Christmas Slatterns are polishing our baubles and writing our christmas lists

[AliceandtheGinormousBaps]

Here you go ladies....

I'm so not jealous of those of you having to do food shopping today, I did ours yesterday with the DC and it was HELL. Had to resort to drink afterward and I'm not a drinker. You have my sympathy and I'll be waiting with hot chocolate and a selection of cake when you get back.

Thankfully were having a small family christmas, no guests and no journeys. Sounds miserable but I'm really, really looking forward to it after the year we've had!

have done far too much, think I need some ibuprofen and a bed. I just so want to not ave to feel guilty about skipping the housework over chrismas. Gah.

TO DO

all up and dressed - DS & me DONE, DD refusing (still refusing so have granted pj day)
breakfasted - DONE Breakfast explosion sorted
washing

• load one FOLDED
• load two DRYING
• load three ON

change beds 1, 2 & 3 ALL DONE clean bedroom 1 - TIDIED clean bedroom 2 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 3 - TIDIED & CLEANED hoover upstairs DONE hoover downstairs DONE mop upstairs DONE mop downstairs DONE clean bathroom - TIDIED, CLEANED & MOPPED clean downstairs loo clean kitchen cupboard fronts & tiles clean hob clean fridge write top-up shopping list / check finalise weekend menu STARTED plan for tomorrow STARTED collect wheelybin & empty hoover clear snow from path NOT GOING TO DO, IT'S STARTING TO THAW phone car insurance - done once. call agein later hmm 15 minute blitz in attic room make dinner bathe DC DC in bed make paper snowflakes

Buy milk and salt DONE
Make Christmas decorations DONE
Dust NO
Washing and Ironing DONE
Clean hall floor DONE TWICE
Ring mother DONE
Make mince pies DONE

thatll do. Im off to eat a mince ie, have a coffee and watch shrek. NOt doing any lists till new year resolutions. A very merry Christmas to you all.

I survived Waitrose!!!!!!!!
That's it, I'm done or is that DONE!

Hoo-bloody rah to that.

I was fortunate that MIL looked after DC whilst I went (must go and get them.... oh another 15 minutes won't hurt)...

And DC watching Narnia film this afternoon, which gives me a clear hour to tidy up once and for all/sneak to our room to wrap last of the presents

• Up, showered and dressed DONE
• General tidy, make beds etc DONE
• Finish wrapping presents
• One present needed
• Organise Christmas Eve drinks DONE
• Fill/Run/Empty DW DONE
• Hot chocolate DONE
• New Year holiday to get ready for
• Minimal Housework
• Check train times for tomorrow trip to London
• Masses of washing three done, one more after bedtime
• COMPLETELY TIDY PLAYROOM
• Remake the bunk beds
• Clean Fish Kettle
• Ironing
• On line banking and check credit card bill DONE
• Collect Beef/Salmon/last few things from Waitrose DONE
• Check dehumidifier DONE
• Collect post from house; check secure for Christmas. DONE
• Building project - tot up the finances
• Chickens DONE
• Dog MIL taken her
• Music playlists
• Get fire going
• Make dinner

spacehoppa - was just thinking about NY resolutions this morning... I have one.

• Make a bit more effort with my general appearance . I can scrub up fine (-ish!), but most days just scrape my hair back and no make up or anything. And it does leave me feeling a bit crap about myself when I catch a glimpse in the mirror. Hard though when I am working on a building site, and generally chasing children/cleaning out chickens/walking the dog.

One to think about anyway..

Right, where did I leave those children...........

Spacehoppa - I like your style!

Anon - good work. Don't worry about the wrapping you've got aaaaages before it's christmas.

Am now going to chill for a bit until DS wakes from his nap. This is one bitch of a cold.

TO DO

all up and dressed - DS & me DONE, DD refusing (still refusing so have granted pj day)
breakfasted - DONE Breakfast explosion sorted
washing

• load one FOLDED
• load two DRYING
• load three ON

change beds 1, 2 & 3 ALL DONE clean bedroom 1 - TIDIED clean bedroom 2 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 3 - TIDIED & CLEANED hoover upstairs DONE hoover downstairs DONE mop upstairs DONE mop downstairs DONE clean bathroom - TIDIED, CLEANED & MOPPED clean downstairs loo DONE & MOPPED clean kitchen cupboard fronts & tiles FRONTS DONE clean hob clean fridge MEH, SUMMARY WIPE DONE clean bin DONE write top-up shopping list / check finalise weekend menu STARTED plan for tomorrow STARTED collect wheelybin & empty hoover DONE. Fall over in the snow and hurt back DONE clear snow from path NOT GOING TO DO, IT'S STARTING TO THAW phone car insurance - done once. call again later DONE 15 minute blitz in attic room make dinner bathe DC DC in bed make paper snowflakes

FRIDAY
top up food shop
last minute presents
cook stoofperen
make / find / buy stockings
go to garage for damage assessment

I treated myself to a candle that smells of mulled wine today, so going to light it once the housework is done - my treat!

DONE
Get up
Get dressed
Breakfast
Take dirty washing downstairs
Washload on
Get dcs dressed
Go to town and waitrose
Dry washing
Another load on
Have lunch
Go to Pets at home for horsefood and cat's christmas present, then Homebase for paint and batteries
Do horses

TO DO
Clear sitting room side table
Put lamp up in sitting room
Fill basket with nappies/wipes etc rather than having bags of nappies everywhere
Cook dinner
DCs bed
Tidy sitting room
Tidy dining room
Take DD's toys upstairs to her room
DH threatening to hoover - we'll see
Light my yummy candle and eat some mince pie icecream

Now.. Step into this box. Its a guilt remover machine. There. All gone.

Guilt remover machine? Cor, patent that one, it'll be a best seller!

Candle that smells of mulled wine???? Why have I never heard of this before?!

Temp - your list is impressive, put your feet up.

Went to collect DC from PIL and they forced me to drink kindly offered me a small tot of sherry to celebrate surviving Waitrose. How naughty is that? Alcohol before the sun is over the doo-dah? I need that guilt removing machine...

DC just now sitting watching Narnia... aaahhh. That gives me.. err.. 2 hours to finish the tidying, wrap some presents, do some ironing and get their and our dinner ready... Pah! Eeeeeeeasy tiger.

• Up, showered and dressed DONE
• General tidy, make beds etc DONE
• Finish wrapping presents
• One present needed
• Organise Christmas Eve drinks DONE
• Fill/Run/Empty DW DONE
• Hot chocolate DONE
• New Year holiday to get ready for
• Minimal Housework
• Check train times for tomorrow trip to London
• Masses of washing fourth in rest now folded or drying
• COMPLETELY TIDY PLAYROOM 90% DONE
• Remake the bunk beds DONE
• Clean Fish Kettle
• Ironing
• On line banking and check credit card bill DONE
• Collect Beef/Salmon/last few things from Waitrose DONE
• Check dehumidifier DONE
• Collect post from house; check secure for Christmas. DONE
• Building project - tot up the finances
• Chickens DONE
• Dog MIL taken her
• Music playlists
• Get fire going
• Make dinner

anon gift bags for the wrapping, frozen pizza in the oven, hang the ironing up, light some candles and turn off main lights - house looks too dark to notice mess tidy and festive - job done

I think it is this candle that i got

Anon Feet go up at 8:30, not a minute earlier not a minute later Oh, and Alice has the right idea, do as she says and all will be well.

Alice candle looks lovely, enjoy it!

Guilt remover machine? Sign me me up for one too.

TO DO

all up and dressed - DS & me DONE, DD refusing (still refusing so have granted pj day)
breakfasted - DONE Breakfast explosion sorted
washing

• load one FOLDED
• load two FOLDED
• load three DRYING

change beds 1, 2 & 3 ALL DONE clean bedroom 1 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 2 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 3 - TIDIED & CLEANED hoover upstairs DONE hoover downstairs DONE mop upstairs DONE mop downstairs DONE clean bathroom - TIDIED, CLEANED & MOPPED clean downstairs loo DONE & MOPPED clean kitchen cupboard fronts & tiles FRONTS DONE clean fridge MEH, SUMMARY WIPE DONE clean bin DONE collect wheelybin & empty hoover DONE. Fall over in the snow and hurt back DONE clear snow from path NOT GOING TO DO, IT'S STARTING TO THAW phone car insurance - done once. call again later DONE bathe DC DONE

STILL TO DO TODAY

clean hob & kitchen tiles
write top-up shopping list / check finalise weekend menu STARTED
plan for tomorrow STARTED
15 minute blitz in attic room
make dinner DOING
DC in bed
make paper snowflakes
fold last wash (when dry)
put away clean washing

FRIDAY
top up food shop
last minute presents
cook stoofperen
make / find / buy stockings
go to garage for damage assessment
pay bills / check state of finances

Evening all,

My ham is soaking I am trying to decide when to start to boil it,
will it be alright soaking until tomorrow?,
or
if I boil it tonight can I leave it in liquer/stock until tomorrow to bake??
(can you tell I have never cooked a ham before?)

have lit fire
going to do dinner go up to neighbours and deliver pressies & collect turkey
then I am home
dh will bring dcs out to town in morning (tradition) to get my cards, and any other bits, I will stay at home do beds & bake I LOVE IT!!!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

THat sounds lovely Plum! No idea about the ham I'm afrais, sure I've seen a few threads on it in food recently...

Hello all. Too many posts to comment individually but things that jumped out were:

hello to temp and pippin*

• Alice hope you are ok, like the sound of the candle.

Plum that fudge sounds divine.

No real achievements here as have been to London and back for DS's hospital appt. Good news is we are reducing his asthma preventer medication. Bad news is his tonsils and adenoids look like they are coming out on 18 January. Am v scared about it, even though it will be his third GA its the first time he's had actual surgery and he's still so little .

So in terms of lists, I'm still catching up really...

OVERDUE
make spare bed (see below)
change DC beds NOT DONE AS HAVE HAD TO CHANGE SPARE BED INSTEAD DUE TO DS NAPPY INCIDENT

THURSDAY
one load of washing
DS consultant appointment in London
take turkey, beef and presents to mum's
read know how bundle
tidy dining room cupboard

FRIDAY
chase nurse re flu jab
all over tidy pre-xmas visitors
packing list for Xmas
last minute food shopping
pack stuff for Xmas at mum's
blitz family room before new toys arrive
discuss date for DS's op with boss

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

Just having a quick bailys before doing a last push. 1 hour max . List edited - put FAR too much on it

TO DO

all up and dressed - DS & me DONE, DD refusing (still refusing so have granted pj day)
breakfasted - DONE Breakfast explosion sorted
washing

• load one FOLDED
• load two FOLDED
• load three DRYING

change beds 1, 2 & 3 ALL DONE clean bedroom 1 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 2 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 3 - TIDIED & CLEANED hoover upstairs DONE hoover downstairs DONE mop upstairs DONE mop downstairs DONE clean bathroom - TIDIED, CLEANED & MOPPED clean downstairs loo DONE & MOPPED clean kitchen cupboard fronts & tiles FRONTS DONE clean fridge MEH, SUMMARY WIPE DONE clean bin DONE collect wheelybin & empty hoover DONE. Fall over in the snow and hurt back DONE clear snow from path NOT GOING TO DO, IT'S STARTING TO THAW phone car insurance - done once. call again later DONE bathe DC DONE

STILL TO DO TODAY hmm

clean hob & kitchen tiles NOT DOING
write top-up shopping list / check finalise weekend menu STARTED
plan for tomorrow STARTED
15 minute blitz in attic room PROBABLY NOT DOING
make dinner DONE, ALL TIDIED, DISHWASHER ON
DC in bed DONE
make paper snowflakes MAYBE
fold last wash (when dry)
put away clean washing > TOMORROW

FRIDAY
top up food shop
last minute presents
cook stoofperen
make / find / buy stockings
go to garage for damage assessment
pay bills / check state of finances
maybe clean hob & kitchen tiles
put away clean washing

Temp, you've done a grand job.

I think everyone is doing a wonderful job and that this is a time for eating, drinking, being merry, giving and sharing and relaxing.
As long as no one will get food poisoning and there's enough food in the house, relax.

• up done
• breakfast done
• spatone oj and vits done
• potty and dress ds done
• shower and dress done
• put a load in done
• supermarket done
• cinema done
• put the cards up done
• tidying some
• take the rubbish and recycling done
• feed the birds done
• DS sick and clean up done
• tea ish
• wash pots and tidy kitchen done
• tidy downstairs done
• DS bath and bed DH doing
• pizzas for me and DH
• light candle
• knitting?
• recharge batteries ready for the Big Push that is Christmas Eve!

To Do -

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

Christmas -

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

Eek so no-one is a ham expert then??

Need to ask neighbour if she has a big pot she can lend me, she might know, think I might boil it tomorrow and roast it too.

Fudge was granulated sugar, evapourated milk & butter melted brought to boil, simmered and choc & cranberries added

will be back later with tomorrows list

fudge here

Mine was smoother than pic, but I made a second batch replacing cranberries with 50mlish of baileys and it was crumblier

off now to get turkey
going to watch Gordan when I come back to see what he does with his ham

Plum - post in Food, someone will know.

Right, I'm done (as much as I'm going too) and off! Thanks so much for letting me temp. This thread always works wonder for me

TO DO

all up and dressed - DS & me DONE, DD refusing (still refusing so have granted pj day)
breakfasted - DONE Breakfast explosion sorted
washing

• load one FOLDED
• load two FOLDED
• load three FOLDED

change beds 1, 2 & 3 ALL DONE clean bedroom 1 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 2 - TIDIED & CLEANED clean bedroom 3 - TIDIED & CLEANED hoover upstairs DONE hoover downstairs DONE mop upstairs DONE mop downstairs DONE clean bathroom - TIDIED, CLEANED & MOPPED clean downstairs loo DONE & MOPPED clean kitchen cupboard fronts & tiles FRONTS DONE clean fridge MEH, SUMMARY WIPE DONE clean bin DONE collect wheelybin & empty hoover DONE. Fall over in the snow and hurt back DONE clear snow from path NOT GOING TO DO, IT'S STARTING TO THAW phone car insurance - done once. call again later DONE bathe DC DONE clean hob & kitchen tiles NOT DOING write top-up shopping list / check finalise weekend menu DONE plan for tomorrow DONE 15 minute blitz in attic room NOT DOING make dinner DONE, ALL TIDIED, DISHWASHER ON. DISHES PUT AWAY DC in bed DONE make paper snowflakes STARTED put away clean washing > TOMORROW

FRIDAY
top up food shop
last minute presents
cook stoofperen
make / find / buy stockings
go to garage for damage assessment
pay bills / check state of finances
maybe clean hob & kitchen tiles
put away clean washing

Can't be bothered to find list. Have been to pub.

PLUM I have only ever done ham in pressure cooker, so not same as baking. Good luck. Am about fudge though.

Am rapidly losing sense of direction although that could be the G&T.

finish sewing up socks for DIL elect.
pack warm clothes
food
presents
leave house tidy
dishy
sort cat
Am impressed with your lists TEMP and WASTING.

Sitting room now feels warm, cosy and relaxing thanks to low lighting and my nice candle (i may also have had drink)

Tomorrow's list:

Everyone up
Everyone dressed
Strip beds
Breakfast
Do some baking
Go with DH to see one of his clients - one of my friends
Lunch
DH put clean sheets on our bed
Horses - take cards for people up there
Crib service at local church?
DD dinner
DCs bath and new pyjamas
Leave out treat for Santa and reindeer
DH and I nice dinner and wine
Sort stockings
Bed

Evening all - just a quick in and out before bed. Parents go there fine, best journey ever they said!

Thurs:

• parents planning to try and drive up from Plymouth DONE
• charge phone DONE
• find camera DONE
• charge camera DONE
• find cable to connect camera to laptop
• check spare room ready DONE
• lunch & tidy kitchen DONE
• soft play to meet friends DONE
• boys tea (at soft play probably) DONE
• boys bath & bed DONE
• our dinner x 4 DONE

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 (she's rung twice & i've missed her, grr)

Pre-Christmas:

• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter

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

Morning & Happy Christmas Eve

Meant to be DH's morning shift but i was awake

Also totally forgot to say yesterday: 1 Year Anniversary of DS2's Brain Surgery

Christmas Eve:

• Christmas email & attach letter
• Christmas FB greeting & send letter
• move sofa out of playroom
• set up train table & cover with blanket
• train stickers on wall
• make reindeer food!
• FC plate
• reassemble cardboard box
• party shop for 2 helium balloons
• blow up some normal balloons & fill box
• attempt to wrap box
• all usual stuff too

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
• ring GOSH to speak to DS2 consultant (she's rung twice & i've missed her, grr)
• find cable to connect camera to laptop

Fingers crosses that the weather holds. Am preparing for our expedition.
Thermals
Flask
shovel
primus
survival chocolate
cotton wool

There's another get ready list some where.

finish sewing up socks for DIL elect.
pack warm clothes
food
presents
leave house tidy
dishy
sort cat
Have a very happy christmas everyone. I will raise a mince pie to you.

Hello all.
PLUM - I am now in possession of a Ham, courtesy of MIL. She has asked me to soak it for Christmas Day and night whilst they are away and then she is baking it on Boxing Day for us to eat hot..... All I know is that I am going to put it in the sink in the garage, cover with water, and refresh the water once during it's "stay" with me... sorry that probably isn't much help.

Off out today, DH's office children's party which is always a larf:

• Up, showered and dressed
• General tidy, make beds etc
• Empty DW
• Minimal Housework
• Check train times for trip to London
• One wash load at the end of the day
• Ironing
• On line banking
• Check dehumidifier
• Collect post from house; check secure for Christmas.
• Building project - tot up the finances
• Chickens
• Dog MIL taking her
• Music playlists
• Get fire going
• Friends round for drinks
• Poach lovely salmon for supper!
• Stockings out, drinks and snacks for Santa and reindeer

Have a slatterntastic Christmas one and all.

Morning

JKS mad to think it was 'only' a year ago and also 'a whole' year ago iysim?

F has just left an enormous green bogey on my pyjama top

DONE
Everyone up
Strip beds
Empty dishy
Wash sheets - first load in
Breakfast
Do some baking - made brownies

TO DO
Everyone dressed
Go with DH to see one of his clients - one of my friends
Lunch
Clean sheets on kids beds
DH put clean sheets on our bed
Horses - take cards for people up there
Crib service at local church?
DD dinner
DCs bath and new pyjamas
Leave out treat for Santa and reindeer
DH and I nice dinner and wine
Sort stockings
Bath
Bed