Fledglings flying into the Roaring Twenties! January 2020 Flylady thread, all welcome.

[LaneBoy]

Welcome to the first Flylady thread of the decade! This is a friendly ongoing thread where we follow (loosely. In some cases, very loosely. ) the Flylady method for sorting out our homes and lives!

Newbies are always welcome here! It’s a long running thread so please don’t worry if we appear cliquey. There’s a lot of chatter and support for all sorts of things, alongside the housework stuff.

Over recent months we have agreed that big lists of daily links aren’t necessary - on a daily basis I will post (if I remember... it is maybe 18 months since I last hosted so please forgive any screw ups ) a link to the launch pad, which is where you can access the information for that day - babysteps, missions, daily focus etc. But if you’re confused about anything, please ask!

Check out the website too - but we suggest not signing up for the millions of emails.

Information on getting started here.

The great thing about Flylady is that you jump in where you are. Everything you do is progress. Don’t worry about not “keeping up”. Any achievement, however small, means progress.

Anyway, huge thank you to Stressy for running our very busy December thread!

And... HAPPY NEW YEAR FLEDGLINGS!!!

Lane Quite common to pick up any coughs / colds / bugs going when first starting nursery although good she seems to have perked up! Is she doing 5 mornings?

So yesterday in DC4s room i .....
▪️stripped the bed
▪️remade the bed
▪️sorted the bedding box putting 2 sets and some baby bits in a charity bag
▪️took any toys not belonging to him back to the owners roo
▪️decluttered his chest of drawers, some bits for the bin and others put away for dc5
▪️fixed a drawer that had lost its arse
▪️put away any toys left out
▪️tried to make the road rug stay where its meant to be, failed and gave up

Going to try and finish in there this morning and then start dds room which is a hell hole and will take atleast 1.5 days

Ta da today

▪️school run and shit
▪️nipped shop for couple of bits
▪️walked around til dc5 asleep in pram
▪️checked emails
▪️checked Indeed for jobs, no new suitable ones

Oh bless him We3 how kind and thoughtful especially to wash up afterwards.

That yes it brought it back to me when we were doing our project and the baby became more mobile. There were lots of pairs of hands to hold her for a few minutes though. She is really mobile now.

Willow thinking of you.

Isn’t it strange that lots of us have partners that are only children. I wonder if that explains why most of it falls on us. As the eldest in our family I always had chores and helped with babies either at home or my aunties. Aunty had kennels so walked dogs cleaned, fed and hosed yards, groomed and played with puppies too.

Have a lot of appointments today.

Plan
Two drawers in boudoir and hopefully vacuum dust bunnies under the bed.
Clean shelves in bathroom.
Buy fish. We normally have it on Tuesdays but DH hasn’t cottoned on to this yet. Might be M&S as I will be in town and we don’t have a fish shop in town centre. The only one is on the industrial estate quite a way from town and even further from where we live.

If I get those things done and the appointments then I will be pleased. Some will drag up emotional stuff so being kind to myself. Anything extra will be a bonus.

I am an only but with step-siblings. My DH is one of four, and that's a big factor in us only have one child ourselves! He was adamant that he didn't want more than one child!

Willow I do live near Gloucester/Cheltenham so if you need any help on the ground that I can provide then let me know. I know what you mean about the handwriting!

I'd better wash before I go out today, will waterproof the finger before I do as the wound hasn't settled down quite as much as I was hoping.

Catch you later!

We are both 1 of 3 dc. Although my siblings are half siblings who i have never spent much time with. I was kind of raised as an only without being an only!

My DH is one of four, I'm one of two. To be honest I don't really remember discussing in advance how many we wanted, neither of us had any real fixed preferences I don't think. We had one, agreed to have another and that was that, we never discussed the possibility of a third but I would not have been keen. I love having two.

Sorry you collapsed last night Lane that sounds horrific. Take it steady today.

Genuinely lovely to hear about the sibling love on here!

I'm the youngest of four : it's great having older sisters ; mine are 68 and 64 yrs respectively and they are very inspiring in terms of their energy and the things they achieve! Ditto my db.

I very much wanted the same for DD who is an only ...but sadly my wretched uterus was only capable of hanging on to one. She's a good 'un though . We've put huge emphasis on sharing and participating and mucking in (which went quite well until adolescence struck ) and of course on getting a good education as she will only have herself to rely on.

Off to dentist in a bit. Dreading it as virtually phobic (too much fear and dental anaesthesia as a child) but needs must. A friend just told me that you don't retch if you focus on holding up a big bible or telephone directory in your hands ???? but reckon I would look a bit of a numpster testing that theory! Do you think they would mind if I took the "pupster sausage" to sit in my lap instead?

Willow

Must dash and brush the nashers for the third time today ... .

Get them registered as emotional support dogs sc :o
Actually the course leader said she would bring her little rescue dog in yesterday (after checking nobody was phobic/allergic obviously) but as it’s in a children’s centre she wasn’t allowed.

I got loads of dental work done just before my maternity exemption ran out and I’ve been too scared to go back. No excuse now as it will be free again. Argh. Must get DH to take the Caglets too!

Good luck with appts bower 💐

Yep that I think of it as freshers flu for nursery really! She’s only doing four mornings as we go to a lovely playgroup on Thursday mornings which we enjoy. Pretty much the only thing I do with her really.

ta da
✅rinsed swimming costume
✅set up Turing tumble (lots of snapping ball bearings into little ramp things which would make DS very impatient 😂) - hoping Cagletini naps when we get in from lunch so we can try it.

Going to have a super fast shower and then get the bus round to the appt I think. It’s walkable but I’m still a bit wobbly and it’s disgusting weather out there! I feel woefully unprepared for this, the appt came up very short notice.

The weather here is lovely! Cold obviously but bright blue sky! Feels like spring

Baby ds is still sleeping. The trick seems to be, get him to sleep on school run then bring home and leave pram in room with no lights / tv etc. Done this twice this week and he has had a lovely long nap. You would think by dc5 i would have gathered the dark and quiet is good for naps

Afternoon all! It’s freezing here, I’ve got the heater on and we brought the quilts into the living room!.

Ta Da:
Cleaned up house after school run
Made lunch
Picked up boys from nursery

To Do:
Clean up from lunch
Deep clean the bathroom
Go to play group
Cook tea

Sorry you collapsed Lane! Hope you’re feeling ok now and the appointments go ok. It must be overwhelming feeling you have to carry the family but it sounds like you and DH are a good team, and you can do it. Rant as much as you need to.

Willow

Aww We3 that’s so canny of your DS. The cleaning up afterwards is impressive!

That the drawer losing its arse made me chuckle.

I’m the oldest of 3 girls plus 3 step-sisters. I can’t imagine not having them all so I want that for DD. However, I’m trying to come round to the idea that DH might not change his mind, or it just might not happen, and there are definitely advantages to an only.

We had to get up and dressed early this morning as I was also at the dentist. It’s never really bothered me luckily. DD sat quietly in the corner colouring, until they started the scale and polish at which point she appeared at my feet asking “is it hurting mammy?” Had to mumble a “no”

Ta Das:
LOL (I like it!)
Quick whizz round Aldi and shopping half unpacked
Fridge cleaned
Made cupcakes with DD.
Cleaned up egg and icing sugar from kitchen floor and front of cupboard.
Some dishes washed
Dusted upstairs
Thorough bathroom clean
Monday’s binning bathroom crap mission complete
Dining table cleaned
DD fed (leftovers and cupcake)

To Do
Tidy DD’s room (I suspect without her help)
Vac upstairs and kitchen floor
Mop bathroom floor
Laundry in dryer
Wash rest of dishes from lunch / baking
Read through rest of missions again and do any relevant ones
Visit DGM

Frank I love quilts in the living room! It’s my guilty pleasure on a lazy Sunday.

willow
Lane sorry POTS is being pita
KT mumbling a no on scaling gives you a I am ultra phobic

SC I take a tissue and screw it up,then stretch it out in one hand whilst breathing as slow and deep as possible and focusing on counting breathe in for 7,hold for 3 out for 11...

That I never cottoned on tbh,as they slot in I never made effort to be quiet or change routines etcmight slept more had I try that,mins tended nap in transit of buggy...

Another slow start..
Tada
Wash on
Fed cats
Breakfasts for zoolets
Snacks for dd2 graze on whilst no eating lunch as such
Pick up more milk/bread
Wash on airer
More on
Sort a Waitrose card online
Ring referral assessment team - discovered g.p fail be anything but vague about dd2 anxiety hence we didn't get app with camhs.spoke camhs consultant who was very helpful.now armed what they need to know I email head learning asking her to do a referral with the specs they want to see evidence of

Oh and Frank bloody freezing here too.got fire on and little zoo curled up under a blanket on sofa

Sorry I didn’t read through this morning. Have only had a quick skim through now.

lane I hope you’re feeling better now❤️

willow thinking of you

kt you’d love it here, when the boys are in nursery me and the girls spend the morning under our quilts.

zoo It’s lovely being all warm and cosy. I hate the cold and the rain when I have to go out in it but I love it when we’re inside.

We’re just back from toddler group. I have to get dinner on, spag Bol tonight so quick a simple. DN and her LO’s are popping over so I’m going to give the house a quick clean before she comes.

Hi all sounds like nice productive days for the most part?!

Thank you for all the kindness I do feel a bit better now. Meeting with ed psych was quite helpful too, got a few nice ideas and although DS was totally bored sitting in the hallway we had a nice chat after about learning plans and stuff.

Lane our dogs cause you to need emotional support more like

Survived dentist - thanks you for the tips Zoo. Happily, I never need much doing. She said I have the teeth of a 20-yr-old (in terms of density). Shame the rest of the bod doesn't quite match! Good to hear your appt went ok too KTCluck! Nice to have a caring little 'un with you even if you don't need your hand holding!

Glad cahms consultant helpful too Zoo

Got home and then went straight back out again with dd to buy her some socks, tights and school trousers (de modèle imposé unfortunately) from dedicated shop. We and the assistant were all laughing because the cut of them is so awful. Heigh ho. At least they are warm. Just hope she will wear them now I've forked out for them.

Bought dinner on the way home from healthy take out place (rare treat) and as I missed lunch have just drunk a spinach, parsley, kale and cucumber juice which tasted like lawn cuttings.

Ta da:
dog walk
brushed the furries and brushed their teeth too
phoned sisters
emptied dw
dog walk
on-line banking
calendar dates
carried dirty laundry downstairs
carried clean laundry upstairs
folded towels and pants
dentist
clothes shopping for dd
bought dinner
helped dd learn ancient Greek vocab in French

To do:
hang up rest of laundry to dry
admin work
more laundry
phone aunt

Cleaner off sick so house starting to slip. Should do an hour in boudoir but ... tired ... .

Have a good evening everyone!

Lane glad ed psych was helpful. DD saw one for six or eight sessions when she was 9 yrs and she was immensely helpful.

You are right Bower I looked it up and fennel is a perenniel herb.

I'm another one who doesn't like the cold. It's 20°f (-6°c) here right now at 12:40pm! Brrrrr. We do have snow though so at least it's pretty, just not fun to drive in.

I have 4 older brothers, but only remember living with 2 of them. I was a surprise as their youngest was 8 when I was born! DH is middle child, has 1 bro, 1 sis. He was brought up to do more around the house than I was so got brought down to reality once I moved in with him. Vowed to never do that to my kids so they know how to do laundry, clean, cook (DD anyway, DS will learn soon, although has got his own breakfast for years now, since he was about 5, but that's just cereal).

Yesterday I handed in my notice and my last day will be next Friday. I'm scared but very excited to be starting a new job! I haven't done much flying, but still clean kitchen every night, dw on at the very least. Still fighting a cold, DC are the only ones not got it, thank God!

Ancient Greek vocab in French?! Wow.

Ugh I think I might be getting a cold. I will be gutted if I can’t manage playgroup tomorrow (never thought I’d say a toddler group would be one of the highlights of my week ) but dizziness is still quite bad.

ta da
✅logged into homework app and got annoyed at lack of actual info about homework 🤦‍♀️
✅prepped DD to ask form tutor (who is also maths teacher)
✅got her doing French
✅marked maths work for DS
✅useful chat with EP, discussed with DH after
✅dug out too small hoodie (present from FIL who seems to think he is 8...) for friend’s DS.

I don’t think there will be anything else useful this evening.

Hope you can get an early night and that you feel better tomorrow morning Lane!

I love a bit of snow Hazel no sign of it here this year so far; v exciting about the job!

Ta da cont'd/...
called aunt
hung up laundry
more laundry on
admin e-mails sent
ping supper served and cleared up (easy least)
kitchen sink polished

DD and dh are watching an action film together so I am tidying boudoir (slowly) while watching Kirsty & Phil

G'night all!

easy least? easy peasy!

It seems all appointments went well today for everyone.

Exciting about the new job Hazel

Hope you make it to the group tomorrow Lane

I did everything on the earlier to do list apart from mopping the bathroom floor, and the missions as they weren’t really relevant, I’m quite good at binning stuff I don’t need as I go. Wiping down the washing machine is one I need to do but as it’s Friday’s task I’ll leave it until then. I’ve cooked dinner, helped DH clear up, cleaned the hob and have prepped lunch and healthy snacks for work tomorrow. DH has tidied the living room and is now watching football and I’m about to sort some financial stuff out before retiring to the boudoir with my book. DD had an epic tantrum before bed. DH has never seen one as bad and didn’t have a clue what to do . Not sure she’s helped me in the DC2 stakes! She’s been asleep since 7 though thankfully.

Night fellow fledglings!

Lane, hope an early night helps and you feel better soon! Hazel, hurrah for snow and new jobs. SC good ta da list there. Chic, you will be my first port of call if I need someone "on the ground", so to speak. We lived in Cheltenham from when we were first married until DC3 was born, and it was lovely. Wing flaps to all!

Today's Ta Das
☑️Morning routine, slightly hampered by one of the hinges snapping on the loo seat in the main bathroom!
☑️Finished mucking out DS2's pit, including dusting the fan and the lego, cleaning the windows and doing a really thorough hoover.
☑️ Pretty much accidentally finished a home bleugh - hoovered, mopped, swept, dusted, polished and changed our bed
☑️ Got to Lidl with DS3, all shopping done and put away
☑️ Tea cooked, cleared up and DW on.
☑️ Two LOL done, dried and brought upstairs.

Suddenly so very, very tired now I'll be in bed shortly. Have eaten my own bodyweight in ginger biscuits this afternoon, but I don't think Dad would mind, they were his favourites, dipped in tea. Thank you all for flowers and thoughts, it gets easier starting Friday morning.

Lane i also get annoyed at lack of info / details we get for dc1s homework, i think it might just be a secondary school thing

Same hazel. When my DH moved in with me he was useless. I've made it my mission to train him up and make sure my dc go into the big wide world with some essential life skills.

Not too many Ta-da's for this afternoon
Washing in to dry
Quick tidy round
Dc bath and bed stories etc. Medicine and hot water bottle for eldest because he has an earache.
Then ordered Chinese for dinner. Two takeaways in 2 days must cook something tomorrow.
Dishes done
Lunches made

Now sat doing some maths work 😩

Downloaded the flylady app today. Hadn't even realised there was such a thing