Deck the halls (or the wine) as the Fledglings head into December.

[GoingGoingGoth]

Huge thanks to Blue for leading the thread throughout November (and to SC for such a copy and paste-able OP )

If you are struggling 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 and cake along the way.

Flylady link is 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 + 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!

I have foolishly said I would SC

Ds is much better today. There was even sleep last night. I have just won the you will have a shower battle and am just going to grab an extra cup of coffee ready for the will you please get out of the shower battle.

Lots of stuff going on today. It is ds to his dad's day so there is madness of packing and alsorts going on plus I have an evening meeting so there is that to prep for too.

Bloody hell Bitchy that is extremely noble of you!!! You know I worry about your masochistic tendencies sometimes

Glad to hear ds better and you're both a bit more rested! Safe driving!!

Morning all! Finally a chance and the energy to catch up.

Welcome (back) Linzer . We haven’t “met” before though have seen you round the Living Overseas board I think ( I live in the Netherlands). Have been flying with the fledglings for 2 and a half years I think (though not been doing much flying lately!).

I did Christmas cards for my friends and family in UK and further afield this year but haven’t done any for DH’s family and friends. Told him he can do it himself if he wants to he doesn’t . I don’t see the point of sending them to his aunts/uncles/cousins who just sign their names and we don’t see from year to year. I always write a message in mine for my friends and family, if not a letter and will be sending out birth cards before long anyway. Haven’t sent any to my Dutch friends either – not so much of a thing here.

Glad to hear DS is feeling better bitchy

Glad the kittens are okay toffee . Must have been a bit of a shock! I managed to break a plate yesterday which was my bad start to the day (the rest didn’t get much better!). Sorry to hear about heating – what a time of year for it to happen.

goth the artemis fowl thing is the type of thing that I end up doing! Hope DD is okay.

Laughing at DS1 swan Boo-hiss to nits.

Hoe DS is feeling better grey and has a lovely birthday

Sounds like you got a lot done yesterday whoknows

School sounds insane sc . Our Christmas show is tomorrow (that I’m usually in charge of) and am steadfastly staying away from my work email!!!!!!

Has been an unpleasant 48 hours here with DS running temperature of 40+ that paracetamol was barely touching (he’d feel better for an hour), 2 nights in a row of not sleeping from 12 onwards and 2 GP visits. Got antibiotics yesterday and they have sorted him out so that he slept through last night – good as I couldn’t have taken another night like Sunday or Monday! Have had to keep him off nursery (my sanity days – I need to relax/sleep and also get things done before Christmas and baby arriving) but he seems better now. I think I dealt with today’s babystep yesterday – DH and I were both in bed, lights out at 8.30 which is unheard of for him, but we were both so exhausted from the nights before. I woke up at 6.30 this morning totally confused! Didn’t hear DH wake up in night or leave for work. Feel like a human being today.

Ta da
Doctor’s for check up for DS
Popped to Makro for some Christmas bits (bailey’s, leg of lamb for Christmas day – DH is cooking!, and Chicken for today).

Will check laundry but have been washing everything in sight, aware that I could go into labour any minute. Same with supermarket – I went last night on my own after dinner (that was my me time this week ) and kept picking up bits and pieces “just in case” I go into labour before the next time we can get there, especially with Christmas and NY in the way! Feel like bump has dropped a bit the last few days – mw appt tomorrow to find out how things are going (38+3).

Potty training has been a success. Still the odd accident but only ever goes on toilet now. Pull ups at night but will stop in a few weeks if still dry in morning, and once I buy a mattress protector!

I'm not here. I'm working. Aaagh!

Bitchy - glad DS is on the mend.

But sorry to hear your DS is unwell, Engels. Hope you or your DH will let us know when your baby arrives. It could be a Christmas Day baby...

SC - so sorry for all the stresses for both you and DD . Your stomach is clearly telling you something.

Good to hear you're still teaching at the school, Linzer. I remember when you started doing that, I think.

Still no hot water or heating, but I'm feeling more cheerful because I have just taken delivery of a new dress for my birthday party next year (50!). I may not have mentioned this to DH, so the dress - which fits perfectly - has been quietly tucked away in my wardrobe. Amazing how a new dress cheers you up.

SC I'd been wondering where you were - lovely to see you as well! I thought the run-up to Christmas was bad enough at school here (exams right up until the last minute, etc.) but I realise I have nothing to complain about in comparison with what you're going through; I feel exhausted just reading about it.

Bitchy Glad to hear DS is better. And well done on volunteering to take the reins in January - you're mad very brave.

Hi Engels, I definitely recognise your name - it could well be from the overseas board as I think you must have joined the thread after I stopped posting. Sorry to hear you've had a poorly DS too, but glad he's on the mend now as well. Completely agree about Christmas cards - I just don't see the point in "to x, from y" ones and always try to write at least a couple of sentences in them.

Toffee Ooh, a new dress, how exciting! And it sounds like you have a very good excuse for buying one. Where did you get it from? (Am in two minds about whether to ask as I have banned myself from even looking at clothes websites for the time being. I also blame you for introducing me to Whitestuff. )

Am finally sitting down with a - I feel like I've been rushing round all afternoon, picking up DS, taking DS to friend's, coming back home to collect his scout bag and taking it back to friend's as they've offered to drop him off at scouts as it's only a few minutes from where they live. The afternoons have suddenly got ridiculously busy, with scouts x3 (all on different days), music school x3 (ditto - DD2 has to go for separate theory classes now in preparation for her intermediate exam next year), Red Cross club once a fortnight, and now first communion classes too. Plus plenty of homework and revision to stop us getting bored in between. Sometimes I feel almost grateful that the DC are all home by lunchtime; I wonder how we'd fit everything in otherwise.

I was thinking of a memorative nc

Linzer - it's this dress. Had to put it on my credit card .

Wow, that's gorgeous Toffee; it looks like it would be really flattering too. Are you planning a big party? (And look on the bright side - at least you have a credit card! My bank won't let me have one as I don't earn enough. And without a credit card, you can't buy anything online here. Luckily I know DH's credit card number off by heart. )

LINKS FOR THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER

Babystep 18 is to read the 11 commandments which aren't too cheesy

Thursday is Errands day

This week we are in Zone 3:The Kitchen

Today's mission is to shine the bathroom sink, and to Stash & Dash recyclables/rubbish again for 5 minutes.

The Launch Pad is here

Christmas Mission 14 is to finish off the wrapping.

Crap, just lost really long post. But all well at school! Spoke to Deputy Head, she did an investigation and rang me back this afternoon. Boy has been sanctioned and he is being kept an eye on. New teacher aware of what's happened.

Dd went to after school party and has had a great day at school.

Bitchy running January thread is genius. Mwah ha ha

Toffee very classy dress. hope your heating is fixed soon.

SC Wow! And I complain about the end of term madness here!

Toffee - lovely dress :)

Glad all well at school, Goth

Get well soon to your DS, Engels

I got the work done that I wanted to do today, which was the main goal. Have also done baking and cake decorating with the boys, been to Zumba and wrapped a few presents. Just got everything out and looked at it, and realised that I may have gone a little nuts on the stocking filler front. That's the trouble with buying little bits here and there because they're on special offer!

Thank you for compliments about the dress. I haven't had a birthday party since I was 18, so I'm a bit apprehensive, to say the least. But I've decided I'll regret it if I don't do it. It's not till January, so I have Christmas to get through first.

Linzer - It won't be a big party, no: just DH, my friends who live locally, neighbours, my best friend - oh, and my Mum who has invited herself . But there is always the possibility that no one will turn up .

Goth - Glad the school have taken the matter seriously and taken action. And great to hear that DD had a happy day at school today.

Blue - your lucky boys, having nice fat stockings this year .

No sign of the heating engineer today, so we are still without heat or hot water. My main concern is my hair, which badly needs washing now. Am hoping tomorrow's the day the engineer turns up with the spare part.

Managed some decluttering in the kitchen today and shifted a load of Lego and paraphenalia. I can actually see the worktop again .

Also braved the Post Office queue to post parcels for work and get some more stamps.

And posted more Xmas cards. Am nearly done.

DS1 had a good lesson with his teacher. DS2 is on holiday and spent most of the day watching telly or playing Minecraft , apart from a walk into town with me this afternoon.

Goth Glad that the school are on top of things. Although not entirely sure what you mean by the mwah ha ha?

Linzer Sounds like you are really busy and slightly impressed with the card no memorising Hope you have chance to enjoy the festive period.

SC OMG woman, you don't bloody do things by half. Glad you have finally got a plan for your health issues. But will you just bloody find some time to put your feet up and let your body do what it needs to do to get better.

Toffee nice dress. looks very swish and posh.

Ds is away, meeting has been done, some baking has been done. I have a whole heap of paperwork from this evening's meeting to do tomo. Laundry, baking, tidying etc etc etc and then the small matter of an evening out. I am still feeling incredibly grumpy and totally unsociable. I don't want to go out tomo. I don't want to be nice to people. I don't want to make an effort and dress up. And I don't want to be out in the evening. Unfortunately it is not optional so I am going to continue being grumpy until said even is over and then until the weekend when I can acceptably shut myself in the house and not speak to anyone!

Done
Beds
Packed lunch
Ironing
Dry laundry away
Fresh laundry on
5 min tidy

To do
Post cards
Buy more stamps
Post more cards
Bake something for DD's tracher's surprise party
Make tablet
Drop toys off at MSP's office*
Buy correct sized cake board*
Get vegetables*
Deliver Art Village magazines*
Knit some baby leg warmers (my first commission)
Drop off leg warmers & snowflake bunting at Handmade Gallery
Put cheques into bank.

• all weather dependant. Depends how wet I want to get They all need to be done by tomorrow, it's pissing it down atm, forecast the same for tomorrow.

Good morning! Arrrrrrgggghhhhh!!!

Thank you Bitchy not feeling too good tbh. Only made it to half of concert last night. This morning lying on sofa, getting up and wrapping a present, lying on sofa, wrapping another present. Guests arrive tomorrow and I just don't seem to have any get up and go.

DD absolutely shattered. (Although received very conciliatory and friendly phone call from teacher so situation over extra class happly resolved.) DD sang her solo really well (which was really well done given the day she had had). She ate a pancake and then fell asleep in her clothes when we got back.

Dh (thankfully) is recovering!

Hope you get through the evening OK Bitchy. Totally 'get' how you feel. Just the thought of having to go out and get gussied up and be sociable atm is a huge strain!! HOpe you enjoy it once you get there though x And good that ds is better and safely delivered as it were.

Toffee darlin' you will look absolutely beautiful in that dress! It is stunning! That particular dark green is one of my favourite colours! And don't worry we' all come to your party Sorry to hear plumbing situation still on-going.

Blue I can't tell you how in awe I am when I read your posts and in between the present wrapping and Christmas shopping I see 'Zumba' and 'swimming'. Really admiring of the self-discipline that takes.

Goth glad the school gave the incident their full attention and boy has been reprimanded; also that deputy head involved.

Crikey Linzer school may stop at mid-day where you are, but the afternoon logistics sound exhausting!!

Big waves to everyone.

Had better get on ... .

Bitchy Do you think you might enjoy your evening out once you're actually there? I rarely feel like going out in the evening but once I'm out of the house, it's fine. (Until the next day, when I really suffer if I'm in bed much later than 10pm the night before. )

Toffee Fingers crossed for you that the engineer turns up today. Well done on the decluttering; I've been lurking on the Marie Kondo thread and was feeling quite inspired for a couple of days weeks, but there's just been so much else going on lately that I've lapsed somewhat.

Blue I have the opposite problem with our stockings; I don't think I've bought a thing as I don't enjoy shopping here at all and can never find anything reasonably priced. Luckily DH has picked up a few bits and pieces, but I'm not sure it's enough. I'm not sure we have enough stockings either...

Goth Glad to hear school are dealing with the matter and that DD had a good day.

It's still quite mild here so no chance of snow before Christmas, I don't think - I'm relieved, but DD2 was supposed to be going skiing with her class next Tuesday and the trip has just been cancelled due to lack of snow, so she's quite disappointed. Must admit I'm slightly relieved about that too though; we could really do without any broken bones etc. a few days before we fly back to the UK!

Forgot to say Engels (knew I had missed someone out!!)
That is so awful about ds and having to cope with a temp of above 40°c for 2 days. Not the sort of stress you all need so close to birth!! Glad that he is feeling better now and that you are catching up on sleep.

How exciting about bump dropping!!!!!!

And well done to your ds (and yourself) at managing to potty train as well as prepare for new baby and Christmas at the same time!! No mean feat!

Hope yoru ds enjoyed his birthday Greymalkin

(Have just crawled down to the chemist and back and spent Euros 132 on pills for various ailments )

Lucky I stuck to my present budget this year although tree not included.) It's arriving this afternoon and nowhere near ready for it. I need to find a place for an entire Playmobil village to go, before it can take up residence ... .

Feeling a bit better now (and hungry) so going to risk a cracker. There has been a problem with logistics over here in terms of food deliveries because of general strikes. There are no cream crackers or jars of Marmite to be found ... (default fodder for dicky tum). Hopefully my visitors can bring some with them.

Keep going fledglings!!

Thanks SC. I love Zumba though - it really shakes out all the cobwebs after a day in front of the computer! And I'm just rediscovering swimming after the boys won me a 10-day gym pass in a Children in Need thing. I used to go regularly, but stopped when DS1 came along.

Hope you feel better today -

Thank you Blue - great about the gym pass!! Are you going to continue it? I've been thinking about joining one in the NY but I think I prefer exercising out doors - might buy a dog!

Bit better today and I am assured that another combo of pills might help.

Ahhh, shame about the snow and the trip Linzer - milder here too currently - but know what you mean about travel being stressful enough at this time of year.

Right, I must turn off the computer and go and attend to a hundred urgent things .... .

Done
last Home ed park meetup before Christmas - and before that we went to Westfield, did some last minute shopping for my BIL and nephews, dropped it off at Grandma's, who is off to Lanzarote and was there unexpectedly (our family is rather dysfunctional and no-one is quite where you think they are going to be at any one time)

So lots of exercise and more groceries bought

Then a disastrous Beavers Carol concert/nativity - well everything went well except ME! (for some reason I am meant to lead the carols but I couldn't remember the tune for Go Tell it on the Mountain and had lost my top notes anyway - luckily another mum stepped in It was excrutiating to be standing there in front of all those parents and singing either flat or the wrong tune.

House still a mess and ds2 still not entertaining himself [grrrr] except by computer watching so we are back to playing chess and talking to him or taking him out at all times This clashes totally with Christmas shopping - as he doesn't do trailing round shops for long.

Christmas present crisis continue because no-one is actually going to be around at Christmas (relatives I mean). I still have loads to organise and I don't really feel I will get on top of it - cannot decide whether better to wait till I see them and deliver in person or go for a present sent efficiently by post..(which always drives me into a frenzy of exasperation and last minute misuse of time)

Carol Concert at ds1 school this evening and a Bookclub meetup clash. need to find a babysitter for the twins. And read the Book.

Swan I'm sorry, but I had to cackle just a bit at that! I'm sorry it was for you, but 'Go tell it on the mountain' is a falsely jolly travesty of a hymn anyway (imo!) so your inner consciousness was obviously doing you a huge favour!!!

Just trying to recall the 'alternative' lyrics we made up at school to that tune in fact ... .

And if it's any consolation, our house has just exploded over the weekend... To say it is a mess is an understatement. And have similar dithery flustered issues over whether to send presents now (poss a bit late) or keep until visit so feel your pain!!

Think Grandma has the right idea ... quite fancy Lanzerote right now ....

Oh, poor Swan ((hugs)). Never mind.

SC - thank you for saying that about the dress. Must just remember not to eat too much Xmas food in the run up to the party (Spanx knickers can only help so much ).

Difficult night, as DS1 felt ill and wanted me to stay with him and couldn't sleep till 2.30 - and then DS2 woke up at 6.30 - argh! Managed to catch up on some sleep late morning, but now feel all wrong. And there's still no sign of the plumber (have phoned again) and it's freezing.

About to try and wash my hair using a kettleful of hot water .

Battery on computer is running out, so just to everyone else...

Good luck with the hair washing, Toffee!

swan I had to laugh at "reading the book" being on your to-do list - not that I've ever gone to my book club not having finished the book. Oh no, not me.

SC Glad you're starting to feel better, but at €132 on pills! I hope they work instantly and miraculously at that price. Also hope you suffered no ill effects from the cream cracker!

Blue I tried Zumba once and decided I just don't have the coordination for it - could have done just arms or just legs, but not both together!

Just about to take DD2 to her best friend's... her father died suddenly just over a week ago, which was an awful shock. Spoke to her mum earlier, who was in quite a state as she'd just been to choose a coffin. She has no idea how she's going to get through the funeral. It's all incredibly sad and I just wish I could do more to help.

Just to cheer you up Swan here's the infamous clip of John Redwood not singing the Welsh national anthem Always makes me laugh!!

Toffee you are beautifully slim (judging from photos posted previously) and you will look gorgeous in it! Eat the I say!

Sorry the hot water is still not back on. Not a good combo with sleep deprivation. Hope your ds1 is OK.

I know, I know, I shouldn't be on here ...