Fledglings flying though July into the summer.

[ColdHeartedBitch]

Roll up, roll up. tis the month of school fetes, sports days and annual reports. In all this flurry of extra activities and with the summer holidays hurtling towards us at rapid speed, now is the time to tame the chaos before our very special chaos creators are able to help us. Fully intending to beat the Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome so that my personal chaos creator can be occupied by others this holiday. Good luck to all to are also striving to achieve this.

Starting from the 1st of the month we shall be fluttering our way to tamed houses. If you are new to the system it is recommend that you focus on making the babysteps your main focus. The babysteps will build up to form routines to help you to stay on top of the house once you have discovered it. First step is to shine your sink. But not just half heartidly, deep clean til it shines Instructions here

For the more established flyer we then progress onto decluttering. 15mins each day in alloted zone of the week. New zones each week. and current zones and decluttering instructions can be found here Zones will automatically update for July.

As for the advanced flyer, there are missions to do each day in the current zone

We have one rule we are NOT perfectionists anything is better then nothing, real life gets in the way and we have to do other stuff other then cleaning (put it on your list, tick it off and :) ), besides the fat fairy's moto is "You are never behind"

As such take the vomit inducing cuteness of the website with a pinch of salt, and join us for wish lists formally to do lists , ta da lists and home bleurghs.

See you bright and early tomo although hopefully not too bright and early.

Thanks for all your kind words everyone

(and for fantastic flowers Toffee and rescue remedy Whoknows)

I've done practically nothing productive today - just banged pans about and muttered (am turning in to my mother ) - so it's very comforting to come on here far too every so often and read everyones lovely posts!

MC let us know how the quorn test goes!! Never tried it before but contemplate it every now and then.

Hi Silken well done re: foot muff. It's those sort of jobs (that you keep passing by every day and think "I must do that" but somehow never get around to doing) that are most satisfying when finally conquered!

Sorry you are having an anxious time of it Reastie. Sounds like you have a number of difficult decisions to make which is always stressful. Hope your day gets better x

In answer to your question, I don't really. But I no longer have much direct contact with them. Not really approp to go in to details here (no one would believe it anyway - as dire as worst soap opera ) but situation so "toxic" (as they say nowadays) that after 14 years of trying to maintain good relations, and one more recent occasion involving dd, I took the decision to remove dd and myself from the equation in order to preserve basic civilities.

Toffee top marks to you and your dh for looking after your mil so well. I hope she is really happy in her new flat.

Passes oil of cloves over to Linzer (Glad you don't need it Toffee!)

Right, off to vent my frustrations on some clutter!!

Glad to hear you had a pain-free experience, Toffee - you must be relieved to have it out of the way now. Thanks for reminding me about the gel; the dentist gave me some last time I was having wisdom tooth problems (on the other side IIRC) so I've just put some on. It's a bit of a pain (quite literally!) that it's started just before our holiday, but it's bearable and hopefully will calm down after a couple of days like it did last time.

reastie Hope you're feeling better now. There are def. disadvantages to being self-employed, but I can't imagine going back to work for a company now and really appreciate the flexibility that working freelance gives me.

silken Well done on the decluttering. I've let the 15 minute declutter slide recently but really should get back to it, as it does make a big difference.

SC Can really sympathise; financial difficulties can cause an incredible amount of stress within families. We went through a stressful time with my ILs a few years back - also finance-related although not really similar (they signed over their house to SIL, leaving DH with nothing), but it caused lots of resentment, arguments and a generally unhappy atmosphere. I still get very annoyed when I think about it!

Makingchanges I love Quorn, but can't get it here. Bet your DH doesn't realise he's eating it!

swan Hope the nausea doesn't develop into anything worse and that you're all feeling better soon.

Was discussing the school book situation (DH's inability to throw anything away) with a friend yesterday, who said that she just keeps the previous year's - it seems like an eminently sensible solution but not one that I can see DH agreeing to. She also thought he was mad for keeping all his old school books, so I obviously can't blame it just on him being Austrian!

Off to take the DC to the dermatologist's now to have their moles checked, followed by the paed for DS's neurological check-up - will be interested to see what that involves.

I might need that oil of cloves later, Still! The dentist said I'll suffer tonight . Thanks for the top marks re MIL, but it's all down to my DH, not me. I have just started a thread in chat about it, actually, asking if I've forgotten anything. DH is making her new flat perfect, so all I've had to do is buy roses and a card to welcome her. I've also bought her a little guide book to our town. I'll have her round for meals tomorrow night and at the weekend whilst she's settling in. Have I forgotten anything? I keep thinking I must have done.

What I really want to know is how I'm going to cope with having her living so near to us. She's a nice woman, but she drives me spare and I'm not sure I can cope with any more responsibilities on top of DC! I just hope she makes friends quickly. Although, hearing your story, Still, makes me realise how lucky I am. Your situation with the PIL sounds like the stuff of soap opera even without you going into detail . Poor you. Removing you and DD from their presence sounds like a good idea if it is that stressful for you both.

Oh dear, the injection is just starting to wear off and I can feel the beginnings of a dull ache. Uh oh.

Makingchanges - another fan of Quorn here!

Does anyone know what to do with old laptops, PDAs and mobiles? I would love to declutter them, but don't know whether to send them off somewhere (and if so, where) or just to hand them in for recycling.

I sent my old Mobile to mazumamobile and got some money back -If you go to moneysavingexpert.com there is a comparison I think on there that will compare prices if you want to get some cash back for them

We use envirofone for getting rid of mobiles etc, if you use the Quidco cashback website you get a percentage extra back as well on several phone recycling schemes

linzer this is where I shyly admit I have most of my school books in our loft . But, mainly as my parents kept them and since they've lasted this long I sort of feel like I should keep them. We moved recently and I did chuck out a fair few, but also quite enjoyed reading the teachers comments on my work and the things I wrote about my holidays etc from primary school . DH was like you though - lots of rolling eye and shrug as to why I was keeping them [sentimentalist]

quorn is great

crikey it's tipping it down here all of a sudden. Still not much done today - dd is being a hand ful and I have no energy so we've been snuggling alot

Going to fly through at speed and post the steps for tomo:

Babystep is to start your control journal

Still in the kitchen zone so 15mins decluttering or the missions which will appear here tomo

Friday is declutter your car and purse day

Sorry to hear so many of you are having such a tough time today. Naughty Bar is officially open as of 5pm so feel free to get as smashed as needed on whatever alcoholic posion of your choice!!

Evening everyone. Am in the middle of post work coffee after having a lovely day with 52 year 10's at Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds.

pa how awful for your family and dd but how reassuring that even 200 miles away in the middle of the night she could count on you. I hope she is home and safe now and i know you will bedoinng everything in your power to help her deal with the situation and giving her lots of mummy cuddles which you are never too old for. .

sc a tough day for you too and hard on your dh. However, you have always struck me as a strong lady and you will come through this and look after your lovely family as you always have done, however sad and frustrating the situation may be. >

toffee well done for surviving the dentists. As far as mil goes, my mil only lives 5 mins around the corner and to be fair she rarely bothers us. The only time she did was when she had newborn grandchildren to squidge. Obviously you will be her support while she settles in but you could casually drop by suggestions of activities that could help her make friends. If i am correct in rememberinf your mil is nice so i am sure when the initial insecurity of moving wears off the situation will calm down.

Better go and do some housework.

Back later.

Can't keep up with the chat at the moment, I am skimming through and sending little hug vibes her there and everywhere, as needed.

I am sitting in a tip, having been out all day, DH and his best friend who is staying tonight are packing for a boys camping weekend at the British GP, they are off early tomorrow. I need to make cakes later for school cake stall, which I am the co-organiser of for tomorrow afternoon, so will have to be at school from 2-4.30 ish. Then home with the DCS, out to cricket if it's not raining, then on Saturday the ILs arrive for the weekend. The best is going to be Sunday night, it's the ballet show, but it doesn't start till 7.30, so at approximately 10 pm I am going to be arriving home with two probably exhausted/hyper DCs to get to bed, ILs, and DH plus best friend who won't have seen a shower all weekend will be arriving back to stay too, delivering no doubt a car load of dirty washing and a wet tent.

Where's the ?

Good news today though, DS had his OT assessment at school, which was very thorough and he behaved very well. It has shown us all sorts of things we can do that will help him with his poor coordination, his new TA for next year sat in through the whole thing and his new class teacher came in at the end so we had quite a good discussion about DS (she doesn't know him at all at the moment) which has left me feeling reassured that they will be looking for the best ways to help him at school too. Also DD is happy with her new class and teacher allocation, so all good at school.

Bloomin' 'eck this week has been crazy! Sorry not been in much but what with assemblies and school trips this week has flown by. Have a murder mystery party this Saturday eve to host here so frantically cleaning and tidying.

Managed to:

Hoover throughout
Wash kitchen and bathroom floors
Shine both sinks
Scrub work tops
Clean and shine kitchen bin
Clean utility room
Tidy lounge and rearrange furniture to accomodate guests
Plan menu and costumes

Still to do:

Buy food
Paint walls with red 'blood' splotches and lay down a masking tape body shape on floor (we take it seriously and will redecorate after)
Clean both bathrooms
Delimescale loos, sinks, taps etc
Clean oven top (inside can wait as not seen)
Washing
Ironing

I'm also running DD Rainbow session tomorrow night so am preparing for that also. Everything seems to happen the same week doesn't it!

Hope you're all ok and catch up soon

evening all
Quick FLYpast
mad couple of days...dd1 induction day at secondary school yesterday - went well. I dashed straight from work to new parents eveing - went well, but was exhausted by the time I got in at about 8.30pm
crazy day at work today
few hassles going on to sort out with teachers at school for DS1 (nothing major - he just needs a boot up the bum sometimes! )
and then I had to ring my DSis to tell her we couldnt make her BBQ on Sat and she started crying on the phone so now I feel V bad, but I am trying to rationalise that it is the right decision and I cant be everywhere at once all the time....and I also realistically cant keep everyone (ie DH, 6 kids, sister, work colleagues, parents, in-laws....etc) happy all the time! Being strong!
impressively have opted for options hot choc instead of wine

will be early night with book.
Thankfully day off paid work tomorrow so can hopefully focus a bit on kids and house and dh...

night all

BBtomorrow

Am on my second glass of and my toothache has magically disappeared .

OFM - you are right about not being able to be everywhere at once. Are you able to explain how busy you are to your sister? To be honest, I have no idea how you juggle 6 DC and a DH with work and an extended family. You must have enviable powers of organisation. Hope tomorrow is a good day.

Lady - my goodness, you have been busy! Best of luck with the party this weekend.

WhoKnows - looks like you have a very busy weekend ahead of you. Fantastic news about your DS's assessment and that the teacher and TA are involved. I'm sure your DS will pick up on your positive feelings about that and it will help him feel positive about next term. It's also great that your DD is happy with her teacher next year - that's half the battle.

Ellie - glad you've had a good day with Year 10s. Thanks for your reassuring words about MIL. It's good to hear that it has worked out well having your MIL so close.

Tomorrow, I'm aiming to do a crisis clean in the morning, then go to watch the end-of-year parade for Year 6s leaving primary school. DS1 didn't want to be a part of it, but I am taking him to the party afterwards as it will be good for him to mix with his classmates (am trying to push him just a bit more to be sociable). Meanwhile, MIL will be arriving at her new home 10 minutes' drive away and DH will be helping her unpack and settle in. After I've picked up DS2 from school, MIL will come back here and have dinner with us. I appreciate that it's a huge event for her - leaving her home of 48 years - and she is going to need lots of reassurance and support over the next few months as she gets used to everything.

Had the report through from the ed psych about DS1 this afternoon. Am really confused as it doesn't mention dyslexia at all. Is he or isn't he? I have emailed her to ask and am wondering if she doesn't want to admit that she was wrong first time round. However, the report does mention lots of ways of helping DS with various issues - like a poor short-term memory - which are very useful to read. It also features helpful phrases to use to praise effort, instead of achievement, such as: You put so much thought into that story. I really enjoyed reading it. And: I liked the effort you put in, but let's work together some more and figure out what it is that is so difficult to understand. (as opposed to: Why the fuck can't you understand it? Are you stupid or something?! ).

Off to read 'Harry Potter' to DS1 now. I must say, I do enjoy reading to him whilst I drink a glass of cold white wine. Seems a very civilized way to end the day.

toffee I'm going to try,' why the fuck don't you understand? Are you stupid or something?' tomorrow in class.
Reckon it will be very motivational. Shall report back tomorrow.

Ellie -

I must say, I have thought it many a time with DS1, particularly when he was (not) learning to read. He really is not stupid at all, but it was hard to remember that at times.

Although he does live in a very confused mental world, eg. he asked me tonight when it would be summer and he can never remember when his birthday is...

Anyone joining me in the Naughty Corner tonight? It's getting lonely here.

I'm in Toffee. I'm hoping to have a 2 hour blitz on the house tomorrow, but CBA tonight. Hope the YR 6 leaving do goes well.

Your phrase is similar to what goes through my mind as regards household habits of DCs and DH, ie why the fuck don't you understand that if you tread on things they break, if you leave your shoes in the garden they get wet, if you put plastic cups in the dishwasher they flip over and fill with dirty water (DH) If Mum asks you to put your shoes on now, she does actually mean it, AARGH.

Good to have company!

Yep, I have all those phrases going through my mind too. Like DS1 shouting up the stairs tonight, as I was settling DS2 into bed, "MUM! Can I have one of the KinderEggs I've found in the cupboard?" Cue: DS2, who was getting sleepy, sitting up in bed, wide awake again, and asking if he could have one too. ARGH! Well done, DS1.

DH is pinching the computer again, but I will still be here in spirit.

Evening all. A busy day on here and sounds like a busy day for a few tomorrow too.

Well plans today went slightly to pot when my bedroom clean took longer than planned. It needed it to get to a state where it can be maintained but I was still doing it at ballet time so no quorn chilli today. Took DD to ballet and McD's on way home and DH came home and used some normal mince to complete tea - Grateful he cooked but the quorn will have to wait for another day.

Done list

• Bedroom deep cleaned
• Ballet done and paid for until end of term
• our bedding washed
• Bedroom hoovered throughout

Tomorrows list

• Drop DD off at school and straight to gym
• Wash DDs bedding
• Ensuite and bathroom clean
• Start on clothing sort out

Will be back around lunch time tomorrow to catch up

I'll join you in the naughty corner toffee another ? Personally i think i need something a bit stronger tonight.

Very little flying over the last couple of days - family, life and possibly a new job got in the way.

I went to have a look at the new job yesterday morning - a friend is leaving and recommended me as a replacement - and to talk to potential boss. He seems quite keen to have someone take over the job without going through job advert, interview etc process. Job is membership administrator for a leisure club, part time (can partially choose own hours). BUT he needed a CV (aargh!!)

So today:
Morning routine
Take DS to playgroup
Quilting course for morning
Collect DS from playgroup
Lunch
S/s
Make beds
Vacuum through house
Cook tea
General stuff with DS
UPDATE CV - have only just finished the thing - hadn't touched it for 9 years
Tea
Evening routine
Washing in machine
Get DH to check over CV and amend
Send CV to friend (with the job) to get her opinion
Wonder how I'm going to keep everything ticking over at home if I'm at work for 3 days or so a week - panic

Help ladies - how do you organise family and work out of the home - atm I work from home and fit it in as and when. I feel useless having to ask, when so many of you have multiple DC and full time work, but this has happened very quickly and I need to get my brain round it. (But that does depend on me actually being offered the job after I've sent my CV in)

Recommendations for diary/organiser/planner etc. Does anyone use "Organised Mum"? Does it work? Or shall I just revive my A5 filofax? Don't have a magnetic surface in kitchen for planner thingy. Have been working out what sort of noticeboard I can put up in here- very little empty wall space.

Morning all! TFI Friday is all i really have to say.

ihate i work full time and i would love to give you some handy hints as to how to make it work. However, i fail for the majority of the time to manage it all. The only tip i have which i do believe is relevant and important is lower your expectations. And those lists will get shorted i bet .

I hope sc and pa are ok.

Back tonight. Dh is taking ds to cinema with his brother and niece to see kung fu panda so i shall have the house to myself
for a while. Bliss.

Cobwebs - similar happened to me last year, a p/t job came up via someone I know and it was all quite a rush. I only work approx 9 hours a week (my contract is for 1/4 of f/t hours), so I do 3 mornings 9.30 - 1 ish while the DCs are at school. My boss is very flexible, which really helps, for example last week I took Thursday off for Sports Day but stayed till 2pm on the other days and have worked a couple of hours extra this week, so I didn't have to use holiday.

Well, as for planning, we have a big Organised Mum wall planner in the hall (not one of the ones with columns for each person, they don't really work for us as most activities impact more than one person). EVERYTHING goes on the planner or it doesn't count. I write dates from school and stuff on the minute I get them and never commit to anything when I am out till I have come home and checked the calendar. Next to the calendar is a big white magnetic board where all the school letters etc are kept. Underneath is a row of low coat hooks for the DCs coats, school bags, ballet kits etc, so you can get the right stuff together while looking at the calendar. I get letters out of bags etc and open the mail and just write it all on, and can check it just before leaving the house/coming in. I have switched to online supermarket shopping to save time too.

Morning everyone,

Just dropped off the DC for the last time before our holiday, so really must make a start on the packing now. At least I have most of the day as they're going over to a friend's mid-afternoon and then staying overnight.

swan Hope you're OK and that you haven't come down with the bug - I noticed you didn't post last night.

Toffee Glad the got rid of the toothache - mine also miraculously vanished after a glass or two last night.

reastie Ah, but it sounds like you've actually kept things that are worth keeping and that you can enjoy looking at from time to time. The DDs do virtually no creative writing at school - DD1 has finally, in her third year, done two or three picture stories (i.e. they're given six pictures and have to write a story about them) but otherwise they rarely write so much of a sentence on their own: none of this "what I did in my holidays" that I did at school. And as for DH - he has folders and folders full of mathematical calculations, chemical formulae and the like; again, not a creatively written sentence in sight. (Although he must have done German at school so perhaps he has done some decluttering after all. However, it's more likely that all his German books are in a different box/drawer somewhere and I just haven't discovered them yet.)

Right, off to tackle the packing - I may even try to kill two birds with one stone and get some decluttering done at the same time.