something.

I think for me it is because i have done all the shopping/wrapping/cards already and it was all rushed with both dcs being difficult iyswim? Haven't got to enjoy the preparations.

Think I am done with chores for today.

OVERDUE
clean bathroom DONE
admin DONE
update to do lists DONE

WEDNESDAY
get dressed and do breakfast (love my lazy children ) DONE
change DC beds NOT DONE AS HAVE HAD TO CHANGE SPARE BED INSTEAD DUE TO DS NAPPY INCIDENT
one load of washing DONE
empty dishwasher DONE
defrost spag bol for dinner DONE
tidy dining room DONE
pick up turkey and beef for mum DONE
wrap DH's stocking presents DONE
plan trip to London DONE
put away my clothes DONE
hoover? (really a blue job but DH not back ) SWEPT DINING ROOM SO ITS A START!
shred again

THURSDAY
DS consultant appointment in London
take turkey, beef and presents to mum's

FRIDAY
packing list for Xmas
last minute food shopping
pack stuff for Xmas at mum's

LONG TERM LIST
take old books and clothes to charity shop
finish wrapping xmas presents
get DH to put better shelves etc in kitchen cupboard of doom WOOD BOUGHT FOR SHELVES, BUT HE'S BEEN CALLED OFF ON A TRIP
sort out garage STARTED
sort out wardrobe and my clothes DONE
make wills
sort out storage in DD's bedroom
think about cleaner
plan redecoration of ground floor

5 hour journey - on Saturday DD and I were due to go to see the Lion King in London with my friend and her DS. We decided early that we couldn't get into London but as both children were really we decided we would still drive to them. We are in Sussex, they are in Wiltshire. So we left in a rush "to beat the worst of the snow". My gut instinct said not to go, DH said it would be fine because we have a 4x4. We got stuck on M25 behind all the gridlocked lorries and 2 hour journey took 5 hours. Glad we weren't defeated though and luckily ticketmaster agreed to rebook us so we are going to Lion King another time.

Erm well didn't quite make it back with my list as first a friend came and then wc dropped in a present for the dc. But have done most of it apart from cleaning the windows (insides) and the dreaded ironing.

Definitely best she didn't come anon, I was worrying about her making the journey. Still though, we are both single parents and were both looking forward to having someone to have a glass of wine and a chat with in the evenings.

Alice am off to my parents' house

Sorry I haven't properly read through and caught up on thread, hope everyone is ok and sorry if I've missed anything.

This eve I need to
Do load of washing
Sort ironing and iron stuff we need (aka stuff it in bag unironed)
Think about packing
Start packing

Tomorrow
Change dc beds so clean when we return
Finish packing
Go through fridge and chuck stuff or pack it in coolbag to take
Take spare key to wc nan
Take present to wc nan
go to parents' house

Shall I turn my thermostat down but leave heating on constant do you think? It says in my lease I have to but previous years I've just left it on the timer...is colder this year though. What temp shall I put it on?

Evening!

Freak, I wouldn't have the heating off at all at the minute with the risk of pipes freezing. Sorry you won't see your friend.

Ali, I sympathise, had the most awful cold when 5 months pg with DS and could only have paracetamol and Lockets. And the Rennies cos the Lockets aggravated the acid reflux.
If it's your sinuses might doing head under a towel over a bowl of hot water help?

Purple, that's good that they let you rebook.

Do you think the snow has knocked all the Christmas spirit out of everyone?

• up done
• breakfast done
• spatone oj and vits done
• potty and dress ds done
• clean bathroom done
• shower and dress done
• out done
• put the cards up
• feed the birds
• tea done
• wash pots and tidy kitchen
• tidy downstairs done
• DS bath and bed done

To Do -

• copy CDs onto hard-drive - (approx 2/3 of the way there) finish before Christmas! continuing

Christmas -

• final shop early Thursday
• cake, trifle etc. prep Friday
• thorough clean downstairs Friday (?)

Wasting - i think you are right, all the chaos/travelling nightmares/etc has got everyone in a down mood.
Sure we will pick ourselves up in time

I've also felt like i've done lots early, it's good to be organised, but never had that wrapping session with Christmas carols type-thing.

Am going to give the boys half an hour to get off to sleep then do their presents into stockings & pillowcases i think, that might help!

Wed:

• all up & breakfasted DONE
• DH dressed & to work DONE
• us 3 dressed DONE
• Portage worker & give her Christmas presents DONE
• pop round corner to: recycle batteries, check on elderly neighbour, see if newsagents has Toy Story stickers for DS1, cash, pop in on new neighbour for cuppa & nose at house, lol DONE ALL
• lunch & tidy up DONE
• lazy afternoon DONE
• more string up for more cards (DH brought tonnes home from work ) Done 2
• window cleaner DONE
• tea x 2 (fish finger day) DH DONE
• DH home for boys teatime then out DONE
• DH out/quiet night in for me Doing
• 'bond' old phone with laptop DONE
• upload photos from phone DONE
• sort photos into years DONE

• boys presents
• my dinner
• finish uploading various old photos onto FB Doing

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
• eBay stuff (post Christmas)
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant
• look again for cable needed for new (old) phone to download photos/try emailing each photo to myself? Can't email from that phone; will try 'Bluetoothing' them to DH's phone later DONE!

Pre-Christmas:

• get any missing presents for boys; DS1 DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter

Christmas Eve:

• stuff spare stockings x 2
• make reindeer food!
• FC plate

Well, i am optimistic that we might make it to N. Wales. not feeling very festive though, although I did light candles this afternoon. and have dug fairy lights out.
Still doing cards neighbours
wrap presents done
decorate a bit doing
bring logs in some need more done
clean kitchen floor preliminary sweep done
change beds
bathroom done
washing done
Not going to happen list:
prep exhib
print invites
picture cord and fixings
hang
ice box Office
frozen window ledge of doom

Hi everyone, I'm completely lost with whats going on with everyone,

I've been busy making fudge etc which has went down a treat,
went to Tesco today and got my shopping, I just have to go to a farm shop butchers near us we have been told is yummy for some meat but apart from that everything is done just some house work and some more baking and christmas prep so will be back with list

pile of clothes in room mine done
hang up dds ironing
wash on done
dry washing
wrap dhs pressies
sort smalls

List between now & christmas eve
change bed clothes
-ours
-dd1
-ds
-dd2
mop our bedroom
deep clean bathroom
deep clean ensuite
wash mop heads
mop floors
hoover
declutter utility room
declutter kitchen
sort all dcs markers etc

prepare ham
bake cheesecake
malteaser crunchies
fudge
prepare veg
stuffing???

lots more but this is helping get head straight
Hope everyone isn't too cold

Doing list for tomorrow.
pick up bird from butchers
get cat food
any other shopping etc
sort clothes for trip
Still doing cards neighbours
wrap presents done
decorate a bit doing
bring logs in some need more done
mop kitchen floor preliminary sweep done
change beds
bathroom done
washing done
Not going to happen list:
prep exhib
print invites
picture cord and fixings
hang
ice box Office
frozen window ledge of doom

Hi Plum - fudge sounds good!

BTW did anyone see a thread about jobs to do for Christmas that said the Slatterns weren't slovenly enough?!

Wed:

• more string up for more cards (DH brought tonnes home from work ) Done 2
• boys presents DONE
• my dinner DONE
• finish uploading various old photos onto FB DONE

Thurs:

• parents planning to try and drive up from Plymouth...
• all up & breakfasted
• all dressed (no hurry!)
• check spare room ready
• more cards up (otherwise may as well not bother with them!)
• lunch & tidy kitchen
• soft play to meet friends (depending on parents progress)
• give Nanny her presents
• boys tea (at soft play probably)
• boys bath & bed
• our dinner x 2/4

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
• eBay stuff (post Christmas)
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant

Pre-Christmas:

• get any missing presents for boys - think DS2 is done too so DONE
• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter

pre or on Christmas Eve:

• stuff spare stockings x 2 DONE
• presents into pillowcases x 2 DONE
• move sofa out of playroom
• set up train table & cover with blanket
• train stickers on wall
• make reindeer food!
• FC plate

Morning all

DS1 vvvv excited as he's put the second-last figure on his advent calendar picture, just Jesus to go! resulted in a crazy dance & singing session, lol

BBC changed back to snow for us today, hmph.

Thurs:

• parents planning to try and drive up from Plymouth...
• all up & breakfasted DONE
• all dressed (no hurry!)
• check spare room ready
• more cards up (otherwise may as well not bother with them!)
• lunch & tidy kitchen
• soft play to meet friends (depending on parents progress & weather)
• give Nanny her presents
• boys tea (at soft play probably)
• boys bath & bed
• our dinner x 2/4

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; 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
• eBay stuff (post Christmas)
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant

Pre-Christmas:

• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• hang chocolates on tree (secretly or DS1 will eat them all straight away!)

pre or on Christmas Eve:

• move sofa out of playroom
• set up train table & cover with blanket
• train stickers on wall
• make reindeer food!
• FC plate

Hello all! Is it ok if I join in for the day? I'm ill and I've got loads to do today...