The Fledglings' nests will be clean in 2013!

[superfluouscurves]

(With many thanks to Jdub for title inspiration!!)

If your house is a mess and you are strugging with C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (something that undermines family fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of chat, support and wine along the way.

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in weekly designated zones of the house; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with more time to do other, more interesting things instead!

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again anyway!

We advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated (although some Fledglings find the compilation e-mails helpful)! All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

• start or repeat baby steps

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

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

[And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.]

More info here on getting started and Flying lessons. Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings. Don't be put off by the barf-tastic language of the site - the underlying system is sound (and you may discover a few of our subversions of the vocabulary along the way).

Huge thanks to Lauren for being our incredibly reliable and organised shining star in the East and leading us throughout the very busy month of December!!

Happy New Year Fledglings!!

All welcome!!

Goth I?ve not read anything by PC Cast, so can?t say. I enjoyed the Fallen series though. I do like a story about fallen angels. I really liked Angelology by Danielle Trussoni too. That was about the nephilim which are the race of half angel half human. I might have to see if I can get another of her books.
sc Glad you?re back and that the op went well and dd was ok.

I went to work this morning. The head said in staff meeting that school would be open until half 1.
Then all the buses arrived (is a special needs school so most pupils brought in by local authority transport), it's snowing lightly, I'm waiting at the entrance for some of my pupils and the head legs it past me, calls out to the office "Lock the gates, the school is closing now" Cue mayhem.
Staff getting excited about leaving early, children being ushered straight back to the buses. Then someone realised that all the parents needed to be contacted, so all children brought off the buses again and taken to class, then called by the bus load back outside. Half of them didn't know if they were coming or going!
Then got a text from my ds's school saying they were closing at 1. Leave work at half 10, get to the school at 11, takes me half an hour to wait for staff to round up ds's, for me to get wellies etc on them, and then it took 45 mins to walk home because ds2 got snow on his gloves and lost it a bit.
We got home, he made me leave everything outside so no snow came inside and made me brush him down incase any snow had got on him.
He's ok now, wrapped up in a dressing gown and having lunch.
I haven't got anything in for mine and dp's dinner so waiting for him to get up so I can go to Tesco.
Can't see myself doing much FLYing today. Might be able to muster enough force to do 15 mins in theboys room. We'll see.

ta da
consume vat load of coffee
Get involved in a long and serious conversation which could have long lasting effects.
3 loads of washing
get snowed in

Evening all! You can tell it's Friday night because I am posting. Sorry for absence during the week. Work has been hectic as usual coupled with snowy conditions has made for a manic week where I have been asleep on the sofa for 9 every night.

However, i have had a rather major revelation where flying is concerned. Wait for it.......if you do it properly it actually fecking works. If you do your evening/morning routines every day the house isn't a complete pigsty by Friday night and if you do a load of washing everyday, Mount Washmore doesn't grow. For the first time in forever I have stuck to my routines for a full 2 weeks now and it is actually fecking working!!!!! I have also introduced a new morning routine which means I have not had to shout at a child in a morning for 2 weeks and we have been ready early nearly every morning.

I knew there was a reason I am on this thread.

As far as snow watch is concerned we had quite a lot on Monday and it is snowing lightly yet persistently now (North Lincs). Dd has a party to go to tomorrow and DS a pantomime with cubs so I could do with it staying the hell away.

Hope everyone is ok. Going to catch up with the thread now.

Ta da
Overslept !
Took DD to school
Did errands/ shopping
Collect DD from school due to heavy dumping of snow
Unloaded / reloaded dishwasher x 3 (!) following supper party last night
Made cookies with DD
Cleaned kitchen
Watched film all afternoon eating aforementioned cookies

To do
Tidy up spare room for unexpected snow stranded friend
Make supper
Unload /reload dishwasher -again!
Wrap up DH's bday present

Silvery the PC Cast are ok, very easy if you're not in the mood for anything stretching. I'll definately look out for Fallen tomorrow in the library. Currently finishing The Wheel of Time

Done
Dd ready for school
Beds made
Scrape windows
S&S
Bathroom baseboards cleaned
Ironing
Wash load on
Collect Dd
Food shop
Dinner with Friday night film

To do
Wash up, SS

ellie That's great news!
Goth I might have a look out for PC Cast. I have a moutain of books that my neighbour gave me. Some Lynda la Plante, Harlan Corben.

Well, I had a nap this afternoon and when I'd woken up, dp had got up (he's on nights) and done all my jobs!
He had also gone to Tesco and got me a pizza and some chocolate! He is very close to being fully trained. All he needed to remeber was the wine, but he'll get there

Where has today gone?

tada

• Turn Washing Machine on
• Put second load in
• Go to the supermarket for shopping
• Make beds
• Wipe inside of windows (even with a bit of air they still get condensation)
• Wiped bathroom sink
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• Wash up 2X
• Shine Sink
• Fill Washing Machine for tomorrow
• lay out tomorrow's clothes
• 5 mins room rescue of entrance

to do

• look at the 11 commandments (will have a look now)
• Wrap birthday presents up for tomorrows party (it can wait until tomorrow now)

tomorrows to do

• Turn Washing Machine on
• Make beds
• Wipe inside of windows (even with a bit of air they still get condensation)
• Wipe bathroom sink
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• Wash up 2X
• Shine Sink
• Fill Washing Machine for Sunday
• lay out tomorrow's clothes
• take DD1 to birthday party weather permitting (wasn't overly worried about it till I just looked at met office to see there is a small amber warning near us, I can't quite see where it is as I can't zoom in)

Hope everyone has a good day tomorrow and the snow doesn't disrupt any plans or birthday parties.

Hello everyone! Hope you are all back home safely, curled up by the fire drinking hot toddies ... or a good Friday night equivalent anyway ...

Thanks again for good wishes. Feel a bit tired and bit sore around neck area (had throat biopsy) but otherwise pretty OK. And cleaning lady postponed until Monday so can take my time getting house back on track over weekend. Lots of snow still on the ground, a fair amount expected tomorrow and a huge further amount on Sunday.

Going to post steps now and try and catch up with thread thereafter ...

Oh and leaving out big bunch of for Silvery for posting links and round-ups in my absence. (See I missed two important steps; the 11 commandments and the bed-time one.)

*

Baby-step number 19 for Sat 19th Jan is pass the sick bucket testimonial

No zones or missions because it is the weekend.

Saturday is family fun day

Flight plan summary here which will update automatically

Have fun in the snow everyone!

*

We have lots of snow too.
Ta da:
got ready for school since it was open
drove DH to work then DCs to school - school now closed.
go to Tesco on the way back home - not busy and lots of bread available
invite friend and DCs to spend snow day
make snowman
tidy and vacuum (but not much to do - miraculously already clean and clutter-free!)
get v v cold
make bread
make lunch which 3 out of 5 DCs won't eat
make innumerable snacks and drinks
make dinner
washing and dishwasher 4 times
to do:
sod it am not doing anything else now

Trazzles must check out your thread. Hope snow has not adversely impacted on J's treatment in any way and all is going well. Thank you - yes, my dh worked out that I was talking nonsense about the biscuits It turns out a portion = 3 biscuits as they are 10g each. This is why I think my MFP calculations are dodgy at the best of times - haven't a clue what anything weighs !!

Well I think the golden feather dusters should be shared out equally between Ellie, Lilleth and Silvery's dh tonight.

Bugger Ellie - [dismayed emoticon] I knew housework would be involved somehow!!!

Arf at your well trained dh Silvery! Hope you have recovered from school mayhem earlier today.

Congrats on passing your exams Lilleth!! Hope snow doesn't prevent your dd1 getting to her party (but take care driving)

Blue sorry about party cancellation - hope your ds1 not too disappointed and that cake can be resurrected - but great to hear your ds2 has taken so well to his nursery!

Some v. respectable lists completed there Cuddledup ep1977 and Goth

Hope conversation went the way you wanted Bitchy and I guess there's nothing like being snowed in to force one to confront housework! [Directs snow plough and tunnelling implements towards Bitchy's house ... there may yet be time to make an escape ... ]

MrsPennyapple going to re-name you Flora Poste from now on

Engels please blow some of those infectious Flying fever germs across the border a.s.a.p!

Sorry you had wasted journey (and baking session) Whoknows but congrats on OU assessment!! Here's hoping for better weather conditions for your dc's joint party next w/e.

Snowgirl (v. aptly named atm!) hope you managed to have that night out tonight if your df made it over to baby-sit!!! (I really 'enjoyed' - if that's the right word - We Need to Talk about K but have penchant for dark psychological thriller type books)

Waves to Jdub Loris Gossip Feetheart PA Honu Madwoman Justgettingonwithit Lplate Mercury Castle Toffee Lauren and everyone I've missed!!!

x posts

another fine list from Doublemum

going to read further down lists and catch up on everything I missed during Wed and Thurs!

G'night all

Further catching up:

Toffee hope you had a great birthday!!

Doublemum btw - if you have any tips about "encouraging dc" to have baths I'd be v. grateful. Dd avoids water like the plague. (Have already tried special smellies just for her and waterproof radio which haven't made much difference in long term. ... little wench)

Mercury hope you survived 12 hr night shift yesterday

Lplate what is this I see about your ligaments and toe??? No wonder you were still in pain. Poor you! Hope you are able to keep your weight off it long enough to heal properly!!

G'night ...shiver ...

Wow, Ellie! Sounds good. :)

Tons of snow forecast for today has yet to materialise, so was wondering if we'd been a bit premature postponing the party (yes, it's rebooked for 2 weeks' time). DS1 seems distinctly unwell this evening though, so might not have been up to it anyway. Hoping we might get out sledging or similar tomorrow and eat lots of party food as the fridge is full of it! Cake has been frozen so hope it will defrost OK.

As for flying, it's still not happening, but did clear a few hotspots and have at least got Mt Washmore upstairs out of the utility room...

Big waves to all. Night!

Thanks SC - all plans for today went totally out of the window. Apart from school and the cake sale, DD was supposed to go to drama club which was cancelled, and DH and I were supposed to go to his work Christmas do in a hotel near his work (half hour drive from here). I was worried about all the driving and possibly getting stuck and the babysitter not being able to go home so we decided that as DH has to work tomorrow he would go on his own, straight from work, stay at the hotel and cut out all the driving till tomorrow night. I didn't want to go all that much anyway.

Had a nice day with the DCs, plus DD's friend who came home from school with us because her parents were working. DS and the friend loved playing in the snow, DD didn't and stayed indoors. Gave away most of the cakes to neighboring children so I wasn't tempted to eat them all. Managed an hour or so each of paid work and OU work, but really spent most of the time juggling wet coats, boots, gloves, sweeping snow, feeding children etc.

Also feeling fairly on top of the Flying, not much detailed stuff or missions done this week but the routines are fairly secure at the moment and I agree with Ellie, it makes a huge difference.

no no no no no! I don't want digging out I want MORE snow!!!! But then again i did avoid the housework and went out anyway tonight. Had yet another enlightening conversation It is giving a lot of food for thought. Not quite sure what the solution is tbh.

Just a quick one this morning

tada

• Turn Washing Machine on
• Make beds
• Wipe inside of windows (even with a bit of air they still get condensation)

to do

• Wipe bathroom sink
• Dry laundry
• put laundry away
• Wash up 2X
• Shine Sink
• Fill Washing Machine for Sunday
• lay out tomorrow's clothes
• take DD1 to birthday party
• hot spot

The snow isnt too bad and Ive driven in worse. Would be lying if I said I was completely happy with having to drive in it though, but I think its a good thing Im a bit nervous as then it means I will take things a bit slower. Right have to go get washed dressed and out in 45 mins to give me extra time for driving to the party.

Hope everyone has a good day

BBL

Morning.
Have done my morning routine.
We have 2 parties to go to today, just about to leave so no list from me yet.
The weekend is my busy time with full housework and food shop so I have a list for weekend instead of day. Will dump it later.
Have a good day all

Sc- sorry to hear you have a battle on your hands re Bath Time.
I'm a bit of a meany with stuff like that and dump ds2 in it. There's just no getting out of having a wash!
We do it every other night as he freaks most of the time and also has eczema. So no tips from me I'm afraid. Good luck with it though.
Right, really must go. Is 2 buses so have to get a wriggle on

SC - glad the procedure went ok. Hope the results come through soon.

Ellie and WhoKnows - it's good to know the system works.

Hope all those driving through snow today will be careful!

We are tackling the loft again today. We made a start yesterday, which means DS1's room is a mess again, but he is being very tolerant. Am getting quite addicted to throwing stuff out and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Once the decluttering is complete, I fully intend to follow the Flylady system to the letter!

We will be venturing out to sledge later, but DC have made the sensible decision to sledge near our house so they can come back home regularly to warm up/dry off. We used to trudge over to a communal field, but it always ended up in tears over being wet and cold (and that was just the adults ).

Hope you all have a good day.

Morning all. Still here snowing here though only very lightly. Have to go out this afternoon to take DS to cub outing so hoping it stops soon.

Ta da:-
Washing on
Drier on
Morning routine
Swept floors
Polished downstairs
Dd's reading
Lesson planning

To do:-
Washing away
Change beds
Mop floors
Vacuum upstairs
Clean bathroom
Dd to party
Ds to cubs
Prep dinner as sil is coming for tea

sc glad procedure went ok

toffee dc's keep asking to go sledging. Trying to persuade dh to take them as I hate being cold and wet.

Better get on'

DH is definitely infected with flyfever - he has just suggested that we spend a few hours declutterign the loft while DS is having his nap this afternoon

ellie great to hear that your routines are going so well.

SC Why am I Flora Poste now? I don't get it :( Am I being thick and missing something obvious? I have no clue.

Afternoon. Got to and from the party good. The road is just wet now due to the cars that have gone past.

tada

• Turn Washing Machine on
• Make beds
• Wipe inside of windows (even with a bit of air they still get condensation)
• Wipe bathroom sink
• Dry laundry
• Wash up
• take DD1 to birthday party
• hot spot

to do

• put laundry away
• Wash up
• Shine Sink
• lay out tomorrow's clothes

Yey nearly finished and what is left can be done later time to sit with a now and feel smug that today is going as planned.

Was just washing up and looking at the back garden thinking to myself that I might take the oldest 2 outside tomorrow morning to build a snowman, or I might force ask DH if he will pull them along on the sledge. Not played in the snow for years due to developing an unreasonable fear of it (only slight) so going to try to make it fun for the DCs.

BBL

Operation Loft Declutter is underway. So far, we have three bags of rubbish and two boxes for the charity shop. Have found lots of the children's artwork and writings.

Tip: always write the date on the back of your children's art/writings!

(Because I often didn't and am now having to guess how old they were when the made things).

Engels - good luck with your undertaking! I hope your loft isn't as jam-packed as ours!

Ellie - good luck at persuading DH to take your DC sledging. DS2 isn't well, so can't go and DS1 has gone out with his friend so I am off the hook .

I am off the hook too toffee as ds is at his dad's house.

Snow is almost gone :(