The fledglings try something new for June

[DarkEvilMoon]

Hello, welcome back and jump on board for June.

As the thread title say we are mixing things up a bit this month, it might work. Then again it might not. It is still a long running thread and newbies will always be welcome. Usual disclaimer still applies "Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t! Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome"

But here is where this thread is mixing it up. No more daily links. The Big link you will need is the launch pad from here you can get the daily reminders/missions/zones etc...

The first link for the babysteps is the particularly waffly introduction to and first babystep here, through it you can get to all of the other links

Not sure this will work or the lack of daily posts will be a problem. So fingers crossed for a month of nattering and flying success...

I would have done but she was too hysterical Fizrim (and it took a while for the real situation to come to light and to then persuade her to go to school in the first place ifyswim - but you are right - she could in theory have done the entire work in the time it took to calm things down; which I might mention when she is calm and all of this is well and truly over - tis a good life lesson)

Sorry you are feeling below par - sounds as if you might be anaemic - aren't nosebleeds a possible symptom of that? Hope you start to feel better soon and can recommend Floradix if you find iron tablets difficult.

With regard to toys: dd and I (in theory!!) have a twice annual clear out; once before her birthday and once before Christmas (on the grounds that we won't be able to fit in any new ones if we don't!!). This argument has started to wear a bit thin however over the past two years now that presents tend to be of the smaller electronic, or jewellery, or clothing variety and we need to do a huge declutter of the 'old' childhood stuff [dabs corner of eye with hanky]

Sympathies with your stressful start to the morning too Swan (hope it is calmer now) and good luck with the paper work

Yes hope you get some repose today Grey

Hope you feel less drained today too Mercury

Hills sound lovely DEM

Toffee well done to your ds1 for getting to school despite feeling sick (boy I know how that feels) I really, really admire him for it.

And wrt to story writing with ds2, have you tried Rory's story cubes (Google)?

Enjoy your day off work Whoknows!

Must dash out - sweltering here - enjoy your afternoons everyone

Big waves to all!

SC - oh dear, that does sound like a terrible start to the day. Your DD is going to have to learn the hard way about this, I'm afraid. I remember endlessly procrastinating about stuff at school too and nothing much has changed and being in a terrible state when I realised we had a dress rehearsal for the school play that day and I still hadn't learnt my lines. I have no idea what I was thinking, but I suppose I learnt my lesson eventually.

Swan - yes, good idea about retelling an existing story. I think we'll have a look at 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', which he's read several times, and I'll get him to rewrite one of those chapters. I find it hard to relate to his dislike of storytelling because it was my absolute favourite lesson at school and I used to write so much at home, just for fun. I also used to rewrite existing stories from different characters' points of view. Good luck to your DS in his exam today.

Had a lovely, encouraging email from the school SENDCO yesterday, praising DS1 for his courage and determination and pointing out that most of the children were very anxious that day (as they all had assessments, including DS1). I showed it to him and he looked pleased. Have let him lie in this morning and he is very relieved he can just relax for the day.

DH has taken DS2 out to a local transport museum. I wanted a trip out, but have been to this museum before and once was enough. So am going to spend some time preparing for the job interview next week, as well as various other computer-related tasks. And the ironing pile is still waiting to be tackled.

Aye she is that Toffee just couldn't believe that she would do this with an exercise that will (next week when it's the real thing anyway) count towards her exams

I know I haven't quite got to the bottom of this properly though as she has strangely resistant to this exercise all along (unusual for her because she usually likes giving presentations). Will probably find out it is about something totally different than reluctance to do hwk, ie the boys were laughing at the way she pronounced a certain word or she's been asked to put in some statistics she doesn't understand and she daren't say, or some'at...

Anyway, sorry, have bored everyone on the subject long enough!

Very well done to your ds1 Toffee for his determination and I'm so glad that the professionals involved are encouraging and have acknowledged it too!

Just been out to run a quick errand and it is so hot, leaving the house is like stepping in to an oven. When did that happen??

For your viewing pleasure

Have died and gone to heaven looking at that photo DEM

[longs for green fields]

Ds is ranting about how homework is pointless and a waste of time. He is going to get a shock when he goes to high school. Tbf the weather is nice and a trip out into the hills again is rather appealing. But the homework needs to be done (he has had two weeks to do two comprehension exercises) and I have stuff I need to do around the house. I am open to negotiation but not if i am being screamed at.

Toffee a little bit of praise can go a very long way for self esteem! Well done ds1. The other thing you can do is the alternative ending to stories that ds2 knows so it is not a case of making up the plot just giving it a different ending which can be less daunting than starting a story from scratch.

SC sorry you got screamed at this morning, but well done on letting her learn the hard way. forgetful people really do sometimes need to learn by the hard consequences and hopefully this means that the presentation will be tip top for the exam.I suspect it is probably a preparation exercise for the exam to help them get the best mark and iron out things like this before it properly counts.

Fizrim stress (high blood pressure) and allergies can also cause nose bleeds so personally i would keep an eye on them and consider a trip to the doc if they are a regular occurrence. Hope you feel better soon.

re toys (sorry can scroll back far enough to check who asked without losing the post) there are 2 approaches: 1. chuck it out when the kids aren't looking or 2. Get the kids to help.
Ds' dad does approach 1, I do approach 2. Approach 1 means ds feels like his dad doesn't respect him or his stuff, approach 2 can get a bit loud and shouty but he eventually makes the decision and thus is happier about it long term. I think you need to know the kids involved. Ds is a hoarder and collector with an exceptional memory so he needs to be involved to resolve and prevent the hoarding and to prevent upset when he goes looking for stuff. Other children can do better with it being cleared out for them because they are more in the moment/less obsessive. But it is also dependant on the age involved.

Wrt to approach we have several key phrases:
It is a shame for that to sit in the loft and deteriate it is better for us to get rid of it and let someone else enjoy it as it was made to be enjoyed
if you get rid of x that you are not using, you can have space for y which you will use (works well for books ime)
if you see x you can have money to do y (eg, ds has a huge collection of wooden train thomas engines and wants to go to vennice really badly)
You have so much that we can't bring anything new into the house without getting rid of some of the stuff you don't use anymore

Also be prepared to negotiate so that they feel in control eg the wooden thomas engines are staying but he has thrown out broken toys, and is passing on some stuff he has grown out of. Don't be afraid to declutter in stages, it is less stressful for the kids to do so. Always start with broken (non negotiable), it does sometimes help to stop there, then move on to stuff the other stuff that is not played with/ grown out of. Also the shall we put it away as you don't play and if you want to you can ask but if you don't we will consider getting rid of approach here has worked well too.

But it is a tricky one and one of those parenting things where there is no right answer and you will have to try it to figure out the wrong ones for you and your family. But I will say that the one we use here does get loud and shouty but causes less upset for ds in the long run so it is not always about the easiest route. Good luck with how you decide to so it.

Ds seems to have eaten lunch and calmed down a bit so I am going to enter negotiations again.

I am totally spoilt, I know i should consider moving closer to the city as it would be more affordable but I do like the hills and being close enough to take a picnic after school. Although not those hills, those hills are a bit of a drive but totally worth it

DEM I am now on the other side of motherhood as it were and looking forward to grandchildren in 15 years so I am beginning to think I might just hang onto more toys collectors items than I thought I would

back from football to lovely tidy kitchen
ds1 back from GSCE endlessly repeating he thinks he got a C yes you silly boy I know you can only get a C (as it is foundation level paper) but teacher said if you did well in your practical you might get a B and tbh the whole thing is a bit of a damp squib - because if you had tried a bit harder you might be doing the Higher paper and I am not pleased with the school about that

Toffee how fantastic of school to send that supportive feedback. Also to remind ds that he is not alone in feeling scared.

done housework
three emails (that counts surely)
two loads of washing
shook out a big rug
washed two small throws
washed cat food bowls
cleaning lady washed downstairs floors
cleared hall table
drove a lot
small amount of exercise

got very ratty with ds2 this morning - feel very unsaintly atm. felt cross with him for not tidying his room and doing a few simple tasks. But decided after clearing my head in park for a bit that this really is not a good idea to harangue him. I just need to supervise him more when he is doing tasks and not expect him to do anything without PRESCENCE

That is the thing isn't it swan the balance between needed, space, wanted.

Ds needs a detailed to do list he can cross stuff off. Absolutely shattered 1 piece homework done and hills. 2nd piece started a little bit. In the process of making some home made pies but only have one pie ring so going to have to do one at a time. This might require a trip to lakeland

I have also just discovered that my filling does not make 2 pies but 4 I could be here a while otoh it does mean a lot of yumminess in the freezer Just wish I wasn't so tired.

Had another estate agent round today, but still no real decisions made. But posted off some books, which counts as a minor declutter, and got the boys to chose some rarely-played-with cuddly toys to go into storage...

Re toys, it helps here if we say that we are passing toys they've grown out of on to my friend's DD or the CM they used to go to - then they can see themselves as being generous rather than palming junk off on them!

swan I keep thinking about holding onto toys for hypothetical grandchildren, seeing how many of DH's, mine and step-sister's old toys are still around at relevant grandparents for the boys to play with. Possibly that way madness lies though!

Sorry to hear about the stressful morning, but glad the confirmation etc went well. Hope your DD got through the presentation OK in the end.

very quiet on here [snores gently]

Some minor improvements to today!

I cleaned the bath (deep cleaned it) and loo
I made ds2 do some Maths whilst the other two were at Drama (seeing as he never does any work before Friday football because I am too busy rushing around flapping about the cleaning lady)
Dh has decided he is always going to plan Sat lunches -so today we had
Salade Nicoise (in constituent parts as always )
Dh did a bit of gardening

Three children did Drama today so lots of driving, a bit of walking and peace and quiet now because everyone has had plenty of social life and exercise (at drama they do dancing too)

Dd is tidying her room now
Ds2 watching sport
Ds1 on his ipad

house still messy but I am going to treasure this relaxing feeling and not spoil it by rushing around. Although I do need to tidy my room again and remind it that last week it was pristine

Hello, I'm jumping in if that's ok and hopefully will stay for more than my usual couple of posts before dropping out. I started a new job a year ago working shifts and the housekeeping has gone from bad to worse...honestly looks horrific at the moment. Both DS's bedrooms have recently been decorated and our room is still full of all their stuff, there are unpacked bags from our week away at half term, dust and dog hair everywhere (have two of the monsters) and downstairs loo and bathroom are just beyond...

So, I need to get myself motivated, organised and sort out my life. Kids deserve better and shouldn't think the current state of the house is ok. I need a routine I can work around my shifts and not give up after one massive blitz. Sorry for the huge missive! Will be back later to report on this afternoons progress...

And once the steak and kidney pie is done on wednesday, the freezer will be fully stocked with I can't be arsed to cook/you have a 10minute turnabout to cook meals. I am feeling utterly exhausted and totally sick of the sight of the kitchen. Otoh most of the mess has been cleared up as I went, so it is not too bad mess wise unless you look at the floor which is an utter disaster zone

Waves to Maggie I am also a serial jumper in and outer, but I am hoping to last the month in June.

Yesterday was quite a productive but relaxed day. I meal planned and did the food shop, took my dad shopping, took dd to see a friend and her dd and started writing some end of year reports.

Our boiler broke down on Friday so we are having to go to my mums for showers this weekend. Someone is coming out to look at it tomorrow so my fingers are firmly crossed that everything will be back to normal tomorrow without too much expense.

To do today:
Strip beds, wash and remake
Clean bathroom
Dust and hoover throughout
Dd to swimming
Homework with dd and ds
At least 5 more reports.
Db and his gf over for dinner

Have a lovely relaxed Sunday everyone!

Morning fledglings!

We've just enjoyed a late leisurely retro breakfast of boiled eggs and soldiers looking out on to the garden, while the furry one bounced around on the lawn (his auburn coat looks beautiful against a background of green grass and white crab apple blossom ).

Out to concert in which friends were participating last night and maneouvred in to supper afterwards which was great but ended later than we would have liked given dd's heavy week next week, but she enjoyed it and had fun so perhaps not so bad after all. Early to bed tonight though as she looks pale and tired this morning.

Also dd was fantastically well behaved yesterday, obliging and kind and good humoured, and wrote nearly all of her thank you letters for last weekend in one fell swoop without complaining.

I let the house slide at the end of last week with so much going on (and frankly felt too tired to do much about it). So hoping to do a bit of serious sorting here and there today in between exam revision supervision. Dh off travelling again tonight so hopefully can be a bit more single-minded about the house this week.

Laundry room in particular chaos - heaps of unsorted ironing just thrown in a huge teetering pile all need sorting - dh and dd complaining they can't find anything! And all the guests bed linen in huge Mt Washmore configuration which you can barely squeeze past. Think I might cheat and send that out to be laundered or it will linger there too long.

And a bit like Swan, the boudoir (which had been kicked roughly in to submission before the visitors arrived) is now starting to fight back again!

Hello again to MaggieMcVitie, welcome back! Good luck with the new routines! Sounds like you have a lot on your plate and think you are being v. hard on yourself, shift work being so very draining. Your dc are lucky to have a lovely ma who works so hard on their behalf!

Hope the shower gets sorted soon Mercury! And that you are feeling less drained now the first week of school is behind you.

You too Fizrim hope you are feeling a bit better and have time to rest and recuperate properly this weekend

Glad all that driving and walking was rewarded with some calm time yesterday Swan. The thought of keeping toys for grandchildren hadn't occurred to me (going to dismiss it immediately or I will be tempted to keep everythng!!!) I really miss going in to 'proper' toy shops now dd is older, fortunately still have young godchildren to keep supplied though!

Well done for getting the house estate-agent-ready Blue; which is a major feat (even if you haven't made any final decisions as yet) good for you!!!

DEM Hope you enjoyed your Lakeland peruse (I usually fill my basket with 20 or so "must have" items, then wait five days and order 2!!)
Well done re: all that impressive baking and advance food planning (something else I need to get back to properly). And yes, you were right about dd's presentation, it was indeed a run-through scheduled to iron out pre-exam niggles ... .

...speaking of which... need to start ushering dd toward her hwk corner ... the ruddy pp presentation beckons yet again followed by maths revision ... .

Unwashed school uniform also signally frantically from the bathroom floor laundry.

Big waves to Whoknows Feetheart Toffee Honu Ellie
Goth Castle Engels shannara and eveyrone else I have inevitably missed!

Forgot to wish everyone a peaceful and leisurely Sunday (well as peaceful and leisurely as humanly poss!)

Thanks sc I am feeling much better now. It sounds like dd needed an evening of fun. Fingers crossed she is more willing to work on the presentation today.

So far I have washed all of the bedding and hung it out in the sunshine to dry, walked the dog with dd and a friend, relaxed with a book while dd swam and cleaned the bathroom. I how plan to do an hour of school work before hoovering and dusting.

Does anyone else sit down on a sunday working through what the next week's events, activity's and essential to do list and just go "wtaf was I thinking to end up with that week?!"

Yep, most weeks. DS is off on a residential tomorrow though, so once he's gone it makes for an easier week without his usual evening after school activities though. Busy packing at the moment.

Yes quite often DEM sometimes it is too manic.

I have spent the afternoon in the garden removing dog poo, cutting the grass and removing ivy and brambles. It is amazing how even an hour can make such a difference. I got some work done but no reports. However my db will be over soon and I think I have earnt a relaxing afternoon/ evening.

Just swooping in on to say hi. Still having a crap time.

Should be able to catch up properly tomorrow

xx

Thanks for the welcome backs sc and Mecury. Today has been unproductive but I did manage to Flylady the camper van whilst out for the day! DH was taking part in a cycle event in Swansea so we were up at 5 to travel down. Peeled the boys from their beds at 5.30, shovelled some cereal down them and we made it with an hour to spare for registering and last minute checks. Once he'd gone we headed back to the van as DS1 had brought his homework to do, DS2 settled down with a puzzle book and I ended up spring cleaning the van!! Everything came out, I found some wipes and did all the cupboards, swept it out and even cleaned the fridge. So house is still horrendous but the van is much better...oh and DH raised nearly £300 for Macmillan!

Oh, the house is only ready for agents to value and chat about, SC, not to put on the market yet, or take photographs! Still boxes everywhere!!

Today I have mostly been painting woodwork and trying not to go spare every time the boys walked into the paint. I have also walked into the paint several times myself . Friend came round and we palmed off a few toys and books onto her and her DD, and I gave a huge stash of German books to another friend at church this morning.

House-wise, we've seen a house, which is potentially marvellous, but needs everything doing... DH seems to be talking himself around to going for it, but I'm quite scared by the idea! I know its feasible, because other people manage it...

Hi to Maggie - well done to your DH on the fundraising!

Take care, Grey

Morning all! The objective today is to get back to some proper Flying and meal planning and cooking and to restore order in the laundry department.

To do:
iron uniform
iron my clothes for today
make packed lunch
school run
morning routine inc animals, dw, wm, s&s, dining room table hot spots
general tidy up + home bleugh downstairs including thorough kitchen clean
sort laundry and start
sort linen to go to outside laundry
start doing x 15 mins in boudoir
packages
sort on-line payment and banking

Still it's the first step Blue! I shouldn't comment on moving in to houses that are still unrenovated 12 yrs later [SC whistles, tries to look nonchalant and fails].

Well done on the van cleaning and on your dh's fund-raising Maggie!

to Greymalkin and

Hope your ds enjoys his trip Whoknows!

Well done re your productive Sunday Mercury!

And wishing you 'courage' for your busy week ahead DEM

Big wing flaps to everyone else!

Have a good week everyone!