If your house is calling May Day, do not fear: May's Fledgling Flyers are here

[LinzerTorte]

Welcome to the May edition of the Fledgling Flyers' thread. Thank you to Nettie for her splendid leadership of last month's thread.

If you're living in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome), this is the thread for you! We follow the tips on the FlyLady website in an attempt to restore order to our homes, but advise against signing up for the e-mails; all the information you need is on this thread.

Each day, I'll be posting the links that will enable you to do any of the following:

• start or repeat baby steps

• repeat babysteps and do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.

More information about the babysteps is here.

So please join us - there's always plenty of chat, tea, cake, encouragement and the occasional to help us on our way!

Back from holiday. It was great but now there's the unpacking monster to tame... I may be some time! Waves and hands round Isle of Wight rock.

Oooh do tell me where you went here and what you enjoyed doing, BES. - not been brilliant weather this week, though.

Busy but frustratingly unproductive day here, although I have managed to declutter some clothes. Had a lovely afternoon with an English friend, although I was trying to deal with a translation job enquiry at the same time, which was rather stressful. Wine is now open, so I?m finally starting to relax!

Round-up time:

scatty has too many towels and has experienced some local excitement.

swan enjoyed the choir despite the lack of wine and exhausted herself at the garden centre.

CHB overslept, was in need of coffee and had no energy to panic when her sewing machine started playing up.

Lady was delighted to learn that she has already dealt with this week?s FLY spot and is getting ready for a weekend away.

Toffee has been entertained by her DS?s letter and is enjoying having a quieter house.

feetheart has been mentioned on Chris Evans (tell us more!) and is also packing.

Nettie was feeling tired and, like Cinders, always needs champagne.

PA is also off for the weekend and has been distracted by new phone negotiations.

Blue is back from her holiday and about to tackle the unpacking.

Well, it has not been Date Night here, that's for sure...
DH has gone off in a huff.
Dd had another tantrum.
I fell asleep on sofa at 4.30 and woke at 5.30 very neglectful mother

I see now that I could have ordered everything from B & Q by phone might try that next time instead of all this coal heaving...

done
cooked supper
potted various pots
chatted to kids (after nap)
boys played football in garden
dd's latest delaying tactic at bedtime is to come down at 9pm and insist that her toenails need cutting, and then that mine need cutting too

Nettie I hope you returned to the couch as soon as you were able to put list behind you; I know that feeling.
PA enjoy the seminar. They must be glad to have you to brighten things up!
CHB hope the weekend is peaceful and you can relax a bit (is ds away now?)
Linzer oh dear...I've forgotten, but from what I remember you felt unproductive - I think seeing friends count as one of long term productive things even if in the shortterm one is tearing one's hair out because one never dusted the mantlepiece.
Blue I'm glad holiday went well. Unpacking is a bit better than packing to my mind

I can beat your nap, Swan - I fell asleep with DS2 at 9pm and have just woken up. DH and DS1 are both sound asleep. As for date night - well, DH and I had a 'date' to watch something on DVD together and this is the third night running that I've fallen asleep first .

I have at least come down to a very tidy kitchen, as I dealt with it all before putting DS2 to bed. Am tempted to do some ironing - but not that tempted.

DS1 has been, unwittingly, very entertaining today. During home education, I suggested he type some 'facts' about three deep-sea creatures. Some time later, when I asked to see his work, he reluctantly showed me this: 'A prehostoric shark was captured in Japan. Unfortunately, it died, so there are no facts about it.'

Oh dear, I'm going to miss him very much when he goes to secondary.

Swan - I love your DD's latest delaying tactic, which we also get here - but, I must say, your DD goes one further with the 'your toenails need cutting too' bit .

Linzer - glad you had a good afternoon with your friend (but how annoying about the job enquiry. Work does get in the way of our social lives, doesn't it?!).

BlueEyes - welcome back. Glad you had a good week. I haven't met a single person who's been to the Isle of Wight and not loved it.

Scatty - at your son's comment. It must have been a boy's dream come true.

PA - oh dear, that doesn't sound like a fun weekend lined up for you. Congratulations on the free phone though.

Nettie - sounds like you needed an early night too. Hope you get some rest over the weekend.

Lady - double birthday celebration sounds great.

Feet - tell us more!

CHB - how is the dress going? Am very impressed. I couldn't begin to make a dress from scratch.

A quiet day lined up for tomorrow. DS2 said, "Please can we not go anywhere?" He just wants to stay at home and play, which is fine by me. He can't do that on Sunday, though, as we are visiting friends for the day. Should be lovely though.

Oh, I forgot: DS2 is organising an art competition for us all at home tomorrow. He entered one at school and was certain he'd win. He didn't even get third place . His way of dealing with the disappointment is to re-enact it, but make Mummy the judge this time. So, guess who's going to win this time...

Am wide awake and enjoying the peace and quiet now. I wish I could forget that the cupboard is full of yummy snacks. The Penguins bars have all been eaten (not all by me!), but there's some Battenberg cake and I LOVE Battenberg cake. My granny used to buy it for me and I could eat it all in one go. Am trying to lose a bit of weight before our holiday in a month's time though. Maybe just one slice....

Good morning everyone,

Today's babystep is to check out Ask FlyLady. I found her answer to Wednesday's question about how to get over the hump of not wanting to do things made interesting reading and particularly liked this piece of advice:

"Some days are 15 minute days for me. I work in the houses for 15 minutes and then I rest by working on my computer. If you are really tired then do 15 minutes and lie down on the couch and put your feet up."

Hope everyone has a good weekend and manages to have some Family Fun today.

Just lost a long post - no time to type it all out again as the DC are now up. The gist of it was: a) it looks like it's going to be another sunny day, so I probably won't be able to get out of going to the pool this morning, and b) I don't know whether I can start work over the weekend (too boring to go into details).

Toffee Hope you got back to sleep OK (and resisted the Battenberg cake!). Loved what your DS wrote about the shark.

swan No date night here last night either; I was too tired to even think about it. Instead, we watched Have I Got News For You while I did the round-up. Who said romance is dead?

Off for my shower now while the DC (plus DS's friend, who was here overnight) are being entertained by Saturday morning children's TV.

Morning all. Up too early for a Saturday as SO much to do and girl cat managed to spend last night shut out and decided to summon us from the garden at 6am

Chris Evans thing not that exciting for anyone but us really - sent in a text about us heading off to camp and juggle in a buttercup field for 10 days and it got read out in his 'Breaking news' section - along with a 'found hamster' story :)
Nettie - wouldn't need to know my name as the camping/juggling bit gives it away

PA - hope w/e isn't too bad - I am very good at switching off at those sort of things and then expending all my remaining energy trying not to fall asleep

Really need to get on or we will be setting up tent in the dark!

Might get on occasionally during the week but life tends to slip into a routine of sitting around, eating, chatting and sitting round some more. Might get too laid-back to turn on PC :)
Have a good week everyone.

Linzer - thanks for that link to Flylady. I need that advice! I did resist the Battenberg cake (although it's still calling to me) and I managed to get another two hours' sleep before DS2 woke up. Feeling a bit groggy now though. My fault for spending precious sleep time on MN. Hope you manage to get out of the pool trip today. Couldn't you use work as an excuse and stay at home whilst DH does it?

Feet - hope you have a lovely week.

DS2 has already worn me out with his chatting this morning. He has covered several topics in the last hour, from the making of the Cybermen to how to make china. "I know everything! It's great!" he told me. Thankfully, he has rediscovered a DVD of 'Bear in the Big Blue House' and trotted off to watch it, so I can drink my cup of tea in peace now.

Hope everyone has a good Saturday.

Off to read those Flylady tips on getting motivated now.

Uh oh, the chatterbox is coming back. I can hear the door creaking ominously. He can't be bored already, surely? Maybe I should hide!

Bribed him with Battenberg cake and he's gone back to watch telly .

After an awful lot of distractions from DC, I finally read that piece, Linzer. It's so true. Particularly the bit about whether you had enough sleep the night before, which is often my problem.

Inspired by that, I'm off to do 15 minutes' ironing now.

Hello everyone!!

Blither...

Just changed Internet Explorer and text is STILL jumping about. That's quite disappointing ...

Back to Mumnset towers ...

Sorry (again) for lack of personals but humungous waves to all ...

Having the usual chaotic multiple activity saturday. Did have a nice bonding session with DD in Claire's accessories . DD was in heaven. Also Dh managed to get Ds a bike from local recycle - your - bike place. Needs abit of fixing up though.

Dress is finally done. 15 mins to spare must get a wriggle on.

Well done, CHB! You are so clever. Any pics to show us? Hope you have a great time tonight.

Had a lovely leisurely shopping spree without DC or DH this afternoon. Am back to normal life again now: DS2 is still talking non-stop (I don't think he's stopped since 7am this morning) and DS1 is very, very grumpy. But I have put a bottle of white wine for DH and me in the fridge, so all will be well.

A slightly earlier round-up tonight, as I started on the early (late afternoon, while we were at friends') and feel ready for bed now! DH has just gone to fetch more wine, however.

We've had a lovely day here. I didn't manage to get out of going to the pool, but was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it - although it definitely helped having DH there to go into the water with the DC, as most of the pools (other than the thermal one) were far too cold for me. DS's best friend was there so I had a nice chat with his mum, and bumped into a couple of other friends as well. The DC loved playing in the sand (they have a "beach" there), going down the slides and of course splashing about in the water, and I enjoyed lazily watching them (the setting is idyllic too, with a view of the Vienna Woods in the distance).

After a hot and sunny morning, the weather suddenly took a turn for the worse after lunch, with heavy rain and a thunderstorm while we were at friends' in the afternoon - which meant we had to beat a hasty retreat from the garden. It cleared up in time for the DC to ride their bikes a bit later, however (and DD1 has finally decided that DD2 can have her bike, so that's one problem solved).

Just a quick round-up tonight as it's been fairly quiet on the thread today; I hope that means everyone has been out enjoying some sunshine.

feetheart was up early and getting ready for her camping trip, which sounds as if it will be great fun (will see if I can find the podcast now).

Toffee has been listening to her chatty DS for most of the day, but took a break for a shopping spree this afternoon.

SC is still trying to sort out her juddery text (have you tried installing Firefox? I occasionally switch over to it if I?m having problems with Internet Explorer).

scatty was having a hectic day and bonded with her DD over accessories.

CHB got her dress finished with 15 minutes to spare.

Hope everyone's having a good evening; please help yourselves to wine.

Thanks for the wine and the round-up Linzer!

Have done no flying at all today. Ought to be getting the house straight again, but instead I've been playing with photo books because I had a voucher which expires tomorrow! It's not the unpacking as such, swan, it's all the bags and things which get dumped everywhere. We're away again next w/e for a family party and DH has crocked his leg so it's not worth it or advisable to lug them all up into the loft again...

No idea whether it'll help with juddery text, SC, but would recommend Firefox in general.

Well done on the dress CHB - I wish I could sew straight! Embroidery yes, plain sewing, no.

at your DS knowing everything, Toffee. DS1 could talk the hind leg off a donkey too. Once upon a time we were worried about him being a late talker...

no flying today, just
gardening
food shoppng
practice session for First H Communion so relieved I'm not the one givign a party tomorrow, remembering last year!
3 delicious meals including homemade fish and chips and asparagus risotto

I have only just swept up the last heap of compost, I bought another 4 bags today [sigh] and I still need more...

felt obscurely irritated with husband for not encouraging children to do any basic chores (although he did tell ds1 to load the dw [yay!)
b. insisting I cook supper although I was covered in earth
c. telling me children are badly behaved. Yes, I know. What are we going to do about it? I keep suggesting he reads how to Talk So Your Children Will Listen but he says he can't be bothered
And makes snarky comments about how to Talk so your Husband Will Listen ...

Toffee what a lovely mother you are - I'm beginning to see where I'm going wrong. Ds1 appeared and started chatting, and I'm afraid to say I told him to go and fetch me a watering can..but his conversation doesn't sound as interesting as your little one's..

Right, final leg...
unload and reload dw
wipe worktops
put load of washing in

bb 10 mins

Sadly no pictures unless on fb as it is rather identifying and my camera is broken so it depends on who puts what up as to whether there are pictures. This afternoon was disappointing but my own fault. Have discovered i really have some truely amazing friends which has been nice. Hopefully flying to resume tomo BUT i forgot to tell you that in my absence I decluttered my books, 3/4 ds' room, and 1/2 my room. The remaining 1/4 ds' room and 1/2 my room is on my hit list for this week. It will be so nice to have decluttered tidy bedrooms for a change.

CHB excellent!

well, I have finished my list, and shaken out two doormats computer playing up so it has taken longer to get back...

On a more positive note, Ds2 went to a yard sale (neighbour), bought a pirate costume, and has spent the whole afternoon being a pirate , and then pretending with dd to make a pirate film on the climbing frame. So that is something

goodnight all...

Good morning,

Today?s babystep is a reminder to check your control journal every morning and evening. There?s more information about how to make your control journal here.

Hope everyone has a good Sunday. I shall be renewing my spirit with a visit from my ILs.

Finally managed to get some ironing done whilst watching telly at midnight last night. Ended up getting completely caught up in a film, 'Far from Heaven', which didn't end till 1.30am! Luckily, it was my lie in this morning, so I still managed 7 hours' sleep. Plus I have finally sorted most of the ironing pile.

We are visiting friends today, so will be out all day. Have to go and get ready now - it takes time .

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

testing testing testing!!

Whey hey!!

Think Firefox has done the trick!! Thanks everyone!!!

Does anyone know why most of my text appears with wiggly red lines underneath though? (Not that I'm complaining, much better than dancing text!!)

Yes, by Jove, it works!! Great suggestion BlueEyeshadow and Linzer

Can't believe it!! No more juddery postings (not that many were possible) hurray!! It will be great to be back on Mnsnet - particularly on this thread - was beginning to experience withdrawal symptoms

Unfortunately, don't have much time to catch up with everyone today but am trying to speed read all the posts from last week. Dh just left for States and I'm still battling anaemia (except now I'm nauseated by iron tablets as well - wonder how long they'll take to work?) and it's taking me twice as long to do all my prep for week ahead - seem to have zero energy ...wierd ... press the "accelerator" and nothing happens ...head spins when I turn sharply and I see stars when I get up too quickly ... utterly frustrating

Great that I can now moan and whinge about it to you lot though !!!!

Swan ditto re relief over first holy Communion. Really enjoyed it last week (as did dd which was the main thing) but 18 people for sit down lunch rather overstretched our domestic kitchen + cutlery/china resources. Sorry - am out of touch - are you in position of coach/tutor this year rather than participant?? Please send some of that asparagus risotto over here ... home made fish and chips sound divine too

Enjoy your trip away PA

Good luck to your dd with her interview tomorrow Cinders

Congrats on the sewing and decluttering CHB

Feetheart hope you are enjoying your sojourn among the buttercups

Toffee loved your ds1's shark story

Sorry - no more personals - will try and catch up more tomorrow

Got to go and

• recover from packing dh off for a week (muchhooo stress!!!!)

-finish office filing -sort school letters for tomorrow -oversee dd bath and scrub down -iron uniform -change beds around -online food order -translate two letters -general tidy up

Huge waves to Ellie Mummy Scatty Lady Whoknows and last but not definitely not least Nettie and everyone I've missed ...

I really have missed you lot (sniff). 'Tis great to be back ...!!!!