Festive Fledglings Flap Frantically Towards A Calm, Clutter-free Christmas!

[SingToTheSky]

OK so clutter-free is a bit ambitious. But anyway, all welcome to join us for a jolly holiday thread, in which we very loosely follow (or at least half-heartedly mention now and then) the FlyLady system of housekeeping.

I’ll be posting links and reminding us all of various tasks up until Christmas Eve, for those who want to follow the system - and if it’s like previous years there will also be some specific extra missions to help us prepare our homes for Christmas. However, we really are just a bunch of frazzled Mumsnetters who will be very happy to welcome you along for chat whether you follow the system or not! We discuss housework, sure, but a whole lot of other stuff too.

We will also continue with the Keep Calm Corner, in which you’ll find various diverting questions, memes etc.

And finally a huge thank you to Foxes who did a fab job of running the thread for the first time in November! 💐

I picked up a set of 5 black fine liners from Adsa from their back to school stuff. I also got a set of fairly cheap fine liners from amazon that came from China, they are so good that I might get another set. Mostly I just use a biro for filling info in. Nothing fancy at all. I have a set of felt tips (also from asda) which have a brush tip one end and a fine line the other. Nothing i use cost a bomb. Unless you count the journal which is a hard cover note book and more expensive than i would normally pay for a note book, but the paper quality is such that when the mood takes I can water colour/ and put art things straight into it - and for this kind of journal it is on the cheap end of what is available. I could have used a soft cover much cheaper note book but I have found ti has held up to the abuse of being dragged around with me well, and i really enjoy the paper feel stationery snob

Thank you for the kind words about my hand writing.
I try to take time to do the initial set up. If you look closely you can see where i didn't like the original colour on the school holiday chart and coloured over it. Also i made a mistake and need to do a cut and stick cover job to correct a wrongly entered month on the month overview

I tend to be more chicken scratchy with my handwriting as I use the weekly spreads, i just try to take the time on the setup as time for me, and something that makes me feel like i am being practical but is actually a bit of down time. Making time once a month is quite nice and within scope of practical. I honestly do not know how those who create art master pieces every month manage to find the time for it. They seem to take hours and hours to set up their art for their journals and secretly wish for half an ouch of their artist tallent

Sing I've been craving KFC all day today!
Hills wow, beautiful set up. A lot of patience and dedication went into getting it prepped.
Merry liking the Christmas decor!

I know just what you mean about taking the time to do it, it is nice to sit and focus on making something look nice and inspiring to use!

I’m not sure what brand the book is, it was down to £8 by the time I ordered it but the reviews convinced me and although I’ve not written anything in it yet the paper feels really nice so I’m excited to use it!

Tree is up! I haven’t done my usual “go round and push lights/tinsel-bauble strings further back so they don’t fall off” thing yet and I might add more baubles later.

Our “angel” is a Kpop idol. Not DD1’s fave but one who is referred to as having the voice of an angel, it started as a joke last year when she printed a headshot of him and I made it into an angel. I think she was surprised I let her keep this on the tree all Christmas 😂 then she bought the doll when it was cheap this year and while they were decorating I made him wings and a halo 😂 I have a feeling he will be a tradition now 😇

This is a good video for setting up a new video. She talks about chosing layouts etc in and getting started at around 12 mins

Setting up a new bujo i meant.
night

Aaaaaand we are all self isolating. Marvellous.

DS is coughing loads. Continuous cough definition seems a bit woolly (not you woolly :o) but I think it counts as it’s been really quite bad this afternoon.

I’m sort of “meh” (although sad I have had to cancel yoga and my piano lessons), DD1 is really upset though TBH. Gutted for her missing the last few days of term.

Merry - love it you are Christmas ready!

Woolly - i love your froggy! He is beautiful !

Hills - amazing journal...i am in awe...wow.
Is this how people stay organised?

Sing - your little one looks sooo cute in the box!

Mc - calpol before you go with Mctiny with help.
< Awww squish.> it lovely to keep their tiny clothes!

My day has been busy and eventful.

Here are fraggle rock, we have had
the first Christmas arguement.

DH was trying to cook a Christmas dinner. I was ordering the kids to tidy up, write Christmas cards, and get tree decorations out. Before they watch a film.

In that time Dh and me have fallen out over big fraggle.
Dh words - I should apologise to big fraggle for not letting him go into the sittinng room to see my unfinished Christmas prep in the sitting room.
DH actually shouted at me a few times.

I am not a person to be trifled with when I have spent the whole day trying to make it a magical Christmas for the kids.

Dh txt me from upstairs, to say he wont be eating the food he cooked.

It has not been like a Christmas movie here, although its been lovely to see all the Christmas decorations I collected last year.

Lil fraggle loved it and was by my side decorating mini trees and card Christmas village. She even set up our card nativity scene. She loved it and thought it was magical. I gave her lots of hugs.

Big fraggle has started giving me attitude. I am not used to this. He thinks running to daddy will get him what he wants.
Dh was raised by his single mum- he doesnt seem to understand he is being played.

Dh was making an issue of why I had ordered boots for big fraggle. I was forced to give the death stare of....if you continue this pointless arguement about a meaningless point......then I will truely, kill you with my eyes, when there are a million things that need to be done for the kids to be ready for school tomorrow.

Yep, its Christmas.

🍒🎄🖐 everyone.

X post

Awww Sing
I am so sorry to hear your Ds has a cough, I hope he is ok?

Sorry that you all will be self isolating and Dd1 will miss that last few days of school.

Thank you! He’s a bit miserable as the cough is pretty horrible. I’m trying to look on the bright side - more time for baking etc and I am going to get the tree decoration stuff to do with DD1 as well I think. Can’t believe this has happened just when I FINALLY started teaching again 😞 but really we’ve been pretty lucky not to have needed to do this since March. Desperately hoping we can get a test and it’s negative!

In a way though I’m grateful that it gives us a reason to just STOP for a bit and focus on ourselves and the house for at least a few days. It will definitely be harder than when we could all go for walks each day! But not having to rush about to classes and stuff has its benefits I guess. Very glad most of the Christmas shopping is done too!

ta da
🦠booked two tesco deliveries
🦠changed reminders for deliveries so we remember to edit them
🦠 got Caglets doing laundry
🦠stash and dash in living room
🦠sorted massive pile of old clothes into recycle/donate bags
🦠cleaned windows and back door
🦠made lunch
🦠decorated for Xmas
🦠sorted some toys
🦠tried booking test
🦠contacted pupils’ parents re self isolating
🦠cancelled yoga

Probably more to do with the tidying but I’ve forgotten.

ta didn’t
❌do my assignment edits 🙄😳🤦🏻‍♀️🙈

Dancing Argument here too. DH cooked the veg while I was out at Advent window. I came back in feeling good for the walk out plus two cups of Mulled Wine and a mince pie. Two people said something nice to me and I was telling him that then he suddenly starts saying I thought you were going to do yours, you said you were going to do it today but you haven’t got it done yap yap. I was annoyed for one I hadn’t been able to find the cutting mat. I had not felt great in church a bit light headed. I had done some before I left. I had no intention of finishing it today. The printer doesn’t work so it would be quicker to print the silhouettes out.
He went up to bed after tea. I told him I am sick of him putting me down. He has form. He told me to F off tonight so I asked him if that is what he really wants. It went from 0 -10 in Seconds.

I never do much on Sundays. I went to Mass. Had a coffee and mince pie sorted some jigsaw and did some. Then started looking for the things I needed for the window in room of doom. He has made so messy in there by dumping things on top of each other so it all slides. He was being lazy by taking out of his room but didn’t take it to DS3 house. It is DDs and a lot of books. I am worried about her art work because he just chucks stuff in because it annoys him but it will get ruined if it isn’t properly organised. Sometimes I would just like to walk away. Tonight is one of those times.

Sing Cagletini is so gorgeous. Sorry you are isolating but you could get that clothing sorted. I would try to get it out of the house to give yourselves space. I am trying to do this. Lovely tree.

Hills thanks for sharing. You have some good ideas. Mine was between diary and b j I got bored with doing it and I found it took up too much time but I have kept the Flylady pages I made. They are on coloured paper and are there to refer to.
I like the book page in yours that is a good idea.

Woolly that frog is awesome.
MC hope he is ok and settles quickly.

🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒🤣to Sherin, Hazel Zoo etc.

Must go to bed.

Morning all such a bad nights sleep, ds came in at 3.30 because of a bad dream, stayed in our bed for about an hour where none of us slept because he was fidgeting so much. Then he went back to his bed but I couldn't sleep properly because I kept thinking I was hearing him getting up again plus I had a headache

Sorry to hear of all the arguments yesterday we had a day like that on Friday! Luckily it has all blown over now, hope things improve with all of you.

Sing sorry to hear of self isolation but good for you looking at the positive, I am hoping I can do the same should we have to (I feel it is only a matter of time tbh!) but I know that when it comes to it I may struggle.

Had a message late last night from dd school that another class bubble has popped. 4 altogether now I think although one is returning today.

Woohoo, thanks to my friend’s tip about 8am/8pm being the key times for test availability, i have just ordered a home test kit for DS. What a rush, just like getting concert tickets :o

I suppose we still won’t be confirmed negative before the end of term but at least we will be able to get back to normal earlier if we can rule out covid. Any experience of home tests and how long they take? It might not even get here till Wednesday but we will do it straight away.

I have therapy at 10, TBH if I’d known everyone would be home I’d have rearranged it as usually everyone else is out! But last night was too late to cancel so I’ll just stay upstairs and they can be in the living room with the telly on.

It’s almost a relief knowing I don’t have to go anywhere. Glad we have tesco slots booked as well.

Ah sorry about isolating Sing. Hope DS isn’t feeling to ropey. I know two people who’ve done home tests. They generally arrive the next day I think (both have been in an Amazon packet). I know one result took 5 days from posting it off, but that was when testing went a bit mad and there were delays. I’m not sure how long the other one took. Your windows and tree look fabulous, and Cagletini is the cutest.

Sorry about argumentative DHs Dancing and Bower

Merry your room looks so cozy! I want to come and sit in it with a mulled wine.

Hills your bu-jo is a thing of beauty. Thanks for sharing it. I have a lovely printed planner I’ve waffled on a bout a few times on here, but I think I’ll do my own once that’s full and you’ve given me some great ideas. It makes sense to change the monthly layout for what you need at the time.

Mc if I remember rightly Dd was absolutely fine after her first jabs, and after the second she slept for the longest stretch she’d ever managed (a whole 5 hours! I almost felt human!).

Woolly I can’t believe you made that frog. It’s amazing

Waves to Foxes, Isaw, Sherin, Zoo, Hazel, That, Tinselette, ED, Chic and SC if you’re lurking. Hope I’ve managed everyone for a change.

Yesterday there was no further flying and the headstart on the homebleurgh did no materialise. I did get a few piles of cards written and distributed though. DD slept in the car on the way to the light trail so was in a better mood, the rain stopped just as we arrived, and we had a lovely time. It was busier than I’d pictured but well organised.

Today I seem to have been hit with a case of the can’t be arseds. Anyone have a pointy stick as a cure?

No pointy stick here! Have declared it a day off for DS as well obviously. Got a few loose ends we will try and tie up during the week (eg he’s only got one double page left in his geography book so may as well get that done) but otherwise I think we will just wind right down early. He is coughing an awful lot again this morning :(

I found out DD’s friend whose parents tested positive was only off school on Friday, after they got the result so that may well be where we’ve got it from if it is covid :(

I’ve had a lazy morning so far reading a couple of books to Cagletini - all the eBay/charity shop bargains I’ve collected in the last few months are in a secret pile to grab now and then. These ones are both old favourites from when the others were little ❤️

Must have breakfast, shower and read my journals ready for therapy.

Forgot the pics, clearly 🙄

Right. Must move or maybe I’ll read the journals first so I don’t have to move yet?

sing sorry about D's,cagletini is growing so much!
Merry lovely cosy room/Decs❤️
Woolly you are a wizard with a machine.froggy is adorable😍
Hills that's an amazing level of organized I aspire to(and agree with others on gorgeous writing)

For those having rows I offer a shovel and alibi if necessary
I cannot remember any other personals
I did message hazel couple days ago,no reply.hope she's ok.fingers X sherins ok too

So the big kitchen clean
I spent over 8hours scrubbing and rearranging..I've rejigged a cupboards with everything washed/wiped and it's amazing how much difference it's made to the kitchen overall.the plan was to create easy a cess to things so dd2 can help take up some of the cooking reins if needed(as she's not in school,it might give her routine/therapeutic value) plus I have real issues anyone prep food for me,so will be pushing me forward too.when I looked at my kitchen as if I didn't know where things were it was impractical and lots stuff rammed in spaces meaning tricky to access.ut flows much better now!
After that I had lovely hot shower ,coloured Xmas page with D's and dd2 and I did face mask after dinner😍

Bbl with today's tada,if I stop too long I won't crack on with it!!

Therapy done. Came back downstairs to everyone lazing :o feels like a Sunday. Must make some notes on the session but I’m so sleepy ATM.

Also I phoned nursery about self isolating and it turns out my debate about whether or not to increase her hours is moot - we would only be eligible if both of us worked a certain amount. So will just carry on as we are!

Oh how annoying Woolly
Merry love your room and it looks like you may have nearly the amount of books we have. Looks like a cosy corner to curl up with a good book.

Zoo that is a lot of cleaning and rearranging. I like my kitchen in as much order as I can manage but have a person living here that just puts stuff back any old how and usually can’t remember where he has put it.

Up cards organised is a good move. I did ( I think) all the church ones and as H was talking to me before I left about shopping and lunch I forgot to take them until we had set off down the road. Church friend and I discussed last week she had hers😁 I had swapped hand bags or I might have remembered. I am no good if someone starts a random conversation just as I am putting my coat on. He has been told before but oh no still does it. Arrrggghh! Light trail sounds amazing fun. They did one in the south Lakes once we saw it after it had been on. The trees could be wound up so they would ‘sing to you’ very clever.

Sing a different test as mine was for the Imperial College research but mine came back two days later so it might not be long for result. Poor lamb horrible coughing so much. DD says to drink nettle tea for coughs. I put a little honey in it too. Hope he isn’t too ill.

Does anyone know how long you are supposed to be quarantined if you have Covid because a neighbour said her daughter and grandson had it but he (9months) was here about a week after and she passed him to next door neighbour? For a start she shouldn’t have done that but I thought it was at least a fortnight. A friend who had it said he wasn’t allowed out until he tested negative but this was in March.

🎄❄️🎁 Monday 14th December 🎁❄️🎄

Zone - 3 - bathroom

Daily Focus - home bleugh

Today’s Mission - clean the flat surfaces of the bathroom... I may have posted this yesterday by mistake sorry, days getting away from me 😳

✈️ FLIGHT PLAN ✈️

🎄❄️🎁 The Keep Calm Corner Advent Calendar 🎁❄️🎄

Attached is a silly joke I saw on a Facebook page but I also left it as a screenshot because the comment made me laugh 😂 (it’s a public page but I took names off anyway).

Do you have a favourite decoration? Any particular ones that make your heart sing with nostalgia or that you love because they’re beautiful/cool? Feel free to share pics (if it’s not outing, obv).

I have a lot of the ones I had in childhood and my job was always to put the tree up - TBH this was only because my parents really weren’t bothered about Christmas and it was never particularly fun, but I do feel a very strong attachment to some of the decorations as a result as I’ve used them pretty much every year of my whole life! There are even a couple my mum sewed, possibly before I was born. This baby’s first Christmas one a friend got my parents is one year older than the tree, it probably didn’t even get hung up that year 😂

I do also usually buy the Caglets one each year, although this often ends up as a last minute thing so I would like to try a bit harder to get them special ones earlier. I like buying one from nice places we go to - the elephant in the photo is from an Indian fabric exhibition my mum took us to a few years ago. Here’s hoping that 2021 allows some new places to go!

🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Hiya everyone, sorry I didn’t come on yesterday, Sunday’s are my big clean days so I was very busy. But I do have a big ta da list to share!. We popped over to MIL’s yesterday to drop off her present and card as it was her birthday Saturday but she went out for the day. DS1 has been a nightmare this weekend as well, I think he might be excited about Christmas but he’s lashing out. He hit DD yesterday and I sent him to the bedroom but he turns on the cute face and the waterworks and it’s so hard not to give in, he’ll be the death of me he will. I’m knackered today, but the house is clean enough to have a bit of a break. DS2 got all wrapped up for the school run and looked adorable, pic attached!. It’s a lovely sunny day but bloody freezing!. The big 2 have come home from school with their school pictures, we were really lucky that the school did them this year, but I’m so happy to have the pictures as it’s their first year of school/nursery.

tinselette I think most parents can relate to the meme!. Thomas is a huge hit here too with my DS1, he comes into our room in the morning and watched it before school. It makes me want to tear my hair out😂.

foxes that’s not too bad then with the Christmas jumpers, I’ve never heard of a whole week of it!. There are some lovely jumpers about this year. My big 2 share a bedroom but sometimes they have floor sleepovers where they sleep on mattresses on the floor, they love it!. I like Jim Carey’s grinch, I haven’t watched the new one though!. I might get the kids to do a workout if it tires them out! I’m sorry to hear of the bad nights sleep!

Glad you liked the meme sing, I try and take a step back sometimes and enjoy their childhood instead of fretting about making it perfect. Some of the best memories I had as a kid was just being in the house watching films with my family, and I know the Dc love it too. I love the song and meme!. Love the picture of Cagletini, she’s adorable!. I bet she had a great time on the skateboard!. Love the ghost story and the Christmas spray!. Your tree and the KPop angel is brilliant!. Sorry to hear that you’re isolating but glad to hear you got the tests.

Very accurate isn’t it up, it really made me laugh😂. I love schitts creek but barely find the time to watch it!. Good going on the card sorting.

hills DH loves time team he thinks it’s hilarious, it’s always on the tele!. Sorry you weren’t feeling great yesterday, I hope today is better. You have beautiful handwriting and are extremely organised! I’m in awe.

Glad to hear you got the tree up bower, sorry about the argument though. I think it’s either 10 days or 14 days, I’m not sure though!.

The DC love doing printing dancing, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas dinner! Sorry to hear about the arguing!

Good luck with the jabs mc, DS2 had his 16 week jabs last week and he was okay with them, so hopefully Christmas is okay. I struggle to get rid of baby clothes, I have a few boxes in the attic full of clothes in case (very unlikely) we have another baby. I’ll give it until DS2 starts school and then donate them I think. I’ll keep a few though!.

wooly I love froggy! He’s brilliant.

Brilliant list merry! I love your decorations!

brilliant list zoo! You’ve got loads done. Glad to hear you got time to do a face mask.

KCC my favourite decoration is DD’s first Christmas bauble. I have so many happy memories of her first Christmas and it was when Christmas felt like Christmas again. It was so exciting having a baby at Christmas and it’s getting better as they get older and understand more.

Yesterday’s ta da’
Pancakes made for breakfast
Made sandwiches for lunch
DH Made Sunday roast for tea
Beds stripped
New bedding put on
Bedding put into wash
Dusted all rooms
Hoovered bedrooms and landing/stairs
Mopped living room floor, kitchen floor and hall
Put bedding in tumble dryer
Mopped downstairs toilet floor
Bleached downstairs toilet and sink
Mopped bathroom floor
Bleached bath, sink and toilet
Cleaned bathroom mirror
Emptied bathroom bins
Washed out bleach in both toilets
Cleaned taps in both toilets
Cleaned under lid in toilets
LOL
Hoovered the sofa
Wiped down kitchen surfaces and table/chairs
Cleaned fridge and appliances
Put washing up away
Ironed LOL and put away
School uniform LOL
Wiped down door handles/bannisters
Replaced toilet rolls
Emptied kitchen bin
Put new bin bag in
Hoovered living room mug
Cleaned inside kitchen/bathroom cupboards and rearranged
Put toys away
Shined sink
Ironed school uniform
Put uniform away
Cleaned cooker

Today’s ta da’s
Made breakfast
Got DC ready for school
School run 1
Made beds
Napped with DS2
Tidied bathroom and kitchen from morning
School run 2
Sorted out DS1s nursery bag
School run 3
Sorted out DDs bag
Changed DC’s to home clothes
Made snacks

Right! I’m off to the park now as the kids are driving me insane and I want to get them out of the house!