Festive fledglings flying through December - the Flylady thread

[TooStressyTooMessy]

Welcome to the December (dare I say the Christmas?!) Flylady thread. This is a really lovely thread where we loosely follow the Flylady system (see the Flylady website ) in the hope of having organised homes and lives.

Every day I will post a link to the launchpad which has everything you need for that day if you do want to follow the system strictly. Plenty of options to follow the system more loosely as well :).

Please do familiarise yourself with the Flylady website, especially if you are new. The Flylady is (understandably) keen that people do look at the website.

On the website there is information for beginners. You can also sign up to the Flylady emails but we would advise not to as there are hundreds of them.

We post our achievements (ta das) and our to do lists and any other general chatter about life / flying.

Information on getting started: www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/

The launch pad is also a good starting place:www.flylady.net/c/lp.php

Fly stands for Finally Loving Yourself. The general idea is that short bursts of tidying / organisation are more achievable than marathon efforts. Flylady advises 15 minute bursts is effort but you can tweak this to fit your own circumstances.

Be kind to yourselves, jump in where you are and be careful not to crash and burn!

Any newbies are very welcome .

**
Flylady also does Christmas missions which I will link to each day. They are really useful and nearer the time she does super missions which help you if you have not managed the regular missions. They are just there to help and as Flylady says... do not worry as you do not need to catch up, just jump in where you are .

Link to the holiday cruising is

here

December’s habit is usually [[http://www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/december/
pampering yourself]] which is much needed this busy time of year. This can be as simple as taking two minutes to have a cup of tea, if long pampering sessions are unachievable.

The website will update to the December missions etc in the next few days so I will link it again if it is different.

*
A daily summary (which should update automatically every day) is available on the Flylady website at flight plan here.

The link to the current zone and missions is [[http://www.flylady.net/c/sp.php#missions here].

Re. zones, do what works for you. I don’t always stick to the zones myself and do what works best at the time!

daily focus

missions for the week

Flykids mission

beginner babysteps.

The best place to look for an overall summary is the launch pad.

Happy flying everyone.

Please note that while there is lots of information on the website, from a security point of view we would advise caution with putting any personal details in or downloading anything.

Also a huge thank you to Ghoulette for the November thread.

Ah, Stressy, it must be a relief it's done and can be filed under "happy memory". Hope all ill people can have hot brandy-and-lemon (historic cold cure, must be good for you!) and all stressed DC calm down.

I've just popped back on to say I have Totally Had It with lego technic. I've spent 3.5 hrs disassembling and sorting parts into colours, my thumb and first finger on both hands are totally numb / agonisingly sore, and I'm still not finished. Going to give up for today and do some needlepoint. I found a beautiful kit in the charity shop on Friday for £5 - it still had the original price on the back, £60!!! Totally untouched and I sorted the threads last night and put it on the embroidery frame (which I could find cos of Flylady), so I can get going now. Christmas can temporarily go hang!

Wow that is some good Lego sorting Willow .

Smug post coming... feel free to skip over.

Both DDs kicked off while trying to watch a film altogether. Fighting, getting in each other’s faces etc. Warned multiple by both DH and I to stop or film would go off and bedtime. Didn’t stop so film went off and both now in bed.

Initially I felt guilty as I know of course that it is because they have behaved so well all day (probably also feeling some of our stress) and now can let it all out and am so grateful they kept their misbehaving until my parents gone! So wanted to be all nice, let them get away with it.

Then thought, no. They might be testing to see if the boundaries are still there. Or if not doing that, they still need to know that there are boundaries. So have stood firm and ignored the guilt.

Normal service will now resume where I doubt and second guess myself I am sure.

Oh that's fab Toostressy so glad it went well and you've had a much deserved relaxing evening!

Thank you Zoo and glad your family visit went ok too! Hope doc can help your dd2. Hope her exam goes ok tomorrow and good luck to you both for the morning.

I've flamethrower has been serviced and is at the ready!

A lovely night was had at the Christmas party, but despite being fairly sensible on the wine front and tucked up in bed by midnight, the day has, as predicted, been a lazy flying-free one. I had to get up and walk to retrieve the car and then pick DD up by 9:30. Walk to the shop for fry up supplies, at which point DH took over and I took up my position on the sofa. Thankfully my Dad called in and took DD to the park, and then she was satisfied with a lazy day otherwise.

Ta Das:
Panic wash and dry of DH’s work clothes
Presents wrapped and handed to Dad to distribute
Books flung onto new storage unit to clear DD’s bed
Patience successfully clung on to during half an hour of unreasonable toddler demands and meltdowns before DH took her up to bed (I think that is my best achievement of the day. I was the calm caring mummy I aspire to be - must be the after affects of the wine.)
Occasional 1 minute bursts of tidying.

The house is still looking chaotic and the day’s dishes can wait until morning, but I do feel that thanks to being reasonably on top of things due to flylady and you lovely lot I’ve got away with a lazy day and it shouldn’t take too much catching up tomorrow.

Ive I’m sorry you’ve been so poorly and you’ve had so little support. Hope you’re well on the mend. Don’t try to push yourself too hard and concentrate on a Christmas that makes you and the kids happy.

SC sorry you’ve been feeling low too. It’s all just relentless at this time of year isn’t it. Glad you had some nice emails to cheer you up.

Zoo well done to your DS, and the table looks lovely. Massive list of achievements!

Stressy I’m so pleased the day went well and was actually enjoyable!

Willow sounds like your well on top of the flying.

Wing flaps to Expletive,Foxes, Hazel, Laputa, Bower, Chic, Tinsel, Castle, and Marvellous and apologies to anyone I’ve missed.

How is it the final week before Christmas .

Oh and cross post Stressy, definitely deserved . It’s not often we feel we got a bit of parenting right is it, so I think a smug post is allowed (see above )

X post Willow a bit of calming needlepoint sounds very attractive right now! A great chazza bargain too!

Toostressy I think a bit of doubt and second guessing is far preferable to over-confident "my way or the high way" parenting! Doubting/second-guessing after all is just another way of describing "thinking things through and making readjustments for next time" - just like you did this evening! All good!

Parenting also awarded to you KT!

Wise words re. doubt SC

Launch pad

Christmas missions

‘We get there in the end ’

Toostressy So glad you had a reasonable day. DDs maybe just tired so bed the best place for them.You did the right thing.

I've pointy stick dipped in special flame oil ready for firing right up his arse. You've got five kids one being a new baby, been ill, getting Christmas ready and he behaves like an idiot. Just what you need...I don't think!

SC You sound like me. Friend who has been ill came to speak to me before Mass about school(she had heard) and I then shed tears all through. Then gave cards out and another lovely lady who I haven't seen for a while saw I was upset so had to give bones of it to her.She used to be Deputy Head so gave me some good advice about separating the two things. I came home a bit red eyed so DH asked what was the matter and when I told him he started swearing telling me to "Fucking forget about it!" This is one of the worst things that has ever happened in my life bar people dying and something he did ages ago.What is wrong with men! So I came in made a coffee and stuck some sugar and some brandy in it.It was so good I had another. I can recommend it. BF has been very teary too but her DH is a gem. He could do a bit more about the house sometimes but otherwise she rarely has a bad thing to say about him and her adores her. Her son is being a little shit at the moment though.He still lives at home because it is -cheaper- -free-

So I made eggs to go with fish cake and wrote rest of cards(I think) ready to post. Sorted some other stuff then went out to see Scrooge and had buffet. Chatted to lots of people I don't see at the moment. Mums from school like twenty plus years ago. We were all in PTA together and got on well. Good to catch up. Dh in bed at 9:35pm when I came back Hmm. Not really spoken since his outburst.So I tidied up a bit on dining table.Still covered but you can work out it is a table.I am doing tree tomorrow as have to wait in for builder, phone call and wine delivery.So once up I can put presents off table and under tree and put all card making stuff away.
Willow that was a bargain. What sort do you do as I might have one if i can find it. I can do the needle point wool ones but no longer cross stitch as it is too small for my eyes. What is it of?
I found a pattern I bought about ten years ago for a crochet blanket that I bought when I went home to see mum once.I have lost the pattern, lost the wool , not enough time. Now I have the time in January and I know where the wool is because I have semi tidied the craft room (of doom) and now i have found the pattern in a very safe place.
Right off to bed because I need to be up earlier.Easier using this computer instead of ipad.
Looks out for zoo as she gets up and i get up for wee break and go back to bed.Good luck tomorrow everyone. Off to look at my shiny sink.

Oh great it is the bathroom. I usually manage to keep this fairly tidy. Have to put DH's shower gel away but rest not bad.Bin needs emptying will use toilet inners to light fire.
Christmas Mission baking.I am two cakes behind and might make GP some shortbread. Might need to go test Plum Rum before bed.

I can't sleep (again) so have got up to do something useful. I will be around more this week and will catch up later!

zoo I love DS artwork!
bower well done for being so organised, sand homemade cards too!!
TooStressy I'm glad your DPs had a good visit.

Shambly and Ive I'm sorry you're dealing with useless DHs!! Sounds like they both need a kick up the arse!

So I was trying to respond to everyone, but I'm half asleep 10:50pm here right now. So sorry to everyone I didn't say anything to, like laputa chic SC and anyone else (I know I missed plenty) so hello to all of you!

I ended up working later than scheduled last night, but I didn't stress over making dinner like I usually do. In-laws come over every other weekend for dinner, we get along really well. I didn't clean up the kitchen last night, but did it this morning.

I found between 20 and 30 mugs and water bottles that we haven't used for years, so they got boxed up and will be taken to the charity shop. I'm not exaggerating on the amounts either, I was wondering why I couldn't fit some cups in the cupboard (ones we use all the time).

After working 6 1/2 hours today we went out for dinner (something we haven't done in a long time) and I made the rest of my caramels and cashew clusters. I'll package them up tomorrow. I have a lot more I plan on making, but not going to worry if I don't get them all done. No-one else will know what I had planned on giving!

I took Monday and Tuesday off work to get Christmas stuff done. DH decided to do the same, so it'll be harder to get his gifts ready. Tuesday I have a job interview, changing careers hopefully, so we'll see how that goes.

Morning all! Good luck with Christmas prep and the interview this week, Hazel - what career are you hoping to change to?

I'VE, SC, Bower, sorry various OHs are being unsupportive. I think it must be the time of year. My usually lovely and engaged DH spent yesterday afternoon parked on the sofa with the DC WhatsApping me drinks orders less than 30 feet away in the kitchen! I will confess to ignoring them after a while. I was busy too (lego! and cooking dinner) and I'm not actually a domestic appliance. He has use of his legs.

Taking a slow start today as everyone except DS2 has finished for Christmas.

To Dos

• morning routine
• meet friend for Christmas coffee this morning and pass over gifts and cards for her family and another friend she's seeing later in the week
• post Christmas parcel to another friend
• post last Christmas card!
• wrap last gifts because I just want it out of the way
• more lego! (mutter)
• charity shop / tip run
• last holiday homework for DS3
• dispatch DS1 to driving lesson
• meet a different friend to talk homeschooling / EHCP stuff this afternoon (will be awash with coffee by 5pm!)
• Latin lesson for DD
• DS1's certificate evening / prizegiving
• try to hoover house without the dog attacking the hoover
• marzipan the Christmas cake

I won't get them all done, but it's good to have a list.

Bower, my lovely new needlepoint is a Christmas stocking with an angel on - lots of rich colours. It's years since I've done any, I usually cross-stitch, so I keep having to remind myself to use tent stitch, which looks like an awful waste of thread to me! I do find it very calming, though, having to think about it a stitch at a time. I'm going to try to make 30 minutes each evening to do some.

Right, must get on, first coffee meeting at 9am and I'm still in my pyjamas!

Morning all!

After posting last night I decided that future me would probably appreciate waking up to the dishes done and sink shining so I got up and did it. Took 10 mins. It was silly to think about putting it off but I am definitely a procrastinator.

Ta Das:
DD dropped off at nursery with a few extra cards written.
Living room tidied
Bread and pain au chocolate purchased

Currently sitting with a cuppa and breakfast planning my day.

To Do:
15 mins upstairs tidy
Load of washing
Write list of final Xmas presents to buy
Go and buy said presents. Everything.
Homeblessing
Mission
Curtains fixed (few hooks have come out thanks to the cats, I don’t think there’s a curtain in the house that’s currently right)
Sit with a mince pie and baileys wrapping all presents, writing all cards and watching crap Christmas film.
Prep dinner.

I’m feeling optimistic but I’ll have to get moving shortly. I have until 5pm.

Bower how unsympathetic of your DH! Do you think he struggles to know what to say when you’re unhappy? I know my DH does. I’m generally pretty happy and plod on so if I’m feeling low or something has happened he’s a bit like a rabbit in the headlights and is not good at cheering me up. It’s pretty simple really - usually all we need is a hug and / or a sympathetic ear! No excuse to swear at you though, and I hope he apologises.

Hazel I’m also off, thankfully DH free. Here’s to a productive few days! Good luck with the interview!

Good morning all!

KTCluck [waves to fellow procrastinator; I also build stuff up in my mind which subsequently takes 10 mins to actually do!] And snap (again!) no curtains in my house are right either (very high ceilings and I am not good at teetering on ladders; must way-lay a young, tall man who happens to be passing ... .).

KTCluck and Willow Good luck with your lists today!

KTCluck Bower Willow I've Zoo and everyone, thanks for all the sympathetic words re: unhelpful partners/husbands. To be fair to mine, he is very hands on, despite working long, stressful hours. He does loads of food shopping , cooking, dog-walking and running errands in car when he is not travelling. But isn't really bothered or doesn't notice anything around the house (honestly, it could be on fire and he wouldn't notice). He is rather too involved with everything (non-domestic), and quite a "big" (physically and in terms of personality) figure - totally independent of thought and action - trying to get him to conform to a team activity or do anything to plan or cooperate generally with someone else's plan is just a nightmare frankly and very stressful. Think of a bull-dozer on speed with a tornado in its wake . As for diy, he once tried to fix a dripping tap and lifted the whole sink off the wall so we pay other people to do that now or rather ... because he doesn't like the idea of other people doing it ... sigh... we don't... and yes, the tap still drips ... .

And YY to just wanting a dh or dp to say "don"t worry, you are doing fine, it will be ok" ; oh no that's far too emotionally literate! Mine always tries to fix everything instead (in the wrong way).

Still, I doubt I am totally delightful to live all of the time .. but men ... I agree...... honestly.... what makes them tick I do not know, even after a quarter of a century of marriage!

Bower my friend has a Stitchmaster product which is a light and a magnifying glass on a sort of frame; seems to work really well! I found this here from Hobbycraft also but I think there are better ones out there.

HungryHazelEyes well done with cupboard decluttering and good luck with interview tomorrow!

[strong brew to Chic]

Bower I never used to "leak" much before but now I blub at everything, yesterday it was hymns at church, a very tiny old lady pushing a shopping trolley, a small child smiling in a shop queue ... it's got to be hormones hasn't it? Glad folk at church and ex PA folk were supportive though, even if your dh wasn't! I agree that alcohol is the answer . I tried gin on Saturday for the first time in my life (I had honestly never, eve, had a glass before) and I have to say it went down very well indeed!

Toostressy I hope you are feel a bit more relaxed this morning!

I must get on. I have been for a long dog walk and put the dw and wms on and that's it this morning. The piano tuner is downstairs plink plink plink plink followed by plonk plink plonk plink and I am upstairs with the furries as the "puppy" tries to join in and howls

Onwards fledglings ... we will get there in the end ... [gulp]

Morning all. Another full week of school here. Everyone is exhausted, even my kids who do not tire easily. Really wish we could have 3 weeks off now and a week less in summer.

Anyway. Today I need to make some lists for Christmas. I have so many thoughts running round in my head and need to try to get them into some sort of order!

Full week of school here too but i am VERY glad of this! I need the child free time!

Feeling slightly more healthy again today. Onwards and upwards.

Ta da

School run and shit
Wash on
Dryer on
Dry washing sorted
Some old craft stuff binned
Hob cleaned
Bottles washed and sterilised
One worktop clear and clean
Manky manky section of kitchen floor swept and mopped
Hall quick tidied

Absolutely Ive I know that for many it works out better for school to still be going.

Definitely feeling better thank you SC . And YY to you and KT to wanting someone to say your are doing fine’. Love that you enjoyed the !

Good luck with interview prep Hazel.

Good luck powering through the Lego Willow.

Thanks Bower, yes I think both DDs just tired now as such a very busy term and a busy week coming up plus our busy weekend.

Good luck with your last busy day today (if I have that right?!) Christmas.

Festive cherry waves to all.

Massive ta da:-
Got the turkey sorted .

I'm ready for school to finish basically so I don't have to do the school run for a bit! And I find it easier with dd at home too because she plays with ds , he gets a bit fed up on his own! I can understand why you'd want that extra time with the big ones at school though ive especially at the moment!

Dd finishes on weds actually so we haven't got long to go.

Ds had his nursery Xmas party this morning and while we were out dh has created a dust storm in the house he's busy getting on with new flooring etc, I'm very happy he can do this all himself of course but omg the mess. And ds is in dd bedroom until it's done which they think is great fun but I can't actually get in to ds room to get him clean pants which I don't think dh considered much 😂

I was chatting to dh yesterday about all the stuff I have to remember and he said he just doesn't really worry or over think stuff, I wish I could live like that men!

Thank you for the good luck TooStressy SC KT willow I've applied to the local county office to do paperwork in the recorders office, I'm a teller at a bank right now so would be a nice change. My friend works in the office in a different dept and she's convinced I'm getting it already!

To do list for today - do bulk shopping at Costco, as well as other small gifts. Make at least 3 varieties of truffles, wrap caramels made yesterday, package cashew clusters made yesterday. Wrap mountain of presents, laundry. Probably won't get all of it done today, but will make a dent for sure!

Part of me wants hols as like having zoolets around,but I'm no where near ready.ds birthday Wednesday too(14)so I'm impersonating headless chicken flapping around getting no where fast...

No gifts wrapped
Few bits food bought

Oh my goodness zoo It sounds like you really need a break to take care of yourself! Is there any way you can delegate your to-do list, at least for a couple of hours? You can't keep a candle burning at both ends.