April Fledgling Flyers: April Fools we are not, babysteps and decluttering makes our thread hot, step right in and mark your spot.

[NettieSpaghetti]

Welcome, come away in you?ll have had your . This is the April Fledgling Flyers Thread.

Thanks to WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes who was champion at leading us through March.

We are trying to stick to the Flylady © Website and her baby steps and routines to help keep our houses out of C.H.A.O.S and ready for everyday, maybe the odd visitor or two.

Check her website out but don?t sign up for emails as they are likely to inspire but fill your inbox so full we might not see you till August.

The principles are:

Babysteps (one at a time)
Babysteps and 15 minutes daily decluttering
Babysteps and daily missions.

This month I will be posting the links and leading you down the road to building a routine and keeping your house under control.

It is amazing what you can achieve in a simple babystep,15 minutes a day and a little chat.

CHB [returns refreshed after finishing a whole book (although a sad one Suite Francaise... and having popped more pills]

I hang my car key on a high hook. So it is always by default back on that hook. That was dh's idea. When I leave it somewhere, having not made it to to the hook it is in
very very bottom of bag
in anorak pocket with also lost mobile
wherever I put it down when I came in the door and was interrupted (phone call, talk to dcs, opened post, next to shopping bags etc)
fallen down behind the shoe rack
under a newspaper
next to toaster/fridge
next to telephone

CHB school will have given him food, even if it was plainer sort, even if allergies. Very annoying when they don't ring, but a sign that they probably have fed him.

Toffee I think distraction is the key to dealing with the badtempered lo! I need distraction too when I'm whining..

done
washing up
exasperating phone call with mother and husband

Feet very exciting about extension. LOL tradesman induced activity
I've now sold my soul over extension in order to get rid of Brown Furniture.

I would be grateful and bloody pissed off at the same time if they gave him food. Allergies are problematic which whilst he would love school dinners he cant actually have them. My biggest worry is that he has issues with communicating needs and that he is likely to have not told anyone that he hasnt any left :( I have decided to take him for a treat for tea tonight. I owe him as it is totally my fault. I am going to feel bad about this for weeks arent i :(

Swan - i have a hook that i hang them on but forgot to hang them on it. Have found them burried in the side of the sofa.
Whilst looking for keys have spent 1hr decluttering my room, done 3 loads washing, spend 15mins in ds' room and spent another 30mins in the lounge tidying.

CHB why not go in now with the lunchbox just in case? Or ring school and find out what happened?

I have tried ringing the school and i cant get hold of them. Confused as to why they havent phoned though. they have the home number. i guess i am going to have to check that they arent trying to call a mobile as i dont ever have it on these days, not since last easter.

Hi,

Not done much flying yet at all. Totally forgot till this morning that the car was in for its MOT, luckily it passed :) Then we got a letter regarding money and stuff which required phone calls to be made to tax credit office, I was on hold over 20 mins before I spoke to anyone. Plus having to pick DD up from school took longer as I couldnt go in the car and she walks so so slow.

1. start washing machine and get it dried/hung up - done
2. Ironing my earlier washing load and a bit of backlog for 1hr - tonight
3. put clothes in washer ready for Friday morning - after kids are ready for bed so I can put uniforms in
4. wipe down kitchen and table in room - after DH has washed the dishes
5. shine sink - to be done with no4
6. Complete more control journal - will do at some point
7. get uniforms ready for school and hang up in living room - once the kids are in bed
8. fill bookcase bought earlier in week with erm books and DVD's - done
9. cut the grass at the front. - next week due to frantic morning activities.

CHB so so sorry to hear about the forgotten lunch box, really hope you can forgive yourself, it was a simple mistake. Plus you'll never forget again.

whoknows hope you have a good night tonight even though it seems a bit of a chew for you.

feet exciting about the extension, our bathroom is downstairs and I think its much better, I take off my clothes by the washer, so they go straight to wash, then walk across the room into the bathroom. Also if i have a bath when kids are in bed, I can have some music on without disturbing them :)

Talking of missing car keys, I once dropped mine down the drain [agghh smiley], luckily for that car we had 2 sets.

making changes congratulations on the exam

DC3 is due 17th Sept so a while yet. Looking forward to my next appointment on 4th May, just wish it was sooner so I can make sure everything is OK, it probably is, it just seems like ages away.

Anyway off to go now to see if I can get something done before picking DS up in half an hour. Be back later tonight.

the 4th of may is ages away. I have far too much to do before then. It is not allowed to not be. [panics over something different]

Washing and putting away
Hoover
Mop - will do later, AFTER DS2 has had tea!
Tidy desk
Hotspot on piano and maybe spare bed. - hotspots slightly rearranged so they look a bit tidier!

Have also done w*rk, cleaned kitchen cannisters and dusted so feeling very productive! Got 20 mins to sit down with a and maybe a before collecting boys. Then we'll see how soon it all goes to pot...

I hope the lunch issue was sorted CHB and that the keys turn up. Last time I lost mine, they turned up inside the car!

Another ridiculously busy day which culminated in a full on rant to arrogant lazy year 11s who think a c grade is going to be handed to them on a plate. I am working my arse off and they cannot br arsed to turn up to complete coursework which is essential despite numerous opportunities. Aaaaaaaaaaargh.

Feel better for that . not much flying here just got in and have had a quick tidy and am now going to prep for tutoring session and get dinner.

Back later.

Just lost a long post when my laptop froze. To summarise, I've spent most of the afternoon sitting outside in the garden with my book supervising the DC and enjoying the sunshine, so have got very little Flying done. At least there's not much tidying up to do as we've hardly been indoors, but I still need to persuade the DDs to do their piano practice.

CHB Hope you managed to sort out your DS's lunch and glad to hear the keys turned up - I dread to think how many hours I've wasted looking for mislaid keys.

myhouse A friend of mine once dropped her car keys down the drain, so I've always been very wary of drains and have held on to my keys extra tightly when I'm near any!

swan Suite Francaise is on my to-read shelf. I've resolved not to buy any more books until I've read all the ones I already have, but seem to be buying books for the DC instead. (Am hoping that the DC might be happy with "just" books for Easter, but DH has other ideas and wants to get them something for the garden too.)

good for you Ellie

Linzer glad you are outside

Had to leave park with dss both in tears about all the people being "mean" to them and ds1 saying he never wanted to go to school again... Only one more day to go. Dd is excellent mood again

what's for dinner -
soup carrot and leek...mushroom risotto with grated cheese and bacon

Oh dear swan my DC never seem to synchronise their moods either!

CHB hope you found the car keys and ds was fed. My DS was given school dinner once when a reception child ate his packed lunch .

Today
work/school done
tel mum done
start thank you cards weekend
laundry done
change dc beds weekend
hoover done
dust ignore
water plant next
wash kids .done

whoknows outfit sounds ideal. Hope night out is ok.

Evening all. Ive had quite a productive day today. Done all but one on my list plus had the car MOT'd and passed and spent ages on the phone regarding tax credits. I am now thinking what else to add to my daily routine list. I will have a look at flylady and see what I think.

1. start washing machine and get it dried/hung up - done
2. Ironing my earlier washing load and a bit of backlog for 1hr - done
3. put clothes in washer ready for Friday morning - done
4. wipe down kitchen and table in room - done
5. shine sink - done
6. Complete more control journal - done just need to add more daily and weekly tasks as and when I add them into my routine
7. get uniforms ready for school and hang up in living room - done
8. fill bookcase bought earlier in week with erm books and DVD's - done
9. cut the grass at the front. - next week due to frantic morning activities

Right tomorrows list:

1. start washing machine and get it dried/hung up
2. Ironing my earlier washing load and a bit of backlog for 1hr
3. wipe down kitchen and table in room
4. shine sink
5. weekly grocery shop
6. Take DD to a park to meet some other mums in my area, slightly nervous, but excited too. Its from a group on facebook Ive recently joined.
7. Make sure my work uniform is ready for sat morning.

Have a good evening everyone, the weekend is nearly here (as is school hols for some of us)

School fed ds. He wasnt phased by the situation and filled them in on his allergies. I am pleased he didnt go hungry but when i specifically refused permission for him to eat anything not provided from home. Keeping fingers crossed that there is no allergic reaction 48hrs is the time frame so its going to be a tense few (pfb) days for me then

Ds had his first session of training tonight. he has come back covered in bruises but very very very happy. Now all i have to do is perswade him to go to bed. Not looking likely atm. Although he has washed himself - hair included without being asked and is chilling in the bath.

Arriving very late today.

myhouse congratulations.
Lots of people sound like they've had difficult or trying days CHB sympathy Did you find the keys yet? How is DS?

My DS2 and DD are on holiday, but DS1 is still at school. He is bearing up manfully aided by school trip today.

I got up early to have breakfast with DH and DS1 before they headed off, dispatched DS2 to cricket, marvellously equipped after our shopping yesterday, and DD and I went to buy communion shoes.

DD is an indefatigable shopper. Not only did we buy the communion shoes (after visiting two shops, one of them twice) but we also ended up buying school shoes, trainers, sandals, a swim hat (which she suddenly remembered that she needs for next term) a sun hat and lots of new Summer clothes for her.

DD had made a list of the things we needed to buy and the shops we had to visit and walked around pencil and paper in hand ticking things off as we did them. Fortunately stopping for lunch and, later, for a coffee break were on her list.

The shopping took quite a while so we only had a pit stop at home before picking up DS2, taking him to his music lesson, buying some fish for tea and then home again for tea, showers bedtime etc. I think that we will all sleep well tonight.

I've managed to fly fairly well by dint of getting up early and getting most of the morning chores done then, and of course lots of things got ticked of my (and DD's ) list as we shopped, so this is what is left.

to do

hot spot (clear table)
cook tea for DH and me
packed lunches for DSs tomorrow
bring washing in from the garden
15 mins decluttering
put dry washing away
lay out clothes (unlikely based on past performance)
get to bed at a decent hour (ditto)

Ds is and was fine. Just me being a nervous wreck
keys were found. Having early night in a significantly tidier room. Must lose keys more often then

Good Evening phenominal flyers.

Busy day here again. How did i do..

Work-learn new computer package and how it interacts with sage. Training starts at 10-lots of data entry to do before we can go live with sage.
pick up dc-done
bathe dc-done
bed dc-done
convince dh to move computers and table to new space in front room-done, followed but moving boxes up from ginormous hotpot in conservatory to what will eventually be amde into a cupboard to hold all the tat that used to live in the loft which is now dc bedrooms- unlikely tonight
washing load-done
make cake for coffee tomorrow.-oops forgot about this and im not baking now
dw load-done and refilled
mission wiping of huge appliances-nope
dinner-omelette-yes
bed-soon i hope

Its been another very busy day here too, i didnt want to stint your progress but i was lurking and really wanted to say stop or ill never get round up!

blue is dust free and has anther sink to shine
myhouse is going to bless us with another flybaby (noone scare her off so we can coo over another thread baby )
makingchanges has lined herself up with some well deserved yoga
toffee worked into the wee small hours and makes her ds dance like a looney up the hill. Love popcorn breakfast. hope you got some rest today.
linzer had a stressful morning start. (sends spaghetti over to do linzers morning dress up, beware nagging to get up is sometimes required) sounds like fab garden time
scatty did all important things on list. (pah! to dusting)
passes cyberwebcinders fire extinguisher and family planning advice for dust bunnies
janeyjampot is very brave and going to Zumba in her lunch break
whoknows has a pushy work night out and a huge shoe dilema, im with you cant abide been made to go out and wearing shoes to walk all that distance is just criminal. But i hope you have a lovely night regardless.
swan passes dh a medal for taking over last minute project panic. hmm moussaka thats mince based isnt it? lmho at croydon facelift. i have been keeping my hair just that bit too short to try and prevent me doing precisely that. [
CHB was in NIGHTMARE lost key land and worry about starving ds land. Glad ds was unphased and keys were found and what a humungous amount of flying in the search.
feetheart at downstairs toilet and shower room. this is what my house desperately needs. at 5.50am start.
ellie had a rant and a rave at bony lazy articles and then went off in tutoring mood
fun sounds like a lovely day with big words indefatigable? and flying too.

right better get off and dh has finished relocating computer desk and is in need of help to sort some more out.

be back with links in a mo.

journal of control

moping and sweeping and mopping and sweeping and sweeping and mopping again

have lovely Fridays.

Tonight: wash nappies
Go to bed!

Tomorrow: nappies out
wash delicates
put away clean clothes
recycling
recycle batteries
deal with hamper
mend books wrecked by DS2
15 mins in kitchen

Ellie I hope your year 11's realise that their coursework is important. I'venot even finished my training yet and have ranted at plentyof children so far.
CHB glad you foundyour keys and that DS was very sensible and calm - Sound like he did a great job of sorting lunch out.
Janeyjampots of your lunchtime zumba - Hope you enjoyed it
Toffee hope you have an earlier night tonight

Hello everyone else

Well been busy at schoolall day, parents evening till late then even later yoga so no flying tonight. Tomorrow have day out in Manchester planned at education show and DH is taking DD to Chester zoo (teacher training day for DD so a surprise for her).

List for tomorrow

• Washing in before leave.
• shop for essentials on way home.
• wash gym clothes and pack for gym session monday
• plan 6 hours of lessons for next week -Need to be done by tomorrow but only found out what teaching today (may try for vague ideas by end of tomorrow and finalised write up by Saturday if I can get away with it or working till early hours)

I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow

Haven't done much flying today, but is not quite 5 pm so I've got time, I think!

It's all a bit overwhelming for me, I've struggled with my weight since DS was born and with my lack of organizational skills since...well, always! I've decided that 2011 is my year to become a slim person with a clean house. (That's actually my mantra these days. "Slim person! Clean house!" ) So I joined this thread and the Paul McKenna weightloss one, pretty much simultaneously! So. It's tough! But onwards.

I did run some errands today, got everyone dressed and out of the house on time, did not lose my temper at work, and brushed, fed, and walked the dog. But I'm really going to start working now...will be back to report my progress in a few hours. Have a good night! :)

Just checking in mid-work. No chance of an early night tonight as I'm still working to meet the deadline and will be up till the small hours - but thanks, anyway, for those who hoped I'd get a rest tonight. Roll on tomorrow night!

CHB - sorry you had such a tough day, but I'm glad you have a tidier house because of key-hunting. I was going to suggest the keys were down the side of the sofa, simply because when toddler DS1 hid my aunt's keys, they turned up tucked under the sofa cushions. The thing I lose all the time is my mobile. I have to ring it to find it.

Cheerful - good for you! It sounds as if you are doing brilliantly with your 'new you'. It's all about breaking old habits and establishing new ones. It's really tough at first, but it will get easier. Some of the Flylady habits are now second nature to me, such as swishing and swiping in the bathroom every morning. It sounds as if you are off to a great start.

Nettie - thanks for fab round up. I love the image of my son dancing like a looney up the hill (it's very accurate).

Not much Flying done today, thanks to work. I did manage to do a white load in the washing machine, though, and have put the d/w on three times. I also made Easter-nest cakes with DS2 to give to DS1's classmates tomorrow. On Sunday, one of them came round with a parcel of cards from every child in his class. They must have spent ages on them - they were all beautifully drawn and with long messages inside, telling DS1 why they missed him and how they hoped he'd come back soon. DS1 was pleased, but also very stressed by it, as I think it brought back all his feelings about school. Anyhow, we have sent in a thank-you card, but I thought a box of homemade Easter cakes and a card from DS1 wouldn't go amiss as well.

DH was meant to do dinner, but he was so grumpy with DS2 that I ended up having to stop work just to calm everyone down. However, I have now realised why DH is behaving like this - he has an infected ingrown toenail and it is hurting him all the time. He's like a snappy dog. He can't even wear normal shoes and has been going to work in crocs, much to the confusion of his staff. It's sounds such a trivial thing, but he is in such pain with it and has had to go to the dr twice for antibiotics.

Time to get back to work again.

Last day of term tomorrow!

Am beginning to dream at the keyboard, so suspect it's time for bed. Goodnight all you slumbering Flyladies.

Good morning, and thank you for the round up. Zumba was great, thanks. Hot and sweaty but fun all the same. I actually went twice in the end - once at lunchtime on my own and then again in the evening because DD2 wanted to go and the same instructor does an evening class on Thursdays down the road. Even going twice I am rubbish at it!

Last day of term for many - roll on the holidays

DH is working from home this morning and then has the afternoon off because he is going to a conference in the US tomorrow. I am also taking the afternoon off and we are planning to go for a walk - I really hope this happens and we don't spend it in a rush of packing and last minute work, which is what usually happens.

This morning I hope to achieve:
Washing machine on (done)
Strip beds (need everyone to get out of them first!)
Then washing machine on again, trying to avoid last Friday's 4 loads, which was silly.
Breakfast prepared and cleaned up
Packed lunches
Sweep floor
15 minutes in kitchen - I have the windowsills, windows, hoover and mop to do
Swish & Swipe.

Can't make the beds because the sheets will be in the machine/on the line

Lots of ironing this afternoon.

Quick list before the hordes get up:

• Email various people about School Assoc stuff - done
• All up, fed and out in various costumes (must remember we will need extra time as I have to plait DD's hair!)
• Strip beds - ours and DD's
• Round to friend's for natter and plant-swap - must dig up violet before I go
• Charity shop on way home to drop off stash hidden in boot of car
• Morning routine
• Hoover downstairs
• 15mins x lots in DC's rooms (again!)
• Hoover upstairs
• DD's summer duvet on - hot child is sleeping on the top of hers at the moment

That will do for now
Have good day everyone, hope the sun is shining where you are :)