October's Fledgling Fliers: Seasons of Mists and Mellow Flyfulness

[elliepac]

This is where from the 1st of the month, we attempt to declutter and follow the 30-step wisdom of Flylady (minus cutesy language and a surfeit of e-mails) with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation along the way. (More info available here )

Humungous thanks to our previous thread leader Blue for navigating us all through the August school holidays...and for doing it so consistently and well!!

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. Some of us (SC stares at feet) -are even embarrassingly stuck at decluttering stage after two years

• repeat or start baby steps (again!)

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

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

I've got a job interview. The school that I went to visit last week that I had to think hard about applying for rang today (25 minutes after deadline) and said I'd been shortlisted for interview. Excited and nervous at the same time - Eeeekkkkk

Well I've been up and down illness-wise all day. Then my sister came and informed me that my heating was on full blast so no wonder I kept burning up Feeling a bit better now I've switched that off.

I made a yeast-free pizza for dinner as well - It was yummy and so easy to make so I'm quite impressed. Have tidied kitchen and cleaned out fridge and now I'm just descaling the humidifier thingy for DDs room tonight. I'm determined we are both having an ealy night tonight!!

Ellie of your cleaner and yours swan

Best go and get DD to do homework before bed

MC - at the heating making you think you were running a temperature. Well done at getting a job interview.

Ellie - I had a cleaner too this evening, so there! He's five years' old and he did a very good job of mopping the kitchen floor and wiping the mirrors.

Nettle - playdate was last Friday. I'm just worried that we've passed on all our lurgy germs to DS's two friends . But the sickness bug is all over the schools here at the moment, so I don't really think it could be our fault. The boys' mums might think otherwise though.

Am very pleased because I managed to work out how to stop DS1 accessing inappropriate television online from his computer this evening. I have installed passwords on all channels, so he can no longer download programmes that aren't suitable. I thought DH installing strict parental controls on the computer would cover it, but apparently not . I feel as if I am constantly trying to damn up chinks in the armour where inappropriate content seeps in. Those of you without secondary-school children - you have all this to look forward to .

I have a temp as well, been hot and cold all weekend, just the heating was making me feel worse at it was on full

Toffee sent your DS over here, my 5 year old only makes mess.

Nettie had a similar terrible row with both ds1 and dd over homework....
Dd completely obsessed by hers and in state of hysteria, ds1 refusing to get started until 6pm then claiming he was finished at 6.30! No way Jose!

I started to get cross with both then I decided to just conciliate like crazy. And hopefully at 7 he'll do a little more and get ahead for all the Wednesday due in stuff... Poor dd is just still exhausted emotionally after her trip away last week. I wonder whether they are both coming down with something too.
Ds2 is still in excellent spirits

They've given us a project about the Field Trip***6%4£ How could they do this!!!AAARGH. A cunning trip to outwt the parents since as we've not been on the field trip we can't help.

DH and I haven't exactly had a row, but I shouted at him for tearing open a parcel full of magazines that he thought was for him (I was getting ready to send it to someone else, and he had managed to overlook the fact that I'd stuck an Oxfam label over his name and address) and he has stormed off to have a bath. I think he's worked up over DD1's test tomorrow; he has already almost had a fit over the fact that she wrote a few words in yellow pencil.

So, the perfect end to my birthday - I am sitting here on my own eating chocolate.

nettle Ah, I see - I shall look out for it when we're in London.

MC Great news on the job interview.

The person responsible for school places was out of the office earlier (probably only works mornings, being Austrian) but from what friends have said, it looks likely that we'll have to make an application to be reassigned to a different catchment area. Oh joy.

just walked back wth two Cubs, as car broke down on the way there (well there was the smell of burning)
Car should be fine till tomorrow, I'm not going to think about it now, parked next to the Scout Hut
One of the Cubs in Yr 6 was telling me about the power point presentation he had done for his project last year. And how did you learn this? Oh he said airily, at school. Why can't my children do it then? Oh, it was actually in the G & T ICT skills club. SOO UNFAIR, how come the G & T children learn how to use the computer and not the ungifted and untalented ones

So, I've given up.
Ds1 is having the day off tomorrow, he seems to be having a mini-collapse, despite havign done his homework..Now emerged sayng he is too hot. And lost voice. Does not like twins being back.
The car is stranded. In walking distance. AA card in my handbag but can't face calling tonight.
Dh is being lovely, I may join him in front of tv.
kitchen is a mess again only the faint whiff of polish remains..

Linzer you have made me laugh!
Toffee it is a serious problem isn't it. Even Thomas the Tank Engine seems to have x-rated versions Ds still hasn't got a computer. I am thinking of disconnecting telly too, as it is causing such a lot of rows

Oh no Linzer you can't possibly eat chocolate by yourself on your birthday!! (Pours virtual glasses of champagne)

and here's for everyone experiencing dh and hwk ructions

and for everyone feeling under par

must be something in the air tonight as dd spent 40 mins crying that she hated school tonight followed by another 40 mins crying over hwk [sigh]

Thanks for kind words re: baby equipment everyone. It is time . And it will be good to know it is being put to good use.

Linzer hope you get the school allocation prob sorted out soon. You have enough logistical school run challenges without having a different venue to get to of a morning! Good luck to your dd1 (and your dh!) for her test tomorrow.

Swan at field trip project!!! Sneaky!!

"I just can't bear the thought of them not being children playing anymore..." Couldn't agree more! DD has been expressing interest in a play kitchen of late that is possibly more suitable for a child half her age and I questioned her about it (especially now she is starting to cook for real!) But then I thought, what am I doing? She's only a child for a very short time and I'll only be able to browse in toy shops legitimately for the next four years or so-- so it is going on the Christmas list!

Get well soon MC and congratulations on the interview!

Toffee top marks to your cleaner and to you re: the mastering of technology. I've been talking to dh about the v. same thing now we have new cable thingy. I can see I am going to have to get a lot more computer savvy in order to keep up ....

Nettie arf at tap-end turns!!

[Looks over shoulder] er, mum's the word, you know who ...

Waves to eveyrone else!!

Ellie perhaps it is purely coincidental, but have you noticed that, er, quite a few of us have engaged cleaners since the start of this thread? That's the Flylady effect for you!!

Exposure to chuffingly annoying persona spouting barftastic language = give up hard won income to avoid doing one more chuffing baby-step or read one more chuffing acronym ....

Just kidding ....of course ..ahem (SC swigs more , exits stage left, muttering "the underlying system is sound, the underlying system is sound".....)

xposts Swan urk at burning smell. Hope all OK when you recover it tomorrow!
And [anger] on your behalf at G&T power point presentations. Hope your ds1 recovers soon.

Evening all. Have survived having 4 tired and whingy children round the table at teatime. DS1 still not right. Also been to Zumba - hopefully finally found a class that suits me at a sensible time. Just a pity it's a bit of a trek. Hey ho.

Very of people with cleaners! But like the idea of a G&T powerpoint presentation - does it come with ice and lime?

MC - good luck for the interview.
Linzer - hope you get the school situation sorted easily.

Better be off and sort out washing, book bags, snack boxes etc for tomorrow. Sigh.

Hi all,
I'm back from the place I go when I'm not here. The house is a bombsite/tip, but I don't feel too bad because I know I have my trusty routines.

Toffee you made me laugh at your DH's comment of 'good riddance'! I think you may be onto something when you say he might not be keen to have another.

Swan do you know what is wrong with the car, you weren't driving past an allotment were you? They are always burning things on allotments, might not have been your car's smell.

MC that's funny about the heating! Were you wearing a fleece as well?

Costoon ooo, what boots did you get???
I have seen some ankle boots I like in a cheap shop near me. They are very high, but wedges, but I can't wear heels anymore?!

Linzer my DP is very officious over homework and schooling. I do want DS to do well, but to enjoy learning as well, not sure DP is really feeling the 'enjoying' learning quite so much.
Hope your dd is now fully recovered.

SC don't worry, my bulbs will be dug up and munched by my horrible local squirrels within days. I did meet the local squirrels' toddler the other day, it was being ridiculously noisy with a paper bag and then hopped up to me, very close, and sat there looking at me. No caution whatsoever. Quite cute though.
I'm feeling much happier now that I have worked out how to put music onto my Blackberry. I was hating it and refused to take it to work with me in disgust, but I might forgive it. Just need to figure out a shortcut for texting somebody without going into a big menu and selecting 'sms' from half a dozen other messagy things that I wouldn't use/recognise in a brightly lit room.
I need a ring tone, am thinking the theme tune from Zulu, does anybody know that or am I the biggest saddo on here. Don't want anything too Eighties.

Just a teeny list to get me back into the flying saddle

Make ds's packed lunch
do 20 mins on exercise bike
washing on
ds's uniform
my clothes ready
er that's it, but back tomorrow with a ginormous list

MC - I hope you are feeling better tomorrow, poor thing.

Linzer - oh no, your DH is not allowed to 'storm off' on your birthday, even if you have shouted at him. Doesn't he know the birthday rules (ie. he has to be nice to you at all times)? I hope he made it up to you later. Good luck to your DD tomorrow.

SC - I am making the most of DS2 (5) enjoying toys, as DS1 (12) has long since grown out of them and now I spend most of my time trying to shield him from inappropriate stuff (and failing, it seems). Childhood is too short these days.

Swan - sorry to hear about the car . And also the hwk issues, which we have yet to contend with (amazingly, he still hasn't had any!).

The house is quiet at last. Just going to browse MN for a bit and so to bed.

Night all.

Sorry, Blue and Rowing, I didn't see your posts.

Blue - hope your DS is better tomorrow.

Rowing - I like your mysterious reference to 'the place I go when I'm not here'...

And I hope it does .

Well fed up! Ds been up and down since I left for meeting. Dh and I both agree due to attention seeking and that more family time required.

Dh said 5.30-7 is now family time for us to do things together. Like watch tv I suggested jigsaws or games too. I said restricting tv fine they can have one programme. As that's when I get stuff done need to do round house. Dh said no we have to forget about that and spend time together whether be jigsaw or watching tv etc. =me in mad panic wondering how Im going to manage.

Cue argument about doing too many external activities. Eg swim and drama. I'm doing too much dh said and bring unrealistic!

Sulking in bed ! Don't know if he's right and I'm wrong. I supper I should turn to AIBU...maybe tomorrow. Need sleep. Night. All.

Oh dear, Nettie - sounds like you had a similar kind of evening to me. It's a difficult one with the afterschool activities as you don't want them to be overscheduled but at the same time I think it's good for them to do something they enjoy - I wish DD1 would do more (something sociable like scouts/church group, as she doesn't really have many friends at school) but that DD2 would do fewer (can't persuade her to give any up, though).
Am definitely with you on the TV, though; it's often the only way I can manage to get anything done with the DC around, esp. in DS's case. I would never sit and watch with them either; better for you to get on with things while you have a chance, I would think, so that you have more time later/another time to give them your undivided attention (which they really don't need when they're watching TV).

rowing I'm also intrigued by the place you go when you're not here... are you leading a mysterious double life? Sorry, I don't know the theme tune from Zulu, or even what Zulu is. Def. agree about enjoying learning - but I'm not too sure that DH's approach is helping DD1 to enjoy it. OTOH I know I should be grateful that he's so involved in her schoolwork and goes to so much effort with her.

SC and Toffee Thanks for the sympathy (and champagne ). DH did apologise this morning (it was all getting on top of him apparently, with DD1's school test, DS's school place, etc.) so I didn't want to rub it in that it was my birthday... apart from which, we actually celebrated yesterday. DH's family always celebrates the evening before (it's a Jewish tradition, apparently ) so perhaps he felt I'd already had my birthday!

SC I really feel for you over the crying; DD2 gets like that about every other day. I wish she was less of a perfectionist (she takes after me) and DD1 more so. She is now starting to cry over her piano practice too (I was under strict instructions yesterday to tell the teacher that the one piece she'd given her was too difficult), although I suspect it might help if I encouraged her to practise more regularly so that she doesn't get into a panic on Sunday evening.

swan That does sound very unfair that only the G&T children have computer lessons. There are no G&T children here (at our school, at any rate) as everyone is expected to work at exactly the same pace, turning out exactly the same work (cf. the lack of creativity). (Although there is apparently Begabtenförderung at secondary school.)

List. I need a list. I don't feel like writing one, but I think it will do me good.

Morning routine
Mission
15 min decluttering
e-mail
Lunch - salmon or shepherd's pie?
English lessons x2
Afternoon routine
Phone call re DS's school place (between 4 and 7 pm)
Evening routine

The to-do list in my Home Routines app looks worryingly short; I'm sure I must have forgotten something.

The was not at the (apparently) Jewish tradition of celebrating your birthday the evening before btw, but at DH's family doing so (they're dyed-in-the-wool Catholics in a not-at-all-Jewish area of a very Catholic country).

Morning all

DD came into bedroom crying from earache and tummy ache this morning. I have also been ill in the night so we are both taking the day off. No to do list, just cuddled and tv (although dd is currently trying to get on comp)

Back later

Morning all! It is a horrible morning here this morning, hope it's better where you all are!

The babystep for today is inspirational!

The mission for today is scrubbing kitchen counters

This week we are in the kitchen

Have a good day everyone!

Makingchanges - you sound as if you are having a rough time. Definitely a TV and cuddles day. I'm sorry you can't be ill in peace though!

Linzer - glad to hear your DH said sorry.

Well, we seem to have both children at home today . DS2 was awake, fitfully, during the night with night sweats. He seems in good spirits today and doesn't have a temperature, but I'd already decided to keep him at home to make sure he was properly better when DS1 came downstairs complaining of feeling unwell and having a stomach ache. Have given him Calpol and put him back to bed with a hot-water bottle. I'm worried his new school will tell me off for keeping him off again, but he really isn't in a fit state to go at the moment. Maybe the DC are both suffering from the tail end of the sickness bug.

DH can't believe we have both children at home again. "Don't they ever go to school?" he said. I think he's beginning to see that a stay-at-home mum doesn't actually have hours of leisure time.

Am sitting here eating the remains of DS2's pancakes (with maple syrup - mmm), then must get on with a list:

Morning routine (will DH remember to swish and swipe today?)
Laundry
Kitchen hotspot
What's for dinner? (freezer food again, I suspect)
Plan menu for the week with DH
Online grocery order
Room rescues

DS2 is painting. He says he's going to be a famous artist.

I think I'll just call it a 'home ed' day today.

Thanks for the links, Ellie. I definitely need a kitchen mission .

Morning

rowing i got proper big boots huge heel impossible to walk in but look very nice. I am so at one you wanting zulu theme for your phone and two linzer not knowing zulu.
swan ah at homework hassles, feild trip project sound horrendous, good luck. difficult one that is indeed. DH wants more homework for ds
toffee oh playdate was far too long ago for it to be your germs that caused it! Can pick up bugs at the playpark, shops everywhere. Cant wait for the inappropriate computer use. I have to give permission for dc to use each and every website otherwise their access is restricted. I like it so far but obviously i dont have anyone to challenge it yet.
mc goodluck for interview, well done.
linzer Glad your dh apologised. Birthdays happen all day and you are not allowed to tidy, be shouted at or go to bed early (unless you want to). Hope you get further with ds school place today and that you dont have to apply.
Thank you for your kind words. At least i feel like its not just me squeezing in what i need to do whilst the tv is on. (hides fact that tv is on whilst i am on here). I do agree there needs to be less tv and more family time but sitting down as a family to watch tv doesnt mean family time to me at all.

We have had family brush your teeth together time and family sit round nagging ds to get dressed for school time so far today
We will see what we can do together tonight. I will sit down and watch tv if that is required but know that dh will fall fast asleep as he normally does when he sits down and watches tv with the kids.

My list for motivation which is sadly lacking this morning.

have already
dw emptied and refilled
kitchen table cleaned
dcs dressed, teeth brushed and ds dispatched with dh to school
dd watching tv
s/s
bed made

still to
dry hair
sort out computer (ah yes thats the reason i turned it on) take off passwords so i can put it in for repair
trapse to nearest repair shop
take dd to softplay whilst being repaired
make dinner (whilst dd not watching tv)
pick ds up from school, try and chill and allow play time in the park, push swings, etc etc
home for homework, clothes ready, dinner and family time
Meeting tonight for fun, think ill have me some

Best get on as dd is now onto her second programme. Feeling so stressed

Hope you all have a fab day.

Oh dear. DS1 has stormed off to school in tears, as DH found him trying to access the computer (but then lied about it) and told him he can only have his computer time if he goes to school today. DH has followed him. DS's friends were off school yesterday, so we wonder if he just doesn't want another day at school without them.

I wish there was a failsafe way of finding out when your children are really ill.

climbing frame being taken down, and the shed is being mended!
Ds1 has a raging sore throat and high temp, and is very pleased with hmself to be at home so very glad I didn't get cross yest for long over the homework.

Nettie I absolutely feel your pain. I do not know the answer. I think children are very tired after school in the early days, but sort of strung out tired, so it might be worth having a temporary "soothing" routine, with just a few activities. They need to run around though after school, just not be organised much... I hate it when they slump in front of telly and then don't know what to do with themselves when it is switched off. I do find it helps it I sit and watch it with them a) I get into enjoying the programmes too! b) I can switch it off the minute I sense a natural break. Whereas coming into the room and demanding they switch it off is quite aggressive for them I find..and I do it all the time

Perhaps the answer is to decide which programmes they want to watch, plan it and stick to it.

It has got very bad in our house, because no-one seems to have any shared interests

Anyway I am still working on that one. I have been known to rattle jigsaws at Ds2 angrily - YOU WILL DO THIS PUZZLE IT IS FUN...

off to sort out car now, as builder is here with ds1.