July's Fledgling Flyers: Summer holidays are on their way and the clutter is going to FLY away

[elliepac]

Welcome old and new fledglings to the July Fledgling FLYers thread!

Thank you very much to cpmpy for leading us expertly through June- it's been a while since I lead so I can't promise to be as efficient but will do my best . This will start by copying and pasting pmpy's original June post

If you're overwhelmed by clutter and general household grub then join us as we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system or languish in the naughty corner hoping to do better tomorrow

As usual, we will be following the Flylady three-pronged approach:

1. Baby-steps (a daily step to establish routines)
2. Then baby-steps + 15 mins daily decluttering
3. (And once decluttered) babysteps + daily missions and maybe even detailed cleaning in the weekly zones

For more information have a look here, although to avoid a cluttered inbox, we advise not signing up to the Flylady emails. The basic principle is little and often and don't worry about perfection (no chance of that 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 and chat our way through the month

SC - releasing the butterflies at the end of DD's party sounds absolutely magical. Like PA says, I'm sure she will remember that forever.

PA - sympathies on waving goodbye to DH and DD, as well as worrying about your DS going off to London for the day. How is his job as a pizza chef coming along? (And has he made you pizza yet?). His comment on what you might say at the Alzheimer's Club made me laugh. Good news on your potential job, by the way.

Bitchy - sorry you are going through such a tough time. Lack of sleep makes everything doubly hard.

Blue - good luck with your holiday preparations today.

First day of the holidays here. We are having a quiet day at home. We all need to have a day off rushing around, especially as next week is looking increasingly busy.

Morning all!

Still not caught up with all the posts on here , but I'm working on it.

Today is my day 4. Dressed to shoes three days now, and despite the fact I really don't enjoy doing it, must confess been at work on time and relatively stress free for the three days!!!

Dd has also been resisting getting dressed as soon as she gets up, as prefers to eat breakfast as soon as she gets up, but if I go down to do her breakfast before getting dressed I'll just end up pottering. However, this morning she did it with a lot less grumbling than the previous two days...so progress!

So today:

Ta da
Dress to shoes

To do
Shine sink
Read Flylady e-mails
Write sticky notes with these things on

Know it is only day 4, but don't feel like I'm getting much done in the great scheme of things and feeling a bit panicky about everything that is not getting done...anyone else feel like that in the beginning? Although, at the same time worried I'll start doing too much, get overwhelmed and give up completely

It sounds as if you are doing really well, saturn. Don't worry about everything that isn't getting done. The great thing about Flylady is that it will all get done once you are sticking to her routines and you can relax and just follow them, without worrying. At the moment, you are building up new habits, so it feels weird and annoying. However, it sounds as if you are already feeling the benefits by being at work on time and relatively stress free.

It's great that your DD is joining in, even if it is a bit reluctantly. I must say that if DS2 gets dressed before breakfast, he ends up with cereal all down his clean shirt (he's 7, not a toddler!), so I often get him to put his school trousers on, then stick a normal tee-shirt on him and change him just before we leave.

I have just presented DS2 with a 'things to do every day' chart for the holidays. It is just basic things like 'brush my teeth', 'clean up after myself', etc., but I wanted to establish some basic routines. I have printed out some reward slips for him. He particularly loved the 'free ice cream' coupon and '20 minutes of undivided attention'. If anyone wants to look at the free downloadable charts and coupons, they are here.

Will be at home tonight and hope to get to the bottom of the blanket box.

Only other item on my to-do list is not slap anyone.

I've had fuck all sleep for a month and nothing is going anywhere. I've just come in to the kitchen to find some jobsworth has thrown out DH's dinner so am just sat crying with rage.

How the actual fuck they think its reasonable to expect people to survive for weeks on end on ready meals I have no fucking idea.

Thanks Toffee, will just plough on with the baby steps ...

Love the idea of a chart for DD, will definitely adopt that! She can get rather side-tracked, like her mother!!

[hugs] Trazzle - things are hard enough for you without them throwing your dinner away xxx

Apologies for my rant but I have HAD ENOUGH today.

I think they've realised as I have been sent to have coffee and cake before I say what I really think

Oh, Trazzle, that sounds like the last straw. I'm really sorry.

saturn - I am under no illusions that the chart will work magic, but it has encouraged DS2 to make his bed, brush his teeth and comb his hair this morning at least .

Trazzles they should look after you better at the hospital, and you shouldn't feel guilty about exploding. You are a vital part of J's treatment.

Not a good morning here. Problem at the sailing with ds1's behaviour as he's scrapped with another boy verbally (at least it is only verbal). Dd luckily said it was the other boy's fault. Sisters rock!
Then I made the terrible mistake of forwarding an email to the wrong email address. Dh's old workplace. And it was definitely the wrong email because it was from the CBT therapist!!! AARGH. Dh is so so embarrassed. All because I don't have my own printer...

I also doublebooked two appointments so was in a tizz about that, luckily I have unravelled that one.

SC please please go easy on yourself. But well done for waving bon voyage to the cherubs. I was musing last night to Dh about how sometimes events which seem like hard work (although yours just sounded wonderful) at the time, remain as wonderful memories for years later, so it is always worth doing these things despite the sweat.

Toffee I've given up all attempts at proper timetables They always always go pearshaped. But it is fun making them! I am feeling not at all positive about the holidays...I can see an endless wasteland of children refusing to be helpful or do any minor schoolwork and me harrying them. I have to change this picture in my mind to an empowering one of me blithely encouraging them to do their three chores of the day cheerfully and enthusiastically whilst enjoying their company and pursuing my own useful projects...

Not looking to being on my own with them in Ireland...[sigh] I know they are going to fight. And eat sweets. And create piles of dirty washing. There. That doesn't sound too bad. Maybe it will be quite fun.
[brightens]

Fuck that swan. I go for the blantant either you get this done you you will have a complete technology ban. But once it is done we will do x/y approach. Ds doesn't know it yet but we are spending the evening in the hills, assuming i get my car back at a reasonable time.

ta da
speak to ds' teacher
drop car at mechanic
find ds a lovely periodic table to go on his wall
pick up fabric dye
find out how to get the dyed effect i want
internet stuff
get some good advice off someone straight talking
finish off all loose ends of the wolly hugs
package up hugs ready to go
find pattern for top and dress
put material for top and dress in the washing machine so it is pre washed ready to be made up (although i need to wash between making up the parts and dying which is really annoying as i could have been cutting out atm)
make biscuit dough and put in fridge to 'set'
drink far too much coffee
over think life
wonder wtf i have done with the fabric lining
measure zip lengths needed (need this before it can be dyed as zip will need to be in the dipping process)
Reconsider the neckline of the dress.
make a shopping list for heading into the nearby major town tomo

Right time for lunch and to get biscuits cooked so they are ready for 3pm

Trazzles don't apologise for rant. That's what we are here for. Although I guess ready meals are straw that breaks camel's back - you do need some decent meals to see you through such an arduous schedule. Your health is v. important too. And endless ready meals aren't good for morale. (Makes one want to set up some sort of voluntary kitchen run by capable mother's of a certain age, cooking for the carers and patients, using good fresh ingreds etc etc ...)

Just nipping in to say 'hi'. (Trying to keep away from screen because of headache.) Doing absolutely naff all today except a bit of light cooking for dh and stumbling through party detritus slowly picking up bits here and there. Very oppressive weather.

Thanks for kind words about party. It was definitely worth the effort to see dd and her friends having such a good time. I have today woken up with bright pink nail varnish with various jewelled gem things attached ...and am sporting temporary butterfly tattoos in unlikely places. Even dh, rather disturbingly, has one on his ankle...

Swan can you draft in any childcare help when in Ireland? (Or half day activity club or some such) You need a holiday too.

Meant to say, that's great news about forthcoming job PA

Saturn as Toffee has said, don't panic. Just do a little at a time. Slow and steady is the thing. You don't have to understand the entire system at the beginning. It will all make sense eventually. It doesn't even matter if you miss a day here and there. It will all come around again next month although think I rely on that a bit too much. Just focus on the baby-steps for now, so that they become second nature. Then you can think about moving on to include other things ... good luck!

Have a great evening in the hills Bitchy!

Love the coupon idea Toffee

[Shuffling back in to naughty corner now ...wing flaps to everyone!]

Hello! Got back from parents this afternoon, and have 1st load of laundry already in the machine

Have had a marvellous time, but it has gone very fast , so will be booking their train tickets next week for half term and have planned to go to them next February.

It is nice to be back home and DH has kept the flat in a reasonable condition!

Am going to have one final holiday treat of take out, and then planning an early night, with tomorrow set aside for the rest if Mount Washmore, before back to work on Saturday.

Will attempt to catch up on thread later.

Welcome back goth...enjoy your take out

Thanks SC, difficult not to panic when I see chaos all around (in all aspects of my life, not just the house but thought if I could get the house in order may then be able to get in control of the rest of life )

Like the idea of technology ban bitchy, but find with DD when I try that approach I.e. no TV - I just get 'well I don't like TV anymore anyway' or taking away current favourite toy 'well I don't like that anymore anyway' . Hope you have a lovely evening in the hills very . Also, very impressed with your ta da list!

Swan - I'm sure you'll have a great time in Ireland, the kids will behave like angels and you will wonder what you were so worried about...there's positive thinking for you...if not there's always

Trazzle - as SC said, feel free to rant away if needed

Well, I still have to shine sink, write these sticky note things and read Flylady e-mails ...not a lot really but still procrastinating...

didn't get into hills getting ds' hair cut zapped all will to live out of me. i am already in pjs and in bed. I expect to be asleep within the next half hour

Night bitchy...shame you didn't make it into the hills, would be a lovely night for it...

Well done sink, read Flylady e-mails and written sticky notes...although think bright yellow post it notes stuck around look rather daft...but if it works!!!

Now settling down to watch a DVD with DD, been promised something with Barbie in...know you are all jealous!!!

Night everyone

Sometimes I'm glad I only have sons (Saturn - Barbie....hmm).

Sorry you didn't get to the hills, Bitchy. Completely understand about the haircut trauma though. We have our own haircut trauma coming up this weekend. So funny to see the different reactions: DS2 loves it and almost purrs as he is having his hair cut, whereas DS1 grips the chair rest and grits his teeth. (He is better at coping now he is older).

Goth - so glad you had a great time with your parents .

Swan - you are, of course, absolutely right about the real fun in charts being in the making of them, not the enforcing. I live in hope, though. DS2 has been pretty good at keeping to his chart so far today and earned himself one 'free ice cream coupon' and one 'you tried a new food' coupon! (tried a turkey meatball at dinner time ).

Am so tired, but can see the bedtime routines stretching ahead of me. Just about to deal with DS2, then have DS1 to deal with. By the time I have dealt with him, I will have a second wind and then I won't be able to get to sleep for ages. Ah well.

Lots of Flying done today, but am sorry to admit that it was mostly delegated to my lovely cleaner. We sat and ate chocolate muffins afterwards, whilst our DC played hide and seek . I promise to attempt the ironing again tomorrow.

We've also survived hair cut trauma today (for DS2 - DS1 rather likes it now). Then spent a scarily large amount of the day in town on various errands, and a bit of fun stuff too. Now have car 90% packed and hoping to hit the road before 7 tomorrow morning.

PArty sounds great, SC. Sorry today has been trying for so many people. Hugs all round, and better get off to bed.

See you when we get back!!

No flying yesterday - was starting to think that I might as well give up until the summer holidays are over! But managed quite a bit today and even succeeded in making the DSs do a 10 min blitz on their rubbish tips bedrooms! DS1 did his ten mins quite cheerfully, but DS2 spent about half an hour moaning about it before starting! I'm hoping that by the end of the holidays a quick ten minute tidy will be a habit and their rooms can remain sort of presentable!

Big hugs for Trazzle and rant away as much as you like!

We did haircuts a couple of weeks ago. The DSs are all ok once they're in the chair - it;s keeping them quiet while we wait that's the problem!

Have a great holiday Blue

I have a blanket box!

I know this because I have a box. And it has blankets in it. Rather than Thomsons and Yellow Pages that are older than my DS.

Sleeping now. Night all x and thanks for your support.

MOrning all!

Back from North Wales and glad to sleep in my own bed last night. Must be getting old! No rest for the wicked today. The DC's and I are going to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on a summer school trip with my school. Zilch flying shall be done until later on!

This weekend I am also planning on decorating DD's bedroom so have furniture, paint and carpets to buy at some point today/tomorrow morning plus a bucket load of crap to chuck out. Both DD and DS have been told we will decorate their bedrooms but only if they agree to a clearout first. It's tough for DD as she only has a tiny bedroom but there are loads of baby things in there that she never plays with so I am going to be ruthless on the decluttering.

Back in a sec with round-up and links.

Bollocks, no time for a round-up have done that thing where I have lost an hour on MN and need to get moving.

Your babystep for today is reading an e-mail.

Your mission today is here.

Today is Tidy your purse and car day. My complete antithesis.

Have a good day everyone .

Morning all!

You should have left by now Blue - but hope you have a good holiday

Asheth - your DS2 sounds like DD, the amount of time she spends moaning about something she could have actually done it three times over!

Trazzles - hope today is better for you!

Ellie - have a lovely time at the wildlife park...at least you have nice weather for it...

Ta da
Get dressed to shoes...cannot say this was stress free as DD got dressed in a party dress for holiday club and tried to tell me they are having a best dressed competition today as they are going on a trip today this really is not likely and made her change and therefore had attitude from her all morning...you'd think she was a teenager, not 5!

To do
Shine sink
Read Flylady e-mails
Recognise negative voices

Morning all, it's good to be back.

A bit late, but hope you have a good holiday blue

Last night's done list (I couldn't help myself )
Unpacked
2loads laundry washed
Dh vacuumed flat
Mopped kitchen & bathroom floors
Wiped down kitchen sides
Real good swish & swipe in bathroom
Changed my bedding - DD's was fresh before we left, Dh had to cope
Washed up
Wiped down cooker hob (DH had been frying)
Didn't shine sink

Today's done list
Lie in
2 loads laundry hung out
1 load laundry in
Beds

To do
Check food cupboards
Shop
Repot tomato plant & butternut squash- they're huge
Library
Cross fingers the rain holds off
Bring laundry in
Iron
Get stuff ready for work tomorrow
Relax

Sorry for long post

Am still in my dressing gown. See, this is why I need deadlines and commitments, or I just laze around .

Anyway, I am going to shift my backside up off the chair now and start my morning routines, plus get dressed. No plans today, apart from dragging DS2 to the library to collect his first Reading Challenge reward. He doesn't want to go at all, even with the lure of smelly stickers, but it will get him up and out. He is very happy with his rewards for completing his chart yesterday though: he earned a token for trying a new food and a coupon for free ice cream (ie, bought by me!).

Goth - you are a proper Flylady this morning! I feel suitably chastened.

saturn - at your DD's excuses for wearing a party dress.

ellie - hope you enjoy your trip today.

Right, am going to make myself move. Have gone into another time zone. I completely know what you mean about losing an hour (at least) on Mumsnet, ellie.

Evening all.

Am in the middle of trying to get the dc's to declutter their stuff but it is hard bloody work. DS has a Spiderman room and part of the redecoration is that he wants a more grown up room so why oh bloody fucking why is he crying over a £5 spiderman rug that he doesn't want to part with. DD on the other hand is being scarily ruthless. All peppa pig stuff gone as too babyish same for all dora stuff.

Am going to cook dinner now and then start again tomorrow! Tomorrow it is furniture, carpets, paint and wallpaper and finish decluttering.

Phew!

ellie - sounds as if your DC - and you - are actually doing really well. Could DS just keep the Spiderman rug for the moment? Or tuck it away in a cupboard until he knows what he wants to do with it?

Has been an ok day today. Managed to shift my backside and do the daily routines eventually. Then took the boys out to the playground, which they loved. They even talked to each other (they ignore each other a lot of the time, thanks to the six-year age gap). Managed to get to the library to pick up DS2's Reading Challenge poster, though I thought I might melt from the heat on the walk back. Am now cooling off with some from our kindly relative .