Fledgling Flyers - Mad as March Hares

[MiniMarmite]

Welcome to the spring(ish) edition of the fledgling flyers.

Some of us will be flapping falteringly and others flying faultlessly towards making our homes look perennially spring cleaned!

Here you can do any of the following:

• repeat or start baby steps (again!)

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering

This is what it's all about - Babysteps each day to try to get some order back into our home with LOADS of support from our regulars.

So join in! We start this thread on March 1st, but you are welcome to dive in at any point in the month.

Hop along to reserve your place...

missB - The way you talk about your DD is how I wish my mother had thought about me. I had quite bad depression as a teenager and never got the help for it - or the support that you seem to be offering your DD. I had some physical stuff too such as being constantly run-down and getting ill all the time, and she was just interested in getting those 'fixed' and not looking for any underlying reasons. I don't think you'll rest with your DD until you're sure things are right, and that is wonderful!

I've done my routines so far today, evening one part done too. No special cleaning but my house is looking lovely and it really gives me a boost!

Evening all,

MissB - I'm sure you are not guilty of crappy pareneting! You sound like a very loving and caring mum to me.

PA - you crack me up! I also think you should feel proud that your DCs want to eat your homebaking and aren't going "can't we have proper chop bought ones" like I used to say to my mum. Also, see below for my DD's reaction to my cooking today.

SC / OM - yes a holiday would be lovely perhaps a luxury spa with cocktails on tap.

PMPY welcome back, monster list, hope you managed it!

SR thanks for the reminder, I need new trainers too, mine are many years old and well overdue a replacement. We have a proper running shop here where they make you go on a treadmill in the shopwindow so everyonecanlaughatyou they can make sure you get ones that suit your walking/running style.

List went well today, all done. DCs were very cheerful after school, in fact all was going brilliantly until DD took one mouthful of the meal I had lovingly prepared for us all and vomited all over her plate! I didn't think my cooking was that bad! I had been quite enjoying it up till then, as had DS, needless to say we didn't feel like finishing after that, I still feel slightly queasy, yuck.

Feeling more motivated today, probably in large measure to the encouragement from this thread. Thank you all!

Evening all,

short post tonight because frankly i am knackered. Tough day today, my closest uni friend lost her mum today whom i had met several times . Also brings back memories of losing my dad 10 years ago . In addition, DH's best friend (whom i am also very close it) lost his mum at the weekend so it is a little bit doom and gloom here at the moment.

On a positive note, have managed to have a bit of a catch up today. Downstairs is tidy and presentable, have put some washing on and am going off to do evening routine in a mo.

Whoever mentioned a holiday..you can count me in .

missb just a quick message to say i think you sound like a wonderful mum and are being incredibly supportive for your dd.

Hi, all,
elliepac sorry about your friend's mum- it's a tough one and does bring back your own memories.
mrsd - sure it wasn't your cooking but must have been rather alarming. Hope she is feeling better now. And well done for your list.
Haven't done the bedroom yet - might go and do it on my way to bed. DD2 very cheery and has been to aqua with me. Back to school tomorrow and the hamster look is diminishing!
DD1 survived band and did seem a bit more positive though I think she's pretty tired now. Am insisting she takes a Seven Seas tonic - just to try and boost her health a bit - it's orange and glurpy and not terribly nice but I think the giving of it on a spoon is somehow good and it's becoming a joke about nasty medicine. I think she needs a bit of 'babying' - don't we all at times
Tomorrow is DH's birthday and a school concert in the evening so we will be busy!
Hope everyone else has a good day too.

Ellie I am still SO lucky to have my parents, another friend lost her mother in a moped accident last week You think 83 will be a ripe old age to die at, but when your mum does die at 83 it seems like there should have been years left.

MrsD I was crying at suppertime, because they didn't like my faijitas, perhaps I should have been glad they didn't do worse.

Horrid afternoon after pickup, I feel myself morphing into worse and worse mum mode. Homework seems to trigger my most panicky feelings as does cooking. Ds2 enjoys research at least, dd just gets in a state, she is more like me I fear
playroom worse than ever

Done
shoes (wrong size) need to exchange but at least I know what size to go for now.
more food shopping and special catfood
ds1 violin practise
supper for everyone in two batches and kitchen cleared
everyone to bed in comparative calm

Hi Ladies,

Well, I can just about see the floor in my bedroom now . DS had an ok day with the CM. She said that all the kids were a bit clingy and tired so they only managed to stay at toddler group for 20 minutes and then slept for 2.5 hours after lunch! He was pretty knackered when he got home, bless him!

Sorry to hear about your friends' Mums Ellie and your friend's Mum too SR.

Ah, glad you are feeling glad of your batch cooking Chairmum. I'm going to do a bit of that tomorrow I think.

MissB, it is very sad that your DD is feeling so low but very positive that she is able to talk about it. You are a wonderful Mum for listening to her too. Not all mums are good at doing that.

MrsD Well done on a productive day, vomit notwithstanding, oh dear.

Wow, PMPY that's a long list. Hope you are doing ok, and unmumsnetty hugs back to you too. Glad you have got a holiday too look forward to .

Aberita - I am in awe of your strong will of avoiding chocolate and wine and going to bed early instead...not something ever acheived here!

PA sounds like you have become a victim of your own baking success!

SC I am now fantasising about coming back from my holidays to a beautifully clean and decluttered house...and it has reminded me that I must phone the cattery too, bump, back to reality!

OM Maldives sounds wonderful, as does your collection of lovely things surrounding you this evening!

Right, nearly my bedtime so I had better post this and post the steps for tomorrow. Good night all x

Good morning,

My day off today, hurrah!

Today's babystep is to add a swish and a swipe to your routine. I do mine in the morning straight after my shower.

...and we're still decluttering or doing our missions in our current zone, the master bedroom.

Have a good day.

oh, meant to say, we must have x-posted yesterday PurpleWednesday. If you have a small baby it might work well to start with the babysteps and don't worry about writing down lists or your routines at this stage unless you really want to.

...and the odd G&T here and there is most definitely allowed!

Sorry so many people have had a rotten start to the week.
Also lots of strength to those who are having to cope with bereavements, it does stir emotions up again doesn't it?

MissB - you sound a very caring and supportive Mum. Love the idea of medicine on a spoon-type nurturing. When DS had to take Ibuprofen (when he broke his leg) he got a chocolate button to take the taste away as he didn't like it, now known as 'chocolate button medicine' in our house. Not sure how a teenager would react, DS is only 4, but you never know
Thanks for suggestions for letting flat. Papers been rubbish last few times and I'm off to trawl more agents this Friday. Fingers and toes crossed!

MrsD - thanks for spare rib recipe. Will try asap as we all love ribs. But at tea-time vomiting, not surprised it put you off the rest of it.

PA - LOVE the image of children sleeping out on trampoline, that will be one of their great childhood memories I'm sure. I still remember sleeping in a tent in the garden, midnight walks and all
Sorry but dropping an egg on your mobile made me though the 'scrambled' comment created more of a groan! Love the sound of chocolate oaties - recipe please (I'll swap you for a Honey and Oat one)

Quick list now as have to get DC moving - DD still asleep after Brownies last night, DS sitting with kitten watching TV
Morning routine
2 mins Hotspot
Bathroom
Hoover living room, hall and stairs
Ring agent
Ring list of others re letting flat
15 mins in Bedroom
Deliver leaflets after school with DC
Afternoon routine
Evening routine
Another early night - currently trying to go to bed about 9.30pm as seem to be waking up at 4.15am

Good morning ladies.

I am feeling bright and breezy this morning and ready to take on the world, so bring it on!!!

MissB - Glad DD2s tooth is improving. Hope DD1 has a good day today. I will look out for mail!

Ellie - So sorry that you are having to go through those terrible feelings again. > for you.

MrsD - Oh dear!!! > Are you hungry this morning? Hope DD is better this morning. It makes me so glad mine are teenagers now.

SR - So disheartening when dcs dont appreciate all your culinary efforts. At least you ended the day with a "Everyone to bed in comparative calm" To me that spells S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

SC - Hi someone is poaching all my calls! - thought of that one at work yesterday. I think my colleagues thought I had finally lost it totally! (no change there then! )

I have something I wanted to share with you all, because none of my RL friends "get" this:
Yesterday I saw a poster which made me smile. It read: "The powerful force of Positive Attitude shows the way for others to follow."
I HAVE to get that poster for my office wall. It will make me smile everytime I look at it, but everyone in RL will be in the dark. {He He he!!!)

I plan a relaxed day today.Work this morning, then an afternoon of catching up with all the relaxation I have missed for the last 18years couple of days!

No list today.
Hope you all have a good day.

Feetheart x-posted with you this morning.

Recipe for the simplest thing ever, loved by DCs and incredibly cheap and versatile, great for making for school fayres, or just for after school snacks, lunch boxes (have I sold it yet?):
8oz Margarine
8oz Self Raising Flour
8oz Sugar
5oz Oats
3oz Drinking chocolate (not cocoa powder that makes them YUCK!!!)

Melt the margarine, add all the dry ingredients, mix, put in baking tray (I use my lasagne dish), push down firmly (I use my hands, cos it sticks everywhere else!), cook in oven 190 for 15 mins.

Can be covered in chocolate if you want to be really unhealthy, or add nuts, or cherries, or raisins, or ginger, instead of, or as well as the drinking chocolate.

DS seems to think they are good for breakfast too. He is sat next to me reading this, eating one and just said that its his version of a healthy porridge! Do you ever wonder if you have gone wrong with the parenting skills?

Morning! Sounds like perfect healthy porridge to me!
feetheart good luck with the flat today.
mrsd hope cooking today is more successful
SR your fajitas sound lovely - but I know what it's like when you've lovingly (or even not!) prEpared something only for the comment 'it's like vomit'. They will learn when they are parents!
PA tried to email but returned to me so maybe got it worong? Also, how do you CAT? I'm rubbish with technology but once told I can generally master it!
Both DDs up and ready for school this am and cards taken up to DH.
My morning routine more or less done but I surpassed my self last night......tidied bedroom and put clothes away but left out outfits for rest of week. Feel very virtuous and will go now and polish halo......
have a good day everyone

Morning all,

A lovely sunny day here and I'm feeling full of energy this morning - despite a late bedtime (partly work, partly my failure to stick to flylady's 4th commandment ).

MiniMarmite The only reason I managed to resist wine and chocolate was because I was feeling exhausted and thought I might be coming down with a cold. I don't need an excuse for either normally - having got the DC off to bed is enough of an excuse, I find.

missbennett It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job. I wish I'd had such an understanding mother when I was a teenager.

ellipac So sorry to hear about the bereavements; it really does bring it all back. A friend of mine died in January and although I hadn't had much contact with her for a few years, I'm still struggling to take it in (quite tragic - she was only my age and had two young children).

Stillcounting Count me in on the holiday.

swanriver I was meaning to ask you whereabouts in Germany your DH was from (but didn't want to be too nosey!). I actually met DH in Berlin but we haven't been back for ages - our last visit was nine years ago so this is the first time we'll be taking the DC. I'm racking my brains for child-friendly places from my au pair days, but suspect it's all changed since then anyway! Hope you're having a better day today anyway - I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one who feels that way about cooking! And do you have our playroom, by any chance?

feetheart I've had the same problem with waking up too early - I often wake around 4.30 and it then hardly seems worth going back to sleep as I get up at 5.30. I've also decided to aim for a 9.30 bedtime as I'm still tired in the mornings when I go to bed at 10.

PositiveAttitude That poster sounds like a must have! And your chocolate oatie recipe sounds great; I'll definitely have to try it out.

And last but not least, welcome to purplewednesday!

Today's list:
Morning routine
15 minute declutter in bedrooms (will need to be more of a room rescue in DDs' bedroom)
Mission (if I have enough time)
Update calendar
Sort out tax refund (part 2)
Print out Easter song for English later on this morning
Coffee
DD1 piano practice (if we can fit it in after lunch and homework and before piano lesson at 1.30 pm and then friend's visit)
Tea and gossip with English friend

MissB - Try the email again it is directioneeded at aol dot com. The direction and needed share the middle "N". Sorry, if I write it out properly here I think MN delete it. Let me know if that works.

You can send private messages through MN, but your settings are set so that you dont allow it and I have not paid the £5 to let me do it, but was going to if you allowed receipt.

Good morning all.

Todays list

Morning Routine done
Make some phone calls
Tidy bedroom (if DP gets of bed )
Tidy car
Pick up friend and go Easter Egg hunting!
Take DS to gym

Hope everyone has a nice day. X

Morning me dearies

Hope the week is improving a bit for everyone. Very sunny here - daffs are out and lilac starting to bud - dd and I started to prepare a few raised (container) beds for fruit and veg yesterday afternoon.

Maldives it is then for our annual FlegdlingFlyersFest. And the beauty of virtual travel is we don't have to endure 12 hrs on the plane. Order your spa treatments and cocktails in advance here.

Thanks for steps Mini - my bedroom floor is starting to reappear too. Glad your ds is recovering and hope he regains his energy soon.

SwanR good to hear your dd is skipping about again! Sympathies re: the 'witching hours' between school and supper. It can be a trial (and I only have one dc!) Maths homework always a challenge! Plus working language of school is French but much of dd's written work is in Flemish, so all a bit time-consuming!! Meal planning definitely helps!! And getting out for a bit of a bicyle or tea on the lawn now that the weather is better. Hope you have a better afternoon today.

Hope your little one is recovering MrsDinky
and you have no more 'incidents' at the dining table!

PA at poaching calls and your poster. You must buy it!! Glad to see you finally have the opp for a bit of r&r this afternoon. Enjoy!

Am impressed by your early night Feetheart and yours too Aberita Ellie - so sorry to hear about your friends's mother and that you are feeling down. x

MissBennett - I agree with what ChairmumMiaow and everyone else has said - you sound like a really, really lovely ma - no talk of 'crappy' parenting must ever pass through your keyboard again! Your dd is very lucky to have you to guide her through this ...

Well done for keeping up with all the routines despite your heavy workload Optimistic

Hi to LittlePurplePrincess and hope you got through your list PushmePullyou

Waves to anyone I have missed

Spent far too long on the computer Mnsnetting researching holiday cottages yesterday, so am going to close it down now and try and sort out my sock and underwear drawers in the bedroom, do more laundry, more paperwork, oh more of the same of everything really ....

Keep going everyone ... 15 mins at a time

PA - chocolate oaties in oven as we speak, just by chance the quiche I am making for tea needs to be on at 190C as well so it would be a waste not to use the other shelf . Will post verdict later but mixture tasted nice

Really need to hoover now but would much rather be curled up on sofa with shattered DS watching 'Cars'. I'll do hall and stairs see. Oaties might be ready then so I will have to sit down to try one

and see

Hi everyone!

So sorry to hear about your friends' mums SR and Ellie and how it's brought back your Dad's death, Ellie. Thinking of you!

PA - you sound jolly today - am going to have a go at your biccies too. let us know what they taste like feetheart!Mrs D - am so with you on the vomiting child scenario. Only, one of my class vomited all over her literacy book yesterday and we have had to 'dry it out' (sorry everyone) as she wrote such a great story!! I have been wandering round school with a bucket permanently attached to my arm for 2 weeks now as so many children have been ill. It's like my insurance policy....if you have a bucket no-one willbe sick!

Miss B - glad both your girls are in school and here's hoping your DH has a lovely birthday.

Aberita - I keep missing you out, so sorry about that - hope you are feeling a bitbetter about your work now.

SC - I'll have a face mask and full body massage by a young man with a tan and a six-pack!!!!

Hi to LPP and MM - hope mini minimarmite is feeling a bit better.

Today I decided to try out 'couch to 5K' app. I really enjoyed it and it wasn't too bad!. Whether I keep it going we shall see but I am feeling very virtuous I must say. I so need to get fit!!!
On the flying front:
need to enter Master bedroom and declutter wardrobes/drawers
done home bless
done morning routine
supper
been into school with doughnuts (real not virtual!)
washing/drying - am doing
paperwork - to do.

Better get on then...
See you later!

BTW - has anyone got solid wood surfaces in kitchen and tried to sand them and reapply danish oil?????.Any tips welcome.

Afternoon all!!

Thank you to all who have said hello, thats lovely.

Didn't get off to much of a flying start yesterday- DH was working from home so I didn't get near the computer, and in the eve DD1 took her Brownie promise!

I did shine the sink though.

Made me feel much better!!

Todays TO DO list (in no particular order):

Get the baby weighed done
Usual tidy up in the kitchen
School run
Essentials from supermarket (including limes!) done
Brush the cats (they are moulting like mad)
Check out the fly lady website. (what are Baby steps exactly...?)
Read school books with DD1 (I read on another MN thread that Biff and Chip are really called Barbara and Christopher. Or is it Kipper who is really Christopher?How bizarre.)
Put washing on
Put away the dry laundry
Remind myself that clothes look better ironed done
Actually do some ironing
Shine the sink before going to bed.

TTFN

here! PurpleWednesday

[looks over shoulder sheepishly, no I'm not on here really, oh not at all]

hi all, have had problems with pc keyboard so no posting .
PA choc oaties sound lovely, am going to make them tomorrow.
i havent made much progress in master bedroom this week as have been sorting out dining room and clearing cellar slowly for use of playroom.dh has also been off work which has thrown me.
tomorrow i will-
do 15 min declutter master bedroom
bake choc oaties
go to work for 4 hr course
hoover and dust upstairs.
I cant wait for a full day off without dh and dcs so i can do a big spring clean!

SC I spoke too soon, I gave in to malingering dd (aching all over - she claimed)today and kept her at home.

We went to coffee shop and met a friend and talked of husbands sealingwax etc,
did our Mexican research
my piano practice
piano lesson (dd came too)
ds2 piano lesson (dd now skipping freely down streets again )
everyone watched loads of youtube clips of Anthony Banderas singing El Mariarchi (sp) mexican theme etc
supper chicken, pots, salad eaten
helped at Beavers, left kids at home to watch more tv with dh
now back feeling quite mellow!
playroom cleared last night does that count?

My singing has improved too, I am thrilled. I have regained my "head voice". Not quite ready for top notes of Greensleeves - which still sounds excruciating but the lessons have actually paid off.

Optimistic you are v resilient

So have I killed everyone off with my recipe?
Everyone has gone quiet.

I was a tad bored when I was having my 30 mins relax this afternoon and ended up googling "positive attitude". Quite interesting! - not sure what page 3 type models have to do with it, but there you go!
Anyway, came up with another quote that fits my personality MUCH better! I will aspire to the first one, but reality is probably :

(a) Positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it (I) will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. (Herm Albright)

Wine is calling, see you all tomorrow.

last night and paid off