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.

I survived the party. Yesterday was very busy but I managed to have the house gleaming, decorations up and buffet sorted with time spare to spruce myself up and sit down with a gin before people started arriving. We had a good night although I was shattered after being on my feet all day. I’m much more of a party animal when someone else is hosting! It was after midnight when the last guests had gone at which point I still had all the cat stuff to carry back downstairs (can’t leave them roaming as they wake DD). I’d managed to keep on top of the rubbish as we were going, and set a dishwasher load off part way through the night. Still an epic cleanup job this morning!

Ta da:
✅ beds made
✅ LOL (including every tea towel we own after various spillages)
✅ leftovers in the fridge / disseminated between family members
✅ bottles piled up ready for DH to drop at bottle bank
✅ bins emptied
✅ floors hoovered and mopped
✅ dishes washed
✅ decorations down
✅ dining room furniture put back

We had birthday cake for breakfast and buffet leftovers for lunch (have any of you tried the co-op jalapeño bread?)

To Do:

• Gather some more energy together
• iron clothes for the week
• make something more nutritious for tea
• tidy DD’s room after it was destroyed by her and DN last night
• prep work lunch and overnight oats
• fill car up with fuel

Impressive Sunday lists We3 and Zoo

Happy Birthday to junior fledglings and hope you’re all having a nice Sunday

Today was stressful, the dc have had way too much sugar and excitement and have been completely out of control the family have now left and I've finally got my feet up. The dc have also finally calmed down for five minutes (it won't last!)

That are you offering some kind witchy incantation for my soon to be mother in law?o suspect a cold sore would still make her a thousand times more ravishing than me,even if dd1 makes me up to the nines

Tada
Littertrays disinfected and reloaded litter
All bins emptied and sprayed out
Made banana cinnamon swirl loaf for dd1
Girls tried on dresses.settled on cute navy ones.square lace neck,fitted waist,just below knee.dd1 order three different ones a company you order stuff over a month only pay what keep at end of it,so others will just get sent back.much easier trailing shops with them!
Waved off dd1+2
Stroll shops D's and lil zoo for lunch items
Attempt cupcakes with lil zoo.mustve miss converted recipe as disaster!
Take two cupcakes.triumphant!
Ate lunch
Played game of life with them
Read a newspaper
Colour two insect pics with D's whilst lil zoo watch call the midwife on netflix
About start dinner,I've sent her to play PS3 with him for half hour
Then she's going come frost 6cupcakes for pud/DDS to eat when get here(will frost other 6 tomorrow afterschool.that way I'm not hog up fridge space keep them fresh)

To do
Dinner- diced Herby roast potatoes,veggie sausages,broccoli,green beans and carrots.lil zoos cupcakes and some fruit for pud

Chivvy showers all round

Read bit Harry potter with D's

Fix him milk n biscuit/toast at 8 to take meds

Bit pampering with lil zoo whilst watch season finale call midwife!

Make sure girls have bags packed for school tomorrow

I think I must be getting older and more senile but this hol has raced past and I'm not ready for them to go back

Xposts foxes
You survived,that's main thing

Phew, you survived, foxes. Zoo, lovely to hear about all the wedding planning.

Ta Das
☑️ Beds stripped and washed
☑️ EHC assessment application and docs submitted for DS3
☑️ Plan made with DS2 for today / tomorrow and that's as far as he can think for now
☑️ DH and DD dispatched to Babymetal
☑️ Mug cakes for tea because I can.

About to read about ADHD and EF for DS2, prior to phone call with Connections In Mind (EF coaching company) tomorrow.

Hoping WillowHound can manage without a second walk. Going to bed as soon as DS3 is tucked in at 8pm!

zoo i am sure you will look lovely, i feel really out of my comfort zone these days if required to dress up at all!

Took dc to the park as it was bright and dry. 3 year old has now fallen asleep just as tea is ready! Typical

Well done for surviving the celebrations everyone!

That that saying is so true! A child definitely "holds up a mirror" to a parent and it's very interesting sometimes to see which part of you is reflected back in them! And it all comes out in the teen years ...the good, the bad, and the ugly ... .

Zoo oh I'm so sorry the wedding is such a source of stress would it be possible to develop a "worry-reduction" strategy at all well in advance? Something like taking ds & dd2 to visit the church and the reception venue lots of times so that's it's not all new and unfamiliar on the day? Practicing eating out at a cafe, building up from 5 mins to half an hour at first? And then allocating two "safe" places on the day : a vestry in the church (if you explain to the priest/vicar, I'm sure they would be most understanding) and maybe a room in the reception venue where you can all retire for 20 mins if it all gets too much? Maybe the lovely lady from the church coming with you to give you some support and be on hand to take ds out if necessary?

As for your outfit, can you choose something simple but classy, nothing that you will get too warm in, that you feel comfortable in? Maybe go for a simple navy shift dress if that is a predominant colour? If you can, order a few reasonably priced dresses on-line to save you having to trudge around the shops. (You can get minor alterations done in most towns nowadays. ) And lots of lovely things seem to be reduced on-line ATM. Get your DC to photograph you in each dress. Buy some simple shoes and accessories and maybe a pashmina type thing in case of bad weather. Have EVERY single thing, tights , jewellery underwear etc ready AGES in advance (so you don't shop in a last minute fluster) and try it on together several times in advance too. Get some micropore tape for the backs of your heels, so you are comfortable. Maybe arrange to have an up-do done at the hairdresser's on the morning (or could a hairdresser come to you) if your hair is long enough? I am sure you will look absolutely lovely and do your dd1 proud! ♥♥. Please don't compare yourself to the groom's mother - as long as you are clean and tidy , it's your character that counts not what you look like - and being there for your dd1. ♥ And you never know, the groom' s mother may be bricking it too about another aspect of the day!

Obviously,I'm talking through my hat as usual, and none of the above may be possible or appropriate, but if you can plan it like a military campaign and "be prepared" you may be able to relax and enjoy it a bit more

Hope the DC calm down this evening Foxes and you can relax a bit!

Willow well done for getting DS3 paperwork done. What is it about schoolgirl themed music acts ATM? DD and friends went to see Maria someone (Spanish sounding name) with badger hair the other week whose theme is "tortured school girl" apparently. ( Spent most of one day sewing layered ribbons on to dd's old ballet crossover top so she would look the part.). As you say, each to their own ... .

KTCluck jalapeno bread sounds delish! And I like your style having time for a pre-party gin! That's a class act

Well done for mega Flying session in living room We3kings

Chic enjoy your evening out! I'm slapping on the oestrogel ATM and there doesn't seem to be a lot of discernable difference tbh!

Don't worry about tmi! I'm very aware I put far too much info in my posts and don't give a toss whether I am recognised or not, as long as person has the grace not to mention it in rl. Besides, there is some really wild stuff going on here ATM which I can't write about, so posting about the office, housework and hrt is fairly mild in comparison!

Lane how do you survive without on-line shopping? I never visit a rl shop if I can help it!

Waves to everyone else! Weather is just awful here ATM so we've decided to have a relaxed day at home. In keeping with new scaled back hosting, pointed everyone in direction of cereal, milk, fruit, toast and jam and let them sort themselves out for breakfast. And got everyone helping to prep a late roast lunch (chicken with all trimmings) . I cleared up while they watched film (happy to have some alone time) . Lots of chat but also managed to escape for a bit to do x4 laundry during day. Just had a pause in my room (for M snetting So not too bad all in all but going to be a long week if weather stays as it is ... .

Waves to all!

zoo, SC has such brilliant ideas for wedding prep! Thank you so much to all for the lovely birthday wishes. This thread is the best. foxes . A friend of mine always says that if you look around a party the most miserable / badly behaved child is usually the birthday child or their sibling . The pressure gets to them I think.

I am on my second glass of wine after very little food today. I had breakfast, a packet of crisps and half a slice of pizza. Oh, and teo carrot sticks. Thankfully DH is sorting some food for us now. Party was fab but really not enough food from the venue. Kids just about ok but I am starving! Just waiting to get kids into bed now. Unfortunate timing of back to school tomorrow but at least I was my future friend and have most bags packed. Still a bit to do.

Birthday presents are everywhere and I need to go now and see what the kids are actually doing . Thankfully I think most kids enjoyed themselves at the party although there was some inevitable crying. In-laws left a few hours ago and DDs actually had a nice phone conversation with my parents. Hilarious moment when DD2 was thanking my Dad for the present they got her and telling him she liked it. “Who got you that?” “You did!” “Ahh I’ll ask Granny about that!” .

Had better go and investigate what is happening upstairs. Both kids in PJs at least.

Big wing flaps to all.

SC for scaled back hosting

Well, a busy weekend for the Fledglings! Seems to be a big birthday week (mine is this week too). Some great lists and great ideas.

We are still in a bit of chaos, the understairs cupboard refit is finished - we had an old shoe rack under there but it was falling to pieces so we moved the one from the hall and DH went to Argos to get a new one for the hall. A mass sort of shoes and boots followed, but there are quite a lot ready to be got rid of sitting in piles. Also retrieved various gloves, keys etc from behind the hall one and DH hoovered and cleaned the skirting boards.

In the meantime I had a big declutter of the bathroom storage, long overdue and got rid of loads of nearly finished bottles, loo roll middles, empty packets etc. Cleaned the rack we keep a lot of it on next ot the bath, washed the basin and bath.

Also been helping a friend with EHCP stuff via text, doing laundry, GCSE revision with DS, took DD swimming and am going to watch LAst Tango in Halifax while I do the ironing. Phew.

Lane - I'm with you on the shopping, I only shop online if I really have to, the novelty has long worn off for me.

SC - glad to hear you sounding less despairing about the guest situation.

Zoo - I cannot surpass SC's wedding advice, this thread is the gift that keeps on giving in so many ways.

Need to go, DD wants to use the laptop, back later.

Expletive meant to say to you and your DH for tackling under-stair cupboard of doom! Sounds amazing! And for rest of decluttering/ sorting too! And also v good of you to help your friend.

Expletive you’ve got loads done today! I love a good sort-out like that.

Zoo SC’s advice re wedding is fab. I definitely find the more I can plan and prep before big events like that the less anxious I feel. I’ve found the structure of flylady has helped with that sort of thing too - if I can follow my morning routine prior to a big day then I feel I am winning at life

Foxes and Too feet up and enjoy wine / cake. You deserve it after birthday parties!

SC pre-party gin has always been the plan but this is the first time I’ve managed it. Normally I’m still brandishing the hoover, with half the food in the oven and no make up on when the first guests arrive!

I think I’d be putting my foot down about the casual soup / sandwich idea tomorrow (with a sharp word in DH’s eat beforehand and a sly kick in the shin if he seems to be forgetting). I’m glad you’ve at least got some time to yourself.

Ta Da:
✅ an actual nutritious meal including veg into us all (thanks DH)
✅ dishes and kitchen cleared
✅ quick oven clean
✅ lunches / oats sorted
✅ ironing pile halved
✅ work / nursery bags packed
✅ DD’s room tidied
✅ living room tidied
✅ upcoming events on shared calendar. both DH and I have a lot of social things coming up (normal for him, unusual for me). No clashes!

Here’s to the start of another week fledglings...

SC since the soup and sandwich obviously wasn't good enough I'd tell them they can order takeaway tomorrow 😉

Finished work at 2 and since then:
✔️ cleaned all the debris DS4 has hidden under the shelves in the fireplace
✔️ moved all of the furniture in the living room and gave it a proper hoover and mop
✔️ scrubbed slime off the stair carpet 😡
✔️ ironing (DH did 2 x LOL while I was at work 😮)
✔️ dinner (just frozen pizza)
✔️ made lunches for tomorrow. Can't believe it's back to school already.
✔️ dishes
✔️ S&S
✔️ filled out my student finance application which was actually easier than I thought it would be.

DH also took the boys for their haircuts, hoovered rest of house (not very well but I didn't tell him that) and finished the paper mache project so a few less jobs for me to come home to.

I then attempted a nice bath but DS3&4 followed me into the bathroom and chucked toys in the bath with me, drove toy cars over my head while I did my best to ignore them and read my book 😂. I also put a face mask on and when I got out I slapped some gradual tan on and painted my nails. I'm out on Friday so plan to keep up with the tan so I'm nicely bronzed by then.

toostressy your day sounds pretty like mine I had a slice of cold pizza and crisps for dinner! I also feel exhausted at the thought of back to school tomorrow. And presents everywhere! Hope your dd had a great birthday, sounds like she did!

Monday 24th

launchpad

On Monday we move into the living room. The mission is to put away anything which does not belong in there might take me more than 15 minutes.

The daily focus is Home Blessing. The babystep for the 24th is Swish and Swipe, this is one of the better ones, so here's a link swish and swipe

The mission is to put away anything which does not belong in there

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I don’t have all year, FlyLady.

ta da
✅made sure DD1 did various things like checking bag to get ready for school. Turns out she never washed her PE kit though 🤢🤦‍♀️ Luckily it wasn’t super gross, it was clearly a lazy lesson! She can wash it tomorrow
✅gathered laundry. No LOL myself but delegated particular instructions to DH - need to get that out before I sleep as it’s the bras/swimsuit that I’m not risking in the dryer!
✅put away some clean laundry. Just the folded stuff - think we need some more hangers
✅FF (I need to have a set list of the things that future friend entails, probably another thing that will build up over time - for now it’s just getting my/Cagletini’s clothes for tomorrow.)
✅packed bag for nursery. I guess checking this will be a FF thing too, usually nothing needs adding as she’s not needed nappies/clothes so far (3 hour sessions)
✅ordered DSS’ pressie and a few other bits
✅bathed the toddler, this is possibly the day’s biggest achievement
✅prep for a meeting on Wednesday

ta didn’t
✅put another LOL in 🤦‍♀️ Too late now, so will set it up and put a note on to press play first thing
✅pack my bag - I’m not out until later so I’m not in a rush
✅print DS’ work for the week or indeed even discuss plans with DH. Going to start a read aloud tomorrow though (kensuke’s kingdom)

Oops. Clearly used the wrong emojis on the ta didn’t list! ❌❌❌

The lack of online shopping isn’t especially worthy or by choice it’s more trying to spend as little as I can! Annoyingly that often means I procrastinate over things we actually need. And miss decent prices too.

Also I’ve never been one to buy clothes online (unless it’s an exact duplicate/alternate colour, for example I need to buy more bras so I’ll get the exact same one!) - I get a lot of anxiety about doing returns etc 🙄 so I rarely take the risk.

I tell you what Lane - my single most effective FF strategy is keeping on top of the laundry, it makes such a difference.

Yes, very true! I’m wondering if setting up a load before bed ready to switch on first thing might be a good rule

I'm exactly the same with online clothes shopping, I only buy repeats of things I've had before. I actually like shopping in real shops but it does tend to lead to clutter.

I often do that, load the machine at night, then just switch it on when I get up. the standard synthetics cycle on ours takes about 50 mins.

How come I always miss the days where lots of people on and really chatty?

I need to catch up tomorrow as I need to sleep because builder should be over the lurgy now and I’m expecting him to turn up. I went to sleep for twenty minutes . My legs are aching. No reason they should be.

Not much done now.
Bed made.
Washing dried.
Sitting room tidied and vacuumed.
Kitchen half tidy.

Went to Mass, stayed for coffee and chat.
Home fed animals, fed me.
Went to choir practice for small local comp.
Sang the third song brilliantly. The choir.
Need to learn some of the words to first song.when to come in etc.