February Flying for Fledglings, No More CHAOS here

[ExpletiveDelighted]

Welcome to February! This is a friendly ongoing thread where we follow (n 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.

Every day I will post a link to the Flylady 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.

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.

More info to follow.

This is my yarn stash, I keep it in the bottom of my wardrobe. 3 plastic storage tubs of my Woolly Hugs yarn (probably 30-40 colours) and a market bag full other yarns, plus bits and bobs.

pic

toostressy my dd is in year 1 and she gets homework per half term but they hand it in before the holidays and get more issued after the holidays which I like, but I still think they get too much as we have to do quite a big piece of work every weekend or we don't get through it all! What's wrong with a few spellings?!

Nice to see you sc!

We've had a busy day, with my parents this morning and gave them their scrapbook which they LOVED, I'm so so pleased! They said it must have taken me ages and I could see how touched they were glad it's done but it has made me feel very glowy and happy!

Then the dc had friends over to play this afternoon which was exhausting and messy! They didn't stop! They left at 4 and I spent an hour tidying up all the mess. Didn't even ask the dc to help, I know I should have but they were zonked in front of Horton hears a who so I left them to it.

Then it was time to cook dinner - sausages and mash tonight - dh is now supervising the dc finishing their dinner (it really does take them this long!!) I've given up , cleaned the kitchen a bit and now having a rest!

Phew. Tomorrow I'm working (from home) in the morning but other than that it's a quiet day. Although I am a bit concerned about the number of work emails I've had come through this afternoon

Sorry that was a huge post! Hope everyone is well!

My eldest two also have a lot of homework for over the holidays. I don't mind though it keeps them busy while I get on with things, it's different to the usual comprehension etc and they enjoy doing it. I also have no issue with sending them back with only some of it done if we don't get through it all. 8 year old wrote a story set in Anglo-Saxon times today. 906 words. It didn't need to be that long but he got really stuck into it and enjoyed it. 9 year old did a case study of an oil spill. 3 pages long with pics and he's done a fancy title etc, again he enjoyed it and it kept him busy. They've also done online reading and times table tasks and read (although they love reading and would anyway so not really homework) and DS2 has done his spellings. DS3 is only reception so he just gets his usual phonics homework which he's already done so it was just reading and SALT homework with him. DS1 has also made a t-shirt and a poster in the past few days for homework and is going to be making a collage tomorrow. We also have models to make when I get the things in.

For the books for older kids the library usually has a section which is not kids books but not quite adult books may be worth a look in there.

Today's ta-da's
✔️ breakfast
✔️ S&S
✔️ stripped DS1 bed and the mattress cover as he was sick through the night. He said he was asleep and didn't know until this morning but I can't quite work out how that would be possible 🤔
✔️ 2 x LOL
✔️ bathed, hair blow dried and straightened, make up
✔️lunch
✔️ dishes
✔️ hoovered whole house
✔️polished everywhere that didn't get done yesterday
✔️ mopped downstairs
✔️ cleaned all the windows/glass that didn't get done yesterday
✔️ tidied kitchen
✔️ changed all the beds
✔️ emptied all bins
✔️ made dinner which was a load of random stuff I found in the freezer as I desperately need shopping
✔️ bath bed DS3&4
✔️ make up off, moisturised and pj's on

I'm now snuggled under my blanket on the sofa watching How to get away with murder and about to do an online shop as I'm at work tomorrow so won't have a chance to go to the supermarket

Sounds like your primary age kids have more homework than my DD1 in year 8! She’s had a few terms to look up and define, and science revision. She still has a bit of French to do from when she was ill too.

I’ve also just realised she’s not had any English homework since starting there in December, that’s a bit weird .

Zoo ❤️ Sorry about how ill you’ve been. And that SS referral is a worry too. Any chance it would help though? Like giving extra support? I can’t remember if you do have a family support worker (from the Early Help team which is part of children’s services) - if not it would be worth considering. But actually if you do have a FSW already, then it’s unlikely an SS referral would get anywhere anyway because a FSW would escalate anyway if they felt it necessary. When I got referred to safeguarding by the hospital (when MH issues escalated) a social worker did make contact but then basically said well you’ve got FSW already so we can leave it.

Today’s been insanely shit.

ta da
✅bit more reading of ACEs stuff
✅drawing

Not the best start to getting stuff done.

I have come up with a plan though for - after goodness knows how many years on the fledgling threads - a control journal!!!

I have always felt that while I would like a book and pretty plans and stuff it wouldn’t really work for us as a family. DH isn’t a planner he’s a doer (just less now as he’s unwell). So I envisaged it sitting unused.

But I’ve been thinking about different tasks needing to be done weekly etc and now the meds are working (ish) I can actually manage a bit of routine.

So my plan is... a control wall! :o I’m going to print off a sheet for every day of the week and Blutak them to the wall (probably in our room for now). But I’m not going to put a load of stuff on them yet, we have agreed to only gradually add stuff and build up. So we have a few obvious things like bins going out on Tuesdays and in on Wednesdays, I want to go back to having specific days for food shopping too. I might put “print all DS’ work for the next week” on Saturday, “trim kids’ nails” on Tuesdays etc. And then add to it verrrrry slowly. DH is quite keen on the idea too :)

LOVE that idea Lane. Have a look at command centres on YouTube / Pinterest if you want some inspiration. Or it sounds as if you have it all sorted on your own.

Evening all,

Lane - sorry you've had a shit day, but like your control wall idea and not just keeping it to housework but other tasks too.

Great list today We3

Stressy - hope Build a Bear went OK.

Cineraria - great list from you too and good idea about putting crafting on the list, that's definitely in the Flylady category of Renew Your Spirit.

Zoo - hope you are feeling a bit better this evening. That's exactly what happened to us with EHCP, they do try it on. I think they do it because they know some families won't fight but remember that all important section of the Code of Practice 9.79 (the only bit I know the number for). I'm still waiting for ours to come back with DS's 6th form placement

Bower - we've got one of those potato bags from Lakeland too, I really like it.

Chic - remember we always have the pointy stick available for cases of missing motivation! or a cuppa and a chat

Willow - your hair sounds like mine, wavy but not curly. I go through phases of treating it as curly (no briushing, no blowdrying, no silicones) and then get fed up with it always looking a bit disevelled and go the other way with brushing, blowdrying and a few products. I'm currently using the FrizzEase Weightless Wonder shampoo and conditioner.

SC - well done to DD on the climbing. When my DS was about 9 his school took them all to the local climbing wall, I went along to help, he was petrified but did it, with the whole class chanting his name and urging him along, it was quite moving/traumatic/emotional. He has recently started going regularly and really enjoys it now.

Waves at everyone else, back with my tada list (short) and links

Tada!

Up and dressed, packed lunch made, left for work a bit early as major detour needed due to flooding.
Swish and swipe
Dishwasher rebooted
DD to swimming
Various emails answered
Boudoir still to do.
DCs rebooted laundry.

Tuesday

launchpad

Mission is to declutter the top self of your wardrobe.

The daily focus for Tuesday is Planning

The babystep for the 18th is to read the Flylady 11 Commandments

Oh yes think I forgot to say my hair is similar too, I love the waviness but the frizz drives me mad.

Hi sc nice to see you ❤️

We3 I was only ever sick three times in my entire childhood. Each time, I was asleep! Whereas now nausea wakes me early and has me panicking.

Oooh I would love a command centre. We did have something for clubs stuff for a while but I lapsed with it once DH stopped work as he was then doing the club runs anyway, and then when DSD moved in we needed the cupboard space anyway. We do plan to set it up again when she moves out.

DH put a shelf up near the front door which is useful - bit of a hotspot (like every other surface in the house) but it does at least keep things like keys, mail and diary, usually. Also we have a notice board by the door for letters.

I do dream of being organised one day.

Lane - I think it was you that started the hair chat. I don't really have any answers re frizz sadly.

That’s ok :o I have some ideas of things to try now. :)

Waiting for DH to get home. Bored. Tired. Sad. Blah.

Must try and do better tomorrow.

Hi, bit later than I meant.
So cosy in bed now.
Road closed signs up now. The road is still flooded and the car is still in the middle of it. I saw it last night( drove down to check and turn aroundsocar facing towards the road that is open) and DH this afternoon. He said there is a huge tree down too.it has been right across the road but someone has removed some of it. It was scarily windy last night and woke me quite a few times.
I can’t remember who asked Cineraria ? Maybe. Yes, we do have quite a lot of flooding here. Not too bad in the village just roads and fields turned into lakes and rivers. We have a narrow river that looks huge sometimes. The city has parts that flood and it has flooded a few properties. Other villages are worse. It is national news worthy at times. One of the farms floods as it is next to the river. I don’t think the house has flooded but the small site for tourers does from time to time. As they have tractors and land drovers they can get out easily. The lads ducks love it because then they have there very own pond. It is very green around here. The other way is about 20 minutes longer.
We live on top of the hill into the village so we are ok. Actually the whole village is here and just a few out lying ( 10 mins ) houses. Only one in any danger and it has been flooded a couple of times but just the garage and once a couple of inches. Not like my tutors house which it was half way up the second storey windows. It has been flooded again and the road is still closed. I bet now she is glad they moved last time. She loved that house though. In the summer it is gorgeous.

Sorry you’ve had a bad day Lane I hope tomorrow is better.
Foxes glad they could see how much work you had put into it and that it was such a success.
That David Williams was very popular with Year 4,5 and 6.my boys liked football stories and there was an author who was popular. I will try to remember. Otherwise DK eyewitness guides were design for boys. I met Peter Kindersley. I listened to his lecture first a very inspirational man.

ED My DD has a friend who is a professional climber. She has known him for years and he lived in the house with them for about three years. Ropes and stuff all over the place when you went in sometimes. DD goes bouldering with him and her DP goes and does places like Avon Gorge. DD still loves a climbing wall. Great confidence booster. We used to take Yr5 as their annual trip and lots of other sports too.

TooStressy how did your day go?

🍒 waves to all the ones I have missed.

Well today has been a blah kind of day here. No work as it's a holiday so the office is closed. I did manage to get 2 LOL done, had DS fold the first load, 2nd load is still in the drier, ready to be put away (towels). Had DD empty DW and put dirty dishes in. I dragged myself to the shop to get groceries. Ended up picking up some mini eggs and already ate way too many of them (NOT part of my diet!). I did clear off my dresser though, so there's that done, and Skyped my mum. It's 5pm here and I feel like I wasted the day away!

bower I hope the flooding doesn't last too long where you're at, although very glad your house is safe.

Ty for all the book suggestions will have a look and try a few! Bower i forgot David Williams! We have most of them! They didnt really like his most recent one though, said it was boring. Also have read David Badielle (sp)

Morning! More book thoughts for That before they fall out of my head - what about Charlie Higson (Young Bond), Simon Mayo (yes, that one) (Itch), Anthony Horowitz (Alex Rider), Sophie Mackenzie (The Medusa Project), Alex Scarrow (Timeriders), Rosemary Sutcliffe (Eagle of the Ninth), Terry Pratchett, Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl), Douglas Adams (I was 12 when I read Hitchhiker), Anthony Buckridge (Jennings Goes To School is the only book I ever fell out of bed laughing at, aged 10. DS1 loved them too), Neil Gaiman (Graveyard Book, The Ocean At The End Of The Lane) ?

Also, between 10 and 12 all of my big 3 got into Manga / graphic novels. Your local library might be able to help you there.

I don't want to gainsay zoo, but I'd urge caution with The Boy In Striped Pyjamas - historically, it's utter bollocks, and if you're still trying to encourage reading for enjoyment, it's too upsetting while also being alarmingly glib and "look at me, I'm all zeitgeisty". Ditto Michael Morpurgo - he's so bloody miserable and DS2 struggled for weeks with the tone and outcome of Private Peaceful, in Y7 (English set text). They're not good for sensitive, deep-feeling ones.

Thanks for the heads up willow! Our big two are not overly sensitive although the biggest refuses to read anything "creepy" or "spooky" I think we might go and join the library and then they can try out different things without me buying books that they may hate!

Ta da

Me and 4 dc up, fed and dressed
Sorted out a direct debit
Washed and moisturised my face (trying to make more of an effort to look after me)

Sounds like an excellent plan, That. The library should also have a copy of Who Writes Like... (The title is something like that) that can point you towards authors similar to those they have read before.

Cineraria, loving the idea of a knitted soundproof balaclava! Going to investigate patterns now...

Zoo, sorry you are wobbly and DD2 was not helpful and OT was spikey. Hope today is better.

Lane, love the idea of a Control Wall! Sorry you were feeling bad last night, it's awful when the Slough of Despond descends. Hope today is brighter - will the budget run to a bunch of daffs? They always make me feel I'm coping better, somehow, even if it's totally illusory.

Hazel, it's perfectly alright to have a blah sort of day, particularly if you're recovering from flu. It struck me recently that society (and social media particularly) paints this picture that we must all be running at 110%, all the time, living our best lives, eating good food, taking the right exercise, curating our houses, inspiring our children, slaying it at our jobs etc - and that's simply not possible. 110% needs to be reserved for times of crisis / excitement, not an everyday thing.

Ok, rant over.

Ta Das:
✓Xerox cartridge posted
✓ Obscure lightbulb sources for kitchen
✓ cheque paid into bank
✓ cleaning collected
✓ part stuff bought at Tesco for DS2 to take to friend's house
✓ books recycled onto charity bookshelf
✓ watch battery replaced
✓ children fed

At that point, the cold that's been brewing basically closed over my head and I had to go to bed before 7.30!

Better this morning so more TaDas
✓ S&S
✓ LOL
✓ DW about to go on
✓ woodwork, mirror and pictures in the hall and staircase dusted and polished
✓ DH offered shiny new job

Taking it quietly today to avoid pushing the cold further on!

Ooh exciting about the new job willow is he going to take it?

Slough of despond - love that, although I need to look up how to pronounce slough :o. Pretty much describes our entire household at present.

I think I’m thrown off a bit by half term - we were just starting to get into more of a routine what with school and nursery, and although the courses are quite intense they’d quickly become a mainstay of my week especially because the groups and facilitators are so lovely and supportive. Since going on the ADHD meds my autistic need for routine is even stronger (hence the control wall! So there’s a definite silver lining there). The one routine thing we do have this week (among all the appointments etc) is playgroup but I’m a bit nervous about that too since being open about how my MH is (telling me to skip it would be reasonable but TBH that would be worse. At least this week a friend is joining me).

DH is at counselling ATM. When he’s back and we’ve talked I’ll go and do more reading upstairs I think. Not left the house in a few days, I’ve stopped tracking how I was doing with that.

Done nothing so far today except let the toddler watch far too much Pocoyo. Also trying to be brave and publish a blog post but the formatting is being really weird and turning each individual line into a separate text box, WTF.

Can I join? I have a 2 bed with 2 kids so it can look really cluttered at times. I’d like to get in track

Welcome Mummysharn. We are in zone 4 this week which is the master bedroom. I haven't started yet in that room but I have done some closet decluttering.

Hi MummySharn, lovely to have new people here.

Lane we are still working out whether the uplift in salary is also worth the uplift in travel. I've got very used to having DH here to backstop me Mondays and Fridays, and only being in London Tues-Thurs. The new job would involve some international travel that I'm a bit nervous of - for me, not him!

Very quiet day so far

• DH moved our bed and has hoovered behind it
• DS2 is nursing his hangover
• DS3 has a friend to play. They've been alternating between watching Harry Potter and leaping round the garden playing some kind of Harry Potter/ Star Wars mashup with all of our lightsabers (3), all the guest's lightsabers (4), 2 swords, a rifle, Thor's Hammer and Harry's wand. DS is now totally peopled out and on the edge of a total meltdown (he's already started with "I'm useless" and "no-one will want to be friends with me"), so we're just gritting our teeth and keeping going til the Collecting Adult arrives at 3pm!
• ordered a will from the National Archives
• started doing my printing. Managed 6 entire pages before the Magenta cartridge gave up. New one doesn't arrive til Friday at the earliest. I fear this report is cursed!

Still to do:
-> Hang school photos
-> Hang my Adopt a Book certificate
-> do something crafty
-> further investigate soundproof knitting wool for DBro's balaclava. It's his birthday next week, if I knit like the clappers I might have something ready!

Welcome sharn :)

I’m intrigued about adopting a book willow :)

I’ve done so little today.

ta da
✅started getting blog post together
✅found and printed correct size line guide to write poem out for therapy
✅printed out day of the week sheets for control wall. Not sure if we will have a daily/less often sheet too yet. Baby steps.
✅finished reading ACEs book including completing an activity we’d skipped past (unless we were going to get it later but oh well)

Thank you @Tinselette1940, my bedroom is a nightmare, the DC’s enjoy playing in it so will do me good to sort it out.