February Fledglings FLYing High

[BlueEyeshadow]

Welcome to the February Fledgling FLYers thread

... where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of and chatting along the way.

This little-and-often system is designed so that we 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 us 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 we get when we are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once.

To avoid being inundated with details, we advise not signing up to the Big Tent

We are in the process of 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.]

Flylady site here

Don't worry if you are behind; just jump right back in and it will all come around next month again anyway!

All the links for the babysteps and missions will be posted here every day and we'll all be here to cheer each other on.

to SC for leading us through January and for the brilliant OP I've just cut and pasted .

So come along in and park your dusters ready for Feb!

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Evening all,

Hectic weekend here, DH was working all day today, but I've had a lovely day with the DCs, I turned the telly off at 10am and they played, together, all day long, without once asking to have the telly back on, they did ask to go on the computer but took no for an answer without any fuss. I had to push them a bit to do their homework, but hat was all. They also agreed to walk to their swimming lessons without a fuss (only 10 mins but they often fuss and lean on me to drive). So, i got quite a few jobs done round the house, found room for quite a lot of Christmas/birthday presents, changed my bed, did the Ocado shopping, all in all a good day.

This week is looking very busy both at work and at home so I might not be around much, but hope to make time to post.

[elliepac]

Morning all.

Feeling rather rough here. Contemplated taking the day off work but think I will struggle on in and see how I go.

Thank you for all the lovely comments re DN. Have spent a large portion of the weekend having lovely newborn snuggles. DH was a bit worried that I was going to get broody I think but that has definitely not happened. Quite the opposite. As my sister tells of sleepless nights I just snuggle and then give him back knowing I can come back to my bed .

Not a big list today as over the weekend have managed to keep the place tidy so just routines really.

To do:-
Morning routine
Washing
Evening routine
DS and his bike to cubs
Marking

Back later.

[laurenamium]

[BitchyDragons]

urgh. not feeling the happy smiley monday morning feeling.
ds is stuffed of birthday breakfast fry up and has had one present. He gets the rest after school cos otherwise i would never get him out of the door. He is currently complaining i am making him late.

[Engelsemama]

List dump

yesterday's washing away
washing on
washing up
what's for dinner?
marking
planning for tomorrow
errands (stamps, cotton wool)

[NickNacks]

Ergh sore throat this morning. I thought it might have been due to leaving the heating on over night but it hasn't got better yet which it usually does quite quickly after a drink.

List posted last night so will crack on. Mindees are engrossed in play dough so I can potter in the kitchen for a few mins.

Hi lauren nice to see you back. I fell off the thread too due to the speed of it but back for a calmer feb. :)

Thanks for all the links blue :)

[BitchyDragons]

Feeling a bit startled and bewildered. Need a list today.

To do:
hoover study
put boxes back
laundry
folding
ironing
put clothes away
washing up
hoover lounge
stuff for tip to be moved
pick up bits for tea
make pizza
find the birthday banner etc
do not sit down - will fall asleep if i do.
Enjoy the evening

[superfluouscurves]

Eh up fledglings

Must admit - not really feeling it here this morning eitherBitchy!! - proffers

Many happy returns to your ds though - hope he has a lovely birthday!!

It's a grey day here weather-wise...dd is at home ill again with high temp [sigh] ... last Monday it was a teaching day ...before that I was ill....before that, mil health crisis....before that dd was ill again.... now I know why I gave up art acad. Seems ridiculous that someone with only one child, who only works on average 10 hrs a week, can't study for two days a week on a regular basis, but that's how it has worked out. All the health probs/school hols seem to fall on a Mon and Tues!!! Sorry - those of you who work full time/regular days, and are juggling two or more dc - must think I am hopelessly incompetent and whingy.

Had baby-sitter in place for after school run/ballet run/hwk supervision - but can't justify expense to have her on hold for whole days at a time for a non-earning reason - even if I could find someone who was available one week and not the next (if that makes sense).

On the other hand - I now have no excuse not to do proper Flying!! [tries to sound enthusiastic] Plan is to work hard on chores today so I can do something creative/more interesting tomorrow.

To do:
morning routine inc wm, dw, s&s, rabbits done
four kitchen bins cleaned done
15 mins kitchen declutter done
home bleurgh (ground floor only) - half way through
ironing - 45 mins in 3 x 15 min chunks
decluttering in boudoir and home office - 45 mins in 3 x 15 min chunks
prep supper
French study
walk (if dh gets home at reasonable hour)
resolve Playmobil house table issue
more laundry
rest of car/handbag decluttering I didn't do on Friday
dd to doctor
Afternoon/evening routine
Try and get back on MFP
Blah blah blah etc

Right, now I've written it out, I had better try and finish it.

Thanks for links Blue
Good luck with marking Engels
Sorry you are feeling under the weather Ellie
Glad you are feeling better Lauren
Good luck with your busy week Whoknows
Hope interview goes well today Lilleth

Hi to everyone else!

[superfluouscurves]

x posts

Oh sorry you are feeling under the weather too Nicknacks
Good luck with your list Bitchy!

[Jdub]

Happy Monday everyone, and what beautiful news for your sister elliepac - really amazing. There are some real golden people around aren't there.

Not a busy tidying weekend for me, but a really lovely fun filled with lots of cooking, games and playing (and hardly any shouting!) Shame to be back at work as it goes TOO quickly!

done
up, dressed, fed and out
beds made
downstairs bathroom
d/w empty
washing bought downstairs for OH to put in machine
sent OH shopping list
School forms/playschool snack returned to correct places

to do
sort the stuff in the bottom drawer as I can't face that dodgy cupboard
put laundry away

Have a lovely day everyone!

[Snowgirl1]

Morning all

Done so far:
Up and ready for work
Sandwiches made
Bed made
Washing on

Still to do
Put tomorrow's clothes out
Hang washing out
Change our sheets
Wash towels
Clean out kitchen bins
15 min declutter or 15 mins detailed cleaning? Decisions, decisions...
Shine sink
S&S

So we're back in the kitchen zone this week? That's where I started - I can't believe I've been doing this for 4 weeks.

[ToffeeWhirl]

Ta da :

Up and dressed
Packed lunch made
DS2's morning routine
School run (arrived on time )
Quick shop
Emptied bins
Put rubbish out
Unloaded d/w
B/fast for me and DS1
Reloaded d/w
Wiped kitchen surfaces

Yesterday, DH went out and, weirdly, I got loads more done. Why is it easier when DHs are not around? I took the boys swimming then, when we got home, I managed to tidy the kitchen, sort the washing, cook Chilli con Carne and tackle the kitchen hotspot (it took half an hour and I discovered Christmas cards and my Christmas Day cooking itinerary at the bottom of the heap . As well as an appointment letter that I had chased up complaining that it hadn't arrived ).

Boys were in bed on time. DS2 spent some time telling me how unhappy he is at school. Don't know what to do. He copes well when he's there and he's made lots of friends, but he says there should be a new word invented to describe it, which would be a mix of boredom and hell .

Need to do lots of home ed with DS1 this morning, so that I'm free to do a house bleugh after lunch.

lauren - glad to see you've found us again .

Sorry for all those feeling yukky and/or ill this morning or with DC feeling that way.

[MrsPennyapple]

Morning all. Just a quick list dump from me today:

Done
Vacuum upstairs
Laundry in
Tidy kitchen
Wash up
Strip bed
Empty bins

To do
Vacuum lounge
Shine sink
Make bed
S&S bathroom
Empty compost bucket
Thoroughly clean high chair
Phone car insurance people
Make hair appointment
Make marmalade

Have just looked at what a Home Bleugh actually involves, and realised that it includes half of what's on my list, woo hoo!

[GoingGoingGoth]

No!!! Just done massive list & MN went down. So try again

Morning all,
Late start as had poorly Dh and so did school run, amazing how he's perking up now, as it's started snowing. He does have a slight excuse we missed all the snow in January.

Thank god it's the kitchen this week, my bin really needs a good clean.

Done
Dd ready for school
S&S
Dd to school
Shopping

To do
Laundry in
Dry laundry out
Ironing
Litter tray
Empty bin & recycling
Wash bin
Dust
Vacuum
Mop
MIRROR- always forget and we only have one!
Windows
Beds
Collect Dd & friend from school
Dinner
Wash up & SS
Return friend home
Calm Dd down (she always gets overexcited at having friends over)

[LillethTheCat]

This has moved a lot this morning hasn't it.

tada

• Strip DCs beds
  
• wash bedding
  
• Dry Bedding
  
• Wash up after breakfast
  
• Go to Business course
  
• Finish Bin (thanks DH)
  

to do

• Remake beds
  
• Wash up 2X
  
• Shine Sink
  
• Tidy up room after DCs are in bed
  
• Get tomorrows clothes ready
  
• tomorrow's list
  
• 5 min cupboard room rescue
  
• Go to talk about voluntary work
  
• Fill washing machine ready for Tues
  
• 15 min decluttering (possibly - yeah whatever haha!!!)
  

That looks like Ive still got loads to do, but a lot aren't that bad.

Im a bit nervous about going to my voluntary interview. Ive got an hour before I have to leave.

Nick - Glad to hear you have had a good weekend

Bitchy - Happy birthday to your DS, hope its a good day

SC - Hope your DD gets better soon. My DD had slapped cheek a while ago too, something that I hadn't heard of till recently either.

Toffee - I think its much easier when DH isn't around as he just asks what am I doing that for and it will get done. I dont know when he thinks it will get done, but he's not one for 5 mins here and 15 mins there, but to just say right Im going to tidy x room today and get it all done. Though he is a much better cleaner than I am.
Also sorry to hear your DS2 is having a hard time, hope something gets better soon for him.

[feetheart]

Afternoon everyone! Bit late posting but have been doing stuff.

Ellie - what amazing news for your whole family, congratulations :o

Toffee - sorry DS2 isn't happy at school, its really hard isn't it and I know you have been there before. What is it he doesn't like? I know my DS doesn't like the noise at school at times and gets very fed-up with others not behaving and the whole class missing out on things. However it has taken a while for him to articulate that and I know they are a similar age. Would be very interested to know if your DS comes up with an appropriate word.

Had quite a busy w/e - shopping for new cooker (as old one blew its element again and I had had enough) Ended up getting a 'Great British Bake-Off' Neff one but without the slide-under door, much to DC's disappointment :)) Unfortunately it won't be delivered to shop until w/c 25th Feb so I have to juggle with the dodgy tiny top furnace oven until then, including two birthday cakes - eek!
Also shopped for shower room extension which should be happening from mid-May then fed 8 for Sunday dinner - 3 adults and 5 children plus one beef brisket in the slow-cooker - was yummy and VERY easy.

Ta da:

• All up and out
  
• 3 loads washing so far, inc a 90C one - two loads now OUT on line
  
• S&S
  
• Return to school with guitar I had forgotten (DD had to take her bike so I promised to take guitar)
  
• Main shop done and put away
  

To do:

• Straighten wind-dried mad hair
  
• Clean out bin and cupboard
  
• Hall hotspots
  
• Make Rocky Road (yummmm)
  
• Make Macaroni cheese for dinner
  
• Clean kitchen floor
  
• Library with DC (DD is devouring books at the moment)
  
• Homework
  
• Rest of ironing

[BitchyDragons]

To do:
hoover study
put boxes back
laundry 2nd load
folding
ironing
put clothes away - laundry moved to correct rooms
washing up
hoover lounge
stuff for tip to be moved
pick up bits for tea
make pizza
find the birthday banner etc
do not sit down - will fall asleep if i do.
Enjoy the evening

Also done
Tackle ds' room
retrieve halloween and christmas stuff from his wardrobe for a better more logical storage.
sort out leveling new book case the power of cardboard
clean bathroom
boil up handwarmers ready for next occassion needed
consider what to do about ds' savings account. In theory i can let him control it. Question is is he sensible enough to do so?
put books for reading and perhaps getting rid of onto top shelf of bookcase
flick through paperwork mountain on lounge windowsil, decluttering rubbish/shredding/recycling. Relocate to box of paperwork which is waiting for filing.
Clean mirrors
Look at my poor orchid and realise it is on it's way out
Water other plants
sort out contact visits for march
Wipe down all the benches in kitchen

[GoingGoingGoth]

Feet so envious that you can hang washing out, am getting so fed up of drying in the house

Done
Dd ready for school
S&S
Dd to school
Shopping
Litter tray
Empty bin & recycling
Wash bin
Dust
Clean mirror
Vacuum
Mop
Windows

Stopping for quick , then beds, laundry & ironing before school

BBL, Happy flying

[MrsPennyapple]

I pegged my washing out on the line this morning, and had to run outside to retrieve it from the vegetable bed TWICE. I gave in and brought it back in. It had been out a couple of hours though, so was drier that if it hadn't been out. I hate drying indoors too, the airers just seem permanently in the way, no matter what I want to do!

List update whilst I'm here and sitting with a brew:

Done
Vacuum upstairs
Laundry in
Tidy kitchen
Wash up
Strip bed
Made bed
Empty bins
Shine sink
Empty compost bucket
Brought firewood in
Shopping
Thoroughly clean high chair
Make marmalade (as much as I can do today anyway)

To do
Vacuum lounge
S&S bathroom
Phone car insurance people
Make hair appointment

[ToffeeWhirl]

Lilleth - thanks for kind words about DS2. Hope interview goes well .

Feet - I think DS2 is just really bored by the routine and lack of challenge at school. He is being given books that are too easy to read and he hates the fact that they have to keep practising spellings he already knows. He said the teacher made them revise how to spell 'so' again the other day . He also hates school lunches (the smells), so he doesn't eat properly because he can't get out of the dining room fast enough. DS1 had such a dreadful time at school because of his SNs that I thought DS2 would be ok, but I realise he is probably just as unhappy. It's a good school, but it has big classes, like all state schools. Maybe it just doesn't suit my children.

Of course, it doesn't help that he knows his big brother is being home educated, but I don't think that affects how he feels about school. It just means he knows there is an option.

Finished home ed for today. Have to do a quick room rescue downstairs, then collect DS2 and his new friend from school.

[BitchyDragons]

One of the key phrases around here is "nobody likes going to school" Tbh i don't many people like school. It is more a case of if it is doing harm or good. But then I hated and detested school the entire way through when i wasn't bunking off

[MercuryRising]

First post of Feb and it is just a quick list dump. I will get on here later to catch up.

Ta da:
Ds up, dressed to school
Dd at home as poorly (although much better now)
Bathroom cleaned
Hoovered throughout
Dusted throughout
Dw unloaded/ reloaded
Dry washing moved off of radiators
Another load in and washed
Dd homework done
Dinner cooking
Candles lit so house smells lovely
Rr in kitchen, living room, bedrooms

[BlueEyeshadow]

ta da!
Room rescues in utility, kitchen and dining rooms
Organised under-stairs cupboard of doom
Work
Recycling out
Unnecessary shoe shop run [grr]
Laundry done and put away
Cleaned downstairs loo
S&S
Checked tiles again (ones we like are end of line and they don't have enough. Grr!)
Returned friends' CD player
Made bread

Also done Lego with DS1 (ended up doing most of it myself) while DS2 whined for attention and tried to kill himself falling off furniture. Failed to get DS1 to do his homework or either boy to read anything.

[BitchyDragons]

To do:
hoover study
put boxes back
laundry 3 loads done
folding
ironing
put clothes away - laundry moved to correct rooms and ds' away
washing up
hoover lounge
stuff for tip to be moved
pick up bits for tea
make pizza
find the birthday banner etc
do not sit down - will fall asleep if i do.
Enjoy the evening in progress

Also done
Tackle ds' room
retrieve halloween and christmas stuff from his wardrobe for a better more logical storage.
sort out leveling new book case the power of cardboard
clean bathroom
boil up handwarmers ready for next occassion needed
consider what to do about ds' savings account. In theory i can let him control it. Question is is he sensible enough to do so?
put books for reading and perhaps getting rid of onto top shelf of bookcase
flick through paperwork mountain on lounge windowsil, decluttering rubbish/shredding/recycling. Relocate to box of paperwork which is waiting for filing.
Clean mirrors
Look at my poor orchid and realise it is on it's way out
Water other plants
sort out contact visits for march
Wipe down all the benches in kitchen
tidy lounge
sort out plans for tomo
recycling and rubbish out.

Yeah I know blatently done too much. Have early start tomo too. going to suffer. However, taking this into account I have a gentle day planned after the first part of the day.

Hope you all have good evenings. night

[NickNacks]

bitchy I always dread posting my list next to yours. I look so pathetic!

Music group
Party for friend
Daily wash dry and put away
15 minute declutter (prob my utility room)
Make up dd bed
beef stew for dinner
Food shop
Pay cash into bank
Give cheques to school

I had 3 mindees today so not too productive but I have an easy day tomorrow to get the house tidy ready for cleaner on Wednesday morning. :)

Enjoy your evenings!