Fledglings polish their pumpkins and do their best, it's time for a Fling Boogie Octoberfest!

[Stewedcoot]

Heartfelt thanks to Engels (and Bitchy!) for leading the thread throughout September (Sept always being a busy one) despite feeling a bit poorly and despite being pregnant. Hope beneficial effects of injections kick in soon!

If 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 and along the way.

Flylady link here.

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 zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework, which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting 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!

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be inundated! 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):

1. start or repeat baby steps

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

1. 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!

Three key points to keep in mind:
(1)No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine
(2)You are never behind just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
(3) It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the babysteps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names!) can have scary looking lists but don't let that worry you! Do what you can, anything is better then nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

If all else fails, a brew + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders!

Oh and don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey – some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome!

tbh toffee and blunt 2lbs could just be a poo or time of the month. It is nothing. Measurements and favourite clothes fit is generally something better to go by.

Thank you, Bitchy, that's encouraging.

Toffee ds1 is 8yo, but was tested last year to be able to read at a 15yo level. But the thing is, that means he can READ the words. Not that he understands the content as much, and definitely does not get subtext at all. For example, in Harry Potter, because Malfoy was talking to Harry initially (you know, when he offers to show him who the RIGHT people to know are), ds1 thinks Malfoy is a good guy. Sarcasm, hidden meanings, subtle threats.. all lost on ds1. Utterly. He is a "take everything at face value" child (ASD related). If you tell him it is raining cats and dogs, he will go look out the window. Literally. And then tell you it's not.

So you can see why I felt Tom Sawyer was completely beyond him.

Toffee I've given in on screens a bit too. However, some of his screen time is on the Wii, playing games with ds2, so at least he's learning some interaction, taking turns, and social skills at the same time. Perhaps. Some days there are more arguments between them than others.

Bitchy a 2 lb poo? Okay. Sorry, but that made me laugh. I know it's possible, but heavens that just sounds so utterly wrong.

Yes, DS1 is the same about taking things at face value, Alice. We've been talking about feminism recently and I showed him the video of the actress walking through New York, getting hassled. DS1 couldn't understand why someone calling out 'Beautiful!' to her wasn't a compliment. He just said, "But they're being nice, aren't they?"

And I agree that screens can be educational and help with social skills. At least, that's what I tell myself when DS1 is glued to the screen again.

Oh.

This is the clip I showed DS1 (who, at present, thinks there's no need for feminism. I'm working on him ).

i still remember days of past and wondering how something that small and cute could make sooooo much stinky mess. And I am very much glad that explosive nappies are in the days of past!

Have been waiting for a redelivery all day and it still hasn't come, so I'm going to give up and take DS2 out. What's the betting the postman will try to deliver it as soon as I go out?

Am not being very productive today, but I have managed to clear out and hoover under both sofas. Just knowing there was so much junk under there was weighing me down. I now have two boxes of junk facing me, but at least I know what I'm dealing with and all the rubbish is in the bin.

to do

Take DS2 cycling
Text friends re playdate tomorrow
Tidy DS2's bedroom
Decorate the house
Make Halloween cupcakes

Whew!! One wall wallpapered. I'm worn out now (it involved furniture moving!) and having a coffee. I'll pick up the paint needed on Monday and do some more of the wallpaper then. Hoorah!!

I found a Christmas pudding in the cupboard today. IIRC I bought it last year, but we just didn't eat it. So now my turkey is purchased, the roast potatoes, the Christmas pudding. Slowly the extras are being put aside. If I'm organised, I won't have to do a "Christmas shop" at all. Fingers crossed. I really do hate crawling through the supermarket right before Christmas.

Lunch was delicious but a disaster [rueful] My two decided to argue throughout the afternoon in front of the guests (who they knew quite well but for some reason did not gell with on this occasion)

No-one would eat anything or sit down at the table for more than two seconds before demanding chocolate cake instead of baked potatoes. I downed two glasses of red wine which is most unlike me.

Still, I did manage to chat with my friend for a bit above the wails from ds2 that no-one was choosing HIS game or worse still from ds1 Retard (about his brother) Ds2 kept disconnecting the sound from the X box and ds1 kept hitting ds2. Dd refused to have lunch at all! Guests were determined not to give an inch or go outside or play a board game. I should have accepted defeat and spent rest of afternoon organising some game for them for seriously there was no chance of these particular children getting on without supervision...

Honestly, have now retired to bed just glad that screens exist to occupy these delinquents (mine) until it is time to go to bed. The house is a complete bombsite.

Ds1 said to me afterwards that he didn't like that many children in the house at once. (3 extra all over 11) But as they are siblings there is not much I can do about it.

On plus side mine did help a lot this morning. Both sons went to shops on errands and ds1 hoovered the kitchen. Dd put her room back together and ds2 did some home edding too.

Salut! Dag! Helloooo! Hope everyone OK!

Thanks for doing the links Bitchy (and wow at your productivity!! And top marks to your ds for breakfast in bed

And huge thanks to Blue for taking on November !!

Got back earlier today. Trip could not be described as relaxing or fun (rather grim situation tbh with fil atm - don't know how sil does it) but glad we went although dh understandably finds it very difficult and his mood reflects that, which doesn't help in circs. Very proud of dd though as she was beautifully behaved throughout in what were quite demanding situations at times.

Rather embarrassing moment just after landing today: managed to trip over my own trousers and went sprawling in the airport concourse in front of 100s of holiday-makers. A really, embarrassing (and rather spectacular) full frontal splat !! Now have wierd egg shaped swelling on my knee cap but no other harm done.

Crikey people! Only 45 or so posts since my departure!!

Hope you will forgive me if I don't even attempt to respond to them all but have noted usual diverse range of subject matter only indirectly related to Flying (ladies I'm proud of you ) such as feminism, religious and pagan traditions, painting and decorating, storage logistics and furniture.

Toffee's lesson on carving pumpkins with scary teeth!

Alice's expert advice on carved pumpkin preservation

Whoknows magnificent crocheted pumpkin bunting!

Blue's halloween themed Zumba class (wisely avoided!)

So all v. topical!

BBL to post last link of the month!!

Quick dump and drop of the new thread and cantering off to get the boys their tea

BBL!

Bitchy what an awful nightmare, and so nice he made you breakfast.

WhoKnows great bunting, am going to go through my stash for orange yarn.

Continuing the crafty theme, I've delivered a huge bag of headbands, cowls and hat to a local handmade gift shop today. Next step is getting my FB page/website up to scratch. I'm starting to feel like this is actually a business rather than a hobby. (Just got to actually sell something now)

SC ouch on the fall - glad no serious injuries from it. (and sympathies on the embarrassment!) We are a diverse bunch - I've noticed we do have a wide range of discussion topics.

Goth Have you posted pictures of what you're making? (I don't recall seeing pictures, hence asking) My curiosity is getting the better of me.

WhoKnows Yes I loved the bunting! Is that crochet? I am still relatively hopeless at crochet. Single chain and that's about it. Then again, my lovely Hogwart's scarf I was knitting for ds2 got ruined as somehow the plastic knitting needle broke in the knitting bag (heaven only knows how!) and it broke into a few pieces, stitches pulled off and it all pulled apart everywhere. It would be a nightmare to fix. I think I will be starting over again... with my sturdier needles this time.

Oh lawd, I've done so badly throughout October that I want to re-wind the month and start again!

Well done fledglings!! You've survived another month of Flying!!

Baby-step no. 31 for Fri 31st is here. It reminds us to take the long view, and that as our clutter goes away, we will find we have more time to do the zone detailed cleaning, the weekly home blessing hour, and other chores ie the system will make more sense as it goes along!

Tomorrow is our last day in Zone 5 : the sitting room here. Declutter for 15 mins in this zone.

The detailed cleaning list (if you are at that stage) for Zone 5 is here.

Friday's mission can be found here. Clearing hot spots in your sitting room (piles of stuff that grow and grow) and putting them away or chucking them out.

The daily focus for Friday is: decluttering our purses, cars and handbags.

The monthly habit for October (last day!!) is getting rid of paper clutter: www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/october/ and boy how I wish I'd done this for once.

For a summary of the above, see the flight plan : www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120 which should update itself daily.

Handing over to Blue and new thread now!

Oops! Did you all spot my deliberate mistake?

Seem to have described Wednesday's mission instead of Friday's! Obviously don't know whether I am coming or going!

**

Correction: Friday's mission is to place something pretty, such as fresh flowers, in your now scrupulously clean sitting room!

**

feeling utterly depressed by house, children and slightly peeved with dh for going off on business yet again - am I turning into a witch or a turnip I wonder..

Children are all asleep peacefully after what felt like an extremely long and crotchety day and various people screaming at me. Except ds2 for some reason who is very mellow since the guests left (I wonder why ) Ds1 is again sitting in front of his homework for hours but doing nothing, having become extremely agitated when dd deleted him singing Keane from Youtube. dd then screamed at me because I suggested that sticking bits of string on her wall might be a mistake.

Cleared up various saucepans half heartedly, pulled out some cupboards and will clean behind them tomorrow. I may just dump all the clutter in the kitchen in the playroom for one day (whilst dh is away) and see if that cheers me up At least the shelves will be cleaner as a result and the children will not be able to turn the telly on

SC poor you, that sort of fall is very nasty. Initially it is fine, then one's knee feels black and blue for ages, and one feels a bit shook. Hope your hands are alright too. Could dd make you an arnica bandage?

Sorry you're feeling down, Swan. It sounds like a hard day, with far too many demands. Yes, dump the clutter in the playroom and enjoy the space for a day or two.

Off to bed now. I need to have enough energy for all the Halloween activities DS2 has planned.

A day off the heavy decluttering today as DH is at work this morning. House is really improving as we took loads of computer games to an exchange shop and yesterday gave the huge box of games and learning toys to my teacher friend - she's over the moon with them!

Off to mark my place on November's thread :)

Thank you re the pumpkin bunting, yes, it is crochet, I can knit but haven't done for about 20 years, I find crochet far more versatile and more portable (no need to get to the end of a row to stop, hook is easier to pop in your nag than needles etc). I made up that pattern and didn't get it quite right, the pumpkins curled and had to be ironed flat (although I would have ironed them anyway, makes them neater looking). Goth - yes, I'd like to see some pics of your work too .

Good day yesterday, DD went to a craft club with her friend and I took DS and his friend bowling, the DCs find spending a whole week in each other's company hard work at the moment. We carved our pumpkins, just need to decorate our window now, check all our costumes (DCs for trick or treating, all of us for a party tomorrow), restrain from eating the trick or treat sweets for tonight and do some homework.

It's a beautiful day out there, went out earlier to feed my friend's cat and can't believe how mild it is, going to be a laundry day here.

Morning all!

Sleepy here as DS hasn't dealt well with the clock change and has been crawling into us at 6am.

DH didn't do anything in the house yesterday except wash up and then cook. I asked him if he put some washing on or not (since he was complaining that DS did a poonami and had to be stripped and all clothes put in to soak). "Does a wash need doing then?" I don't know DH, is there stuff in the laundry baskets? Yes? Then, YES a fucking wash needs doing!

Ta da
2nd load of washing on (yep DH, it's a great challenge to do this )
Supermarket - DH "helpfully" wrote me a list yesterday - though would have been more helpful if he'd actually gone and done it.
said good bye to ILs (off to Spain for 10 days)
changed outside bin and kitchen bin (both of which DH could have done yesterday)

I'm a little annoyed at DH right now - can you tell? I know he has a cold, but he isn't 32 weeks pg so needs to pull his fucking weight!

Just need to hoover later on this morning as having a few friends over for coffee this afternoon as one of them is moving abroad.

In the meantime, TV is on, DS is on his beanbag and I am on the sofa and I'm NOT MOVING!

Morning!

Swan so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed by house/dc atm .

I have a tiny inkling of how you must be feeling because dh travels constantly (he is off to S E Asia week after next for 12 days) but not half so bad for me with only 1 dc. And I'm certainly with you on being overwhelmed by house and clutter. I don't what the solution is really but I find taking my self totally out of the situation for a bit helps (if you can find a baby-sitter of course which is easier said than done and not particularly stress-free because house has to be in reasonable in order to do so) or perhaps just focusing on one or two very specific things that have been bugging one for ages, such as clearing out particular drawer or dusting particularly high shelf. Also, I find creative things help: sewing, painting, drawing, singing, gardening. Not sure if that is much help really but anything that takes you out of immediate stress and forces one to "zone in" on something else completely! (If you have the time that is of course which, with three dc, is not easy to find.) One other thing is giving yourself something to look forward to in the future - a trip away just for you - or a trip out with friends/family.

I always dread dh going away but then I find I quite like the sense of freedom and enjoy having such a calm house, but then, after a while , if its a long trip, I find myself longing for his return help with the morning school run Good luck with it anyway!

Btw, bet your friend didn't even notice disputing dc yesterday being far too preoccupied with your delicious grub!

You were right about the fall btw. Dog tired last night but couldn't sleep until 3am because felt sort of shaky and shocked. Fine today though if a bit bashed and bruised!

Oh and last but not least, thank you for all the advice about dd down thread. It is much appreciated. I am trying "chore of the day" but it only seems to work in the more formal context of term time and then, not terribly effectively, but only because I am inconsisent at enforcement and need to step up the discipline a bit. I have to say that dd was very good while we were away and seems in a better frame of mine now the holiday is fully underway. I always forget that there is a bit of a stressful readjustment time to contend with between the rigours of school and just flopping at home and I need to handle that more patiently. Speaking of patience btw, wow at letting your dd paint her room with her friends!! Think you are amazing to be so encouraging!!

Hope you can catch up with sleep today Engels and that your dh starts to pull his weight a bit more before the arrival of no. 2!

Great that the house is improving Fuzzpig!!

V impressed with all of your crafting Goth!

Absolutely lovely weather here too Whoknows -it's so mild that some of the forsythia has come out thinking it is spring and ladybirds are waking up from hibernation! Thought of you today as have sent dh off to buy some more 'temporary' storage from Ikea to house board games!!

Big waves to everyone else! In a bit of a hurry because have friend here this afternoon (as does dd) and not nearly ready! Off to check new thread before I start though!

Gah, why are people so flaky?

Have 3 friends over this afternoon. Invited them to mine since easier to keep DS under control at home, especially atm at 31w pg.

One friend emailed lat last night to say she can't make it till 2 (hour later than agreed). The one we're saying goodbye to then emailed to say she has to leave at 2, and the 3rd has just emailed to say that she's had the flu since Wednesday so can't come.

It's not like I've bought in some cakes and tidied my house? Gah!

Obviously I would rather my friend who is ill stays at home and gets better, but she could also have told me yesterday if she's been ill since Wednesday.