I hope everyone had a great weekend and that we're all ready for a great & productive week! I am trying to get myself pumped up, can you tell?
Today's PODA:
* Work at office 8:45 - 11:45
* Laundry, of course!
* Sweep
* WHB
* Telephone calls (about 4)
* Try to go through winter clothes storage boxes and purge clothes
Not too bad. I'm loving flying because my PODA doesn't seem so daunting most days. I just need to maintain.
Just a quick off topic heads up for those of you involved in the sponsorship of an Ethiopian child last year (organised by Danna). For those wishing to participate this year, this is a heads up that there is a thread on the homepage about it. Thanks
Good Evening!
TADA
paid bills
couple calls
RSVP'd for surprise party
watched neighbor's kid for a couple hours
read paper
morning routine
watered garden
filled bird feeder
took kids to meet their teachers/ice cream social
dinner
Kids are pooped out and watching TV. Hope to get both of them showered/bathed and in bed early. Tomorrow DS9 has half a day of school so summer is officially over for him tonight. Bummed about one of DS's teachers. She is quite pregnant and will be on leave in 2-3 months and then a sub will teach the rest of the year. Oh well...at least it isn't his reading teacher so that is good.
I need to make about 5 calls tomorrow on behalf of LDA to see if anyone can donate items or gift certificates to an event that we are planning in October. Lenora- it is at Legacy Village in case you have heard of that new European styled outdoor fancy shopping center.
That is a bummer, Heidi! I'm all for pregnancy leaves, etc. except when it affects my own kids!
I hear ya on the maintaining Vonnie - makes life so much easier. I am still thrilled about decluttering our basement. It is addictive, I keep running around looking for more stuff to fling!
Worked today and will work tomorrow. DH flies as best as he can on those days. He does pretty well - the laundry is always done and folded and the house is maintained. I have to say, the sink is not shiny though and that drives me bonkers! Our new vacuum is really helping with the dog hair.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!!! Vonnie, once again, your flying is inspiring. I hope that I can get to the "maintaining" stage. Still struggling, but I'm hanging in there. I quit posting at the end of last week because I left town for a memorial service. I'm glad to be back home. Last week, DH made some comments on how I "never seem to have it together." Mostly talking about how I can't ever seem to locate my keys, my purse,... the way I'm always late for appointments, etc. The words cut, but mostly because I know he's right. I was pissed at first, but the criticism has motivated me to do better. I SO want to be an organized person--I HATE being thought of as a flake. The truth is, I'm more talented at keeping up with things in a workplace setting. BUT, I'd RATHER be a better homemaker! Does anyone else feel this way? I'm slowly making improvements... we'll see how it goes!!!!!
Heidi, mine start to school this week, too(preschool and mother's day out). We met teachers today... I wish we'd had an icecream social! DS4's in a new class with NONE of his old friends. He's a little bummed, but I hope he makes new friends.
Andrea, I'm so jealous of your vaccuum!! I love an appliance that works well! Our hoover windtunnel is ok...but I'd love a Dyson. I read your thread too late or I would've posted that a housekeeper that I used to know said she cleaned several homes which had the Oreck and she thought that they didn't hold up well. Sounds like you made a good choice.
TADA:
meet the teacher day at school- got there on time
made bed
straightened house
emptied dw
filled dw
2 loads laundry
worked shift at library
Kay, I used to have more trouble keeping track of keys and purses until I started hanging them on hooks inside the front door (or whichever door is your main entry). Now the house can be total chaos, but I can always find my keys and purse.
PODA:
-school
-make a doc appt to get new blood pressure meds
-laundry
Work has me stressed out again. Two different things going on. Neither are in my control, so I need to just stop worrying. Both will cause some extra work for a short period, though. I'm just praying they'll both work out.
Well, DD is sleeping over for the first time tonight! She's going to my Mom's. I really don't expect her to stay all night, but she continually amazes me, so who knows? DH and I are going to go to dinner at least. We may be going to get her by the time we're done, but maybe not. Tomorrow I don't go into the office, so at least if I have to go out at midnight to get her, I don't have to get up early tomorrow.
Sorry this is so lame. Not much to report. Just trying to stop stressing about things.
Yeah, we missed you this am Vonnie! I figured something was up. Hope things get straightened out at work. Enjoy your dinner -
Hi Kay - hang in there - you can do it! Ouch, that comment must have hurt! We were considering the Oreck but a vacuum guy said that it's main advantage was the lighter weight and that there are more powerful vacs.
Worked today, but have tomorrow off - busy with dentist appt., playdate, and possibly getting my blood drawn for a physical. All kinds of fun stuff!
Nothing to report or TADA yet, but I'm back if that counts for anything
Hope to get back into the swing of things next week after my Mom goes home. I missed my flypals.
She spent the entire night at my Mom's! It's 5:20 a.m. and I didn't get a call last night to come and get her. I haven't spoken to my Mom yet, so I don't know how the night went. I hope she didn't keep everyone up. Makes me kind of sad, though, that she made it all night her first time.
Today's my "at home" day as far as office work goes. Hopefully I won't be bombarded with calls and voice mails all day. Tomorrow will be stressful enough in and of itself.
My PODA:
* Pick up DD when my Mom calls
* Strip sheets on my bed and launder
* Other laundry
* Get a newspaper for this week's grocery sales
* Put dinner in crockpot (I'm having dinner w/friend tonight)
* Work in our bedroom zone today
Well, I'm gonna run. I'll check in with you gals later.
Just talked to my Mom. She said DD wouldn't go to sleep until 10 p.m. and then wanted to get up at 5:30 a.m. (welcome to my world, Mom!). She convinced her to go back to bed, but she was up for good at 6:30. Maybe she'll be ready for a nap today.
I'm still surprised she stayed all night. My little girl's growing up!
I do have a TADA to report, I got the carpet cleaned in my Family room, and dusted in there. I also fixed my love seat, it's on it's last leg. It still looks good but it's broken underneath. I told DH that from now on I'm buying sofa's and love seats that have the beds in them, they seem to last longer. But anyway, I think what I did today should help us get a few more months out of it.
Also started on a MAJOR de-cluttering in my closet, I won't finish that today but at least I started it.
Savannah's doing great, she's like I said earlier, the piece of the puzzle that was missing from our family. She seems to complete and balance us. Trey (DS6) loves having a little sister, he's always singing "You are my sunshine" to her. *so sweet* Tony (DS18) started his freshman year at St. Mary's Monday and Anthony (DC16) started his junior year last Monday. He's running Cross Country this year so that's keeping him pretty busy. Trey and I will start back homeschooling as soon as my mom leaves to go back home to SC. I'm going to miss having her here but at the same time I'm looking forward to seeing what "normal" is going to be like now. She's been here for 6 weeks.
Wow, well for my first real post I sure did ramble on.
Andrea, how was your trip to the dentist? I need to make me an appointment, I had a piece of a back tooth come off a few months ago. It's not hurting, but I need to get it fixed.
Heidi, how was your son's first day?
Well DS6 is wanting to go to nick.com so I better run. Hope to check back in later.
I chatted to JennyE today and she says to say hello to you all!
She says her kids are all doing fine, they recently drove 1,300 miles and the kids were good all the way! (She said she thought of you Vonnie, as they drove through your area) Jenny herself starts school soon, she will be doing 16 hours a week. She also said they have had lots of rain this year and the hay is doing really well. I told her she should pop in and say hi sometime
Just super-busy back at work full time Oh well, I do love my job and the kids go with me, except DS14 who will be in high school now, so I still get to be with them. It's good to be the boss!
I don't have a huge anything to report because all of our super flinging earlier this month means there isn't much to do to maintain.
TADA
laundry
dishes
dinner: pizza
did a drawer fling in the kitchen.
PODA
eat dinner
read paper
early to bed and read
Heidi-I did finish Book of Ruth. Sad, but good. I picked up Map of the World, so that will be up next in between previewing the 60 new kid's books I got for my classroom. If anyone is in the market for a great mystery for kids ages 9+ Chasing Vermeer was fantastic.
Andrea, I need a math & science teacher who teams with me, care to relocate?
Vonnie, I know just how you feel about DD growing up. I watch mine with a 50/50 mix of pride and wistfulness.
Jamielea, welcome back! We sure missed you. Please tell me that by the time he is 18 that DS14 will be a human again. Please?
Hi Jenny! We miss you lots!
Kay, the only way I can keep track of my stuff is to have routines and designated spots for things. It doesn't work that well though, because I am always losing my sunglasses and I can't carry a purse because I put them dowm places and forget to pick them back up, so my van is my purse. Drives DH crazy!
I have a big TADA today, but I won't post it all - I really got a lot done though. BAck to work tomorrow, then 2 weeks off - yay!
Wow, Jamie Lea, you're doing great! Good job in the family room! I'm personally not fond of the sleepers because they are so heavy to move! (and usually noone wants to sleep on them anyway) I would just go with a nice, solid, quality loveseat. I can imagine that SAvannah really does complete your wonderfuly family. It will be so great for you to have a girl around the house - it is one of the joys in my life! I'm sure Heidi, Jo, and others with boys and girls will agree!
Jo, I would love to team with you, but sadly, I'm not a math/science teacher! Just a school psychologist! I could probably fake it though.
OK, I'm off - going to try to watch a DVD I rented today - I'll fill you in tomorrow.
Tada~
Dinner
Wrote out kids a.m. and p.m routines and laminated, posted them upstairs and down.
Called and argued with car loan company
Called Dell and waited on hold for an hour before I gave up
Swept
I even had time to draw with some new oil pastels
I have a question for everyone....
Can anyone recommend a good floor wax. You know something that protects my tile floor and makes mopping easier.
I would prefer an easy application.
Gotta go
Has it been so long since I've checked in? Hello to all, especially to Jamielea! I envy you seeing the sweet side of your teenagers like that! (And as my toddler shrieks and says no at every obstacle to her will, I envy you your sweet little babe!)
Sick and tired -- DH brought home a cold, but the work never ends, does it, so we plug along. State Fair starts tomorrow -- hurray! It's like a 2-week state holiday. Mom comes next week, and we do Kindergarten orientation next week too. DD has written about 3 letters to her new teacher since we heard from her last week. This most recent concluded, "p.s. I love you." Awwwww.
Barely on top of the house, but plugging along. Will try to get back into the PODAs tomorrow!
Another busy day. I have to find a missing file first thing at work today. It is really important and if I don't find it, then I will have to re-create what is in it that the accountant needs. So, I'll be digging and praying this morning at the office.
Thankfully, I have most other things under control, so unless something unforeseen comes up, I should be OK to search.
Yesterday's TADAs:
* Got b'day gift for party DD has Friday night
* Had dinner at Olive Garden with an old friend
* Laundry - all was caught up for about a 30 minute period today!
* Exterminator came; had to get rat bait for outside at our bird feeder
* Cooked roast in crockpot for tonight
* Updated checkbook
* Multiple phone calls checking on various items
Today's PODA:
* Work at office 8:15-11:15 and hopefully find file
* Update checkbook
* Pay bills online
* Laundry
Well, gotta run. Need to leave earlier today as my Mom has plans and I have to go to work 30 minutes earlier so I can get off 30 minutes earlier.
TADA
DD to open day visit again at preschool(she is pretty comfortable there now)
out to lunch(in more ways than one!!)
picked up film and a few other items at store
swept and mopped kitchen floor
laundry washing now
sorted mail
brought in trash cans
PODA
dinner
homework
meeting at 7pm
DS had a good first day on Tuesday and now homework has begun again. Can't you tell I am excited?
andrea- yes it is wonderful having a little girl amongst the men in the house. But if all I had were men in the house I would think that was wonderful too I suppose. But I do like the pigtails and nailpolish aspect.
Shaun-good to see you pop in,was thinking of you.
Vonnie-did you locate the missing file in time? Hope so.
Better whip up a decent dinner and get DS started on homework before I leave at 7pm.
Woohoo! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! I am so glad. Last weekday before DD starts preschool, too! Yippee! She needs the activity of school to use some of her energy and the socialization of being with other kids to fill that need. I'll be glad to be back in a real routine. That means I have to get organized this weekend, though!
Yes, Heidi, I did find what I needed. Well, I found the copies that I had made for the accountant. Still haven't found the file, but I will. It's there somewhere; I packed up some old files a few months ago & sent to archive storage, so I bet it got mixed in with them somehow. I'll be chasing that rabbit next week. Tomorrow at office I'll be doing the things I should have gotten done today. Oh, well.
DH should be home any minute (picking up dog at vet). DD played in pool for a bit; water is still not really warm, but it's getting better. We had a chill-out day today. Just hanging out. And of course, her talking 90 miles per hour.
When DH gets home, I want to run to Wal-Mart and look for a really cute backpack for DD for next week. She'll be surprised and happy. I may pick up take-out for our dinner. I'm just not in the mood to cook. I sweated this morning at work (part nerves, part running around), so I feel nasty. I'll probably take another shower tonight. That will give me a few extra minutes in the morning.
Today's TADAs:
* FOUND missing info!
* Updated checkbook
SLUG:
* Paying bills online
There really isn't enough laundry for a full load, so I didn't do laundry!
Y'all have a great evening. Please forgive my ramblings on here.
Jo, DS18 is much more human than he was at 14. He's my stepson although I don't refer to, or think of him that way. I remember when I moved in with DH and met him for the first time when he was 7 and thinking "wow, this stepchild thing is nothing" he was so sweet..... THEN he turned 12. Holy cow!! I think part of it was his age and part of it was the fact that DS6 was on the way. I think his mom may have told him that things were going to change once we had our own child. Once DS (now 6) was born and he realized that nothing changed he settled back down. I couldn't have asked for a better big brother. So the short version... Yes they do become more human
Andrea, I thought we HAD bought a good quality love seat, the boys are just really rough on furniture. Either way, at least I saved this one for a while.
Shaun, good to see you again, I really miss you guys when I don't post! Your DD sounds like a real sweetie. Hope your all feeling better soon.
Well enough jibber jabber, here's my PODA (sad but it's all I'll get done)
*dinner
*clean cat litter box
*quick pick up in my room
Vonnie, congratulations to your DD on staying the whole night! Remember she did live in an orphanage, so she understands that other people besides you can take care of her and she'll still be safe; so don't worry that she is growing up TOO much!
TADA:
-took cat to vet for follow-up
-fed cats
-gave cat medicine
I'm sensing a theme. Anyway, here's the rest:
-desk chores
-went to class
I've had a busy week around here, with school starting and all!!! It's going to take some adjusting to for all of us. We go on vacation next week, also, so I have alot to do. I'm trying to keep it all together so I don't fall into my old "screwball" ways.
Becky, yes, the hooks for keys are a great idea. I'm going to do that. I do best if everything has a place. Lois, I like your idea, as well! I'll have to admit that I've called my cell phone in order to locate my purse on more than one ocasion. Thanks for the support... I'm determined to rid myself of my SHE ways.
Jamie Lea and Shaun, glad you both are back. Jamie, I saw the pics of your dd, she's a beauty, for sure.
Honey, thanks for giving us the Jenny E update. I miss her posts!
Andrea, congrats on the big TADA...
mine is OK:
-emptied and refilled dw
-cleaned kitchen
-recleaned after dinner
-one load of laundry
-picked up pictures
-bought printer
-returned ink cartridges to office depot
-took ds to swim lessons
slug:
-bills
-didn't make bed today (i'm ashamed)
-left master bedroom messy today
I'll do a little cleaning catchup tomorrow... my inlaws are coming to visit and keep our kids while we go on vacation next week!!!
Can you tell I am excited that the weekend is almost here? I am ready to relax. So, I am trying to get things done so I won't be doing laundry and housework all weekend.
Today's PODA:
* Work at office
* Make menu plan for next week and grocery list
* Go to grocery store when DH gets home this afternoon
* Wrap b'day gift
* Laundry
* Take DD to b'day party
* General WHB
I'm starting my 13 days off before I have to go back to work. I'm looking forward to it. Unfortunately, DD5 and I have already had a bg blow up this am regarding clothes, whining, etc. Parental failure for sure. I know she's just missed me from working so much and she's also regressing a bit due to starting school, probably.
TADA
dishes
general clutter pick up
garbage
made Swedish meatballs for potluck at school
stayed up until after 1am waiting for DH to come home and my best buddies in the world to fly in from the west coast
did our big family wall calendar for September and October and entered all school vacations for the year
PODA
laundry
hang out with visitors
maybe go out tonight, if we feel like it
We had quite a plumbing adventure on Thursday night: I turned the water on and all the way to hot and then the handle came off in my hand! The rod inside had broken off way into the wall. I couldn't find the shutoff valve to the shower either, so I ended up shutting off the water pump entirely. DH is fixing it as we speak. Yikes. I am going to make a master list of all the emergency procedures so if stuff like that ever happens when DH is gone again I can find what I need. Sheesh.
TADA
laundry put away and another load started
morning routine
vacuumed LR and DR
played Uno and Yahtzee with DS(it is raining outside)
dw loaded and ran
PODA
Aldi quick run
take DD to park if it clears up
gonna make a big dinner(steaks,baked poatoes au gratin,green beans,salad,and rolls)
movie night
Tomorrow Ds and DH are going to an Indians game amd my mom and I and DD are going to an outdoor art show. I went last year to this show and it was just big enough and set in a beautiful area with very fine artisans so should be a good day.
What are you all doing for fun this weekend?
Hey,where has Susannah been or is she taking a break?
Yeah, I've been wondering about Susannah too. Hope all is well. How was the art show?
Vonnie, did you get to relax this weekend (so far?)
HI Jo, I have to do that calendar thing too. We are working on 3 different school schedules, so it is crazy.
Well, I worked my butt off today, so it doesn't feel like much of a weekend. Mopped the kitchen, vacuumed stairs, dust mopped upstairs, did an Aldi run, Payless for kids' shoes, brushed the dog, gardened, etc. Tomorrow? Not sure. Maybe an outing. It is very hot and humid here - we were hoping our ac would be done by Friday nite, but it wasn't! They say they will finish Monday.
Getting a slow start today. It's dreary here this morning, but is supposed to get better later. I'm so tired of this gray look the past two weeks. It's just how it was in Russia when we were there last year!
I did manage to awaken on my own at 4 a.m. and put our lunch in the crockpot. I went back to bed at 4:30 and didn't wake back up until DD came into our bedroom singing "Good morning, Mama!" at 7:45. I doubt we'll make it to Sunday School this morning; we'll just go to the worship service. It's 8:35 now and that starts at 10:30. DD is watching Clifford on PBS, so I may sneak in and get my shower. It's getting harder & harder to beat her up these days to do that. School starts tomorrow, though, so we both need to get our act together. We sure need to get in bed on time tonight.
Today's PODA:
* Church services
* Laundry
* Iron DD's school clothes & my work clothes for the week
* Make Italian Chicken recipe to cut up & make chicken salad
* Put potato soup in crockpot after I clean it up from lunch
* Fix sides to go with my Chicken Delicious (crockpot): purple hull peas, corn-on-the-cob, green beans, rolls -- starch city!
* Get DD's lesson plans done for this week's learning time
* Try to get some of the winter clothes storage boxes sorted & packed back up to go back to my Mom's
* Make notations on calendars of two events that came in the mail yesterday; go ahead and check out this week's calendar & make sure I know what's going on
* Put my menu post-it notes on the calendar for the week
* Sweep floors when DD naps
That's about it, but I think it's a full plate for a Sunday. I like those sort of tasks, though. Makes me feel like I've accomplished something when I get done.
Wow, should be a productive day for you. What are the purple hull peas and how do you cook them?
I've gotten a lot done today too - groceries for the week, gardened, decluttered Lydia's room, exercised, emptied dw, laundry done but not folded. I am going to shower now and have lunch.
TADA
read Sunday paper
finished One Hundred Years of Solitude and Tuesdays with Morrie
dw loaded and unloaded
dinner marinating
played school with DD
morning routine
PODA
make sure DD naps(she hasn't in 3 days,she is outgrowing them)
dinner
bed on time for school tomorrow
Mom and I and Dd did not go to the art show this afternoon. My mom's car is having trouble and she lives about 45 minutes away from me and the show is about 40 minutes away from here so......oh well. There will be other art fests as fall approaches so I am not too disappointed. DS and DH are at the Indians game at the moment though.
Our city paper is doing this big series on how reading has become passe' and people are too busy or just uninterested in good literature. So this week's article took up a quarter page and the fall lineup for TV and current movie and video reviews took up 2 pages!! Go figure.
I love to read and have since I was a child. No stopping me.
Hi Jo,Vonnie,shaun,Becky,Andrea et al. Hope you guys are having a good Sunday as well.
Boy you all are inspiring... This week I Did some decluttering of DS and DD clothes.. got DH to go through his clothes and I went through mine.. went through toys... I am working today so not much flying.
Well, you certainly are reading a lot Heidi! I never could get through "Solitude" too dreamy for me, I guess. I'm reading White Oleander now, like it. I saw the movie.
I actualy have free time today - a dear friend took both of my kiddos for the afternoon - well, she has DD at a movie and her DH has DS7. I've gotten a lot done today. Cheeseburgers and ? for dinner.
Took my Mom to the airport this morning. She was here for 6 weeks. I'm gona miss her but I'm also looking forward to finding out what "normal" is going to be like now that Savannah's here. Not much to TADA today, but I did get the kitchen clean and maintained downstairs.
Tomorrow's PODA
start homeschooling 1st grade with DS6 (Trey)
list some things on freecycle
spend 15 min. in my zone (master bedroom)
call insurance company and add Savannah
start on Thank you notes
Andrea, enjoy your time off
Good to see you Marcie!!
Kay, enjoy that vacation! Sounds great.
Hi to everyone else, Becky, Vonnie, Heidi, Lois, Jo, Shaun. See you guys Monday.
Jamie Lea
HI Jamie Lea! Good luck with "normal"! Should be fun! What is freecycle?
I'm looking forward to my time off - I just have to work 3 hours and 15 minutes (who's counting?!) at home and that's it until Thursday the 9th. We have several outings planned this week plus DD5's kindergarten orientation/bus run. Looking forward to all of it, but I need to remain organized/on top of the house. we 're in pretty good shape now - I think I'm going to start unloading the dw before I go to bed and also throwing my load of laundry in. That will give me a jumpstart.
I drove by there just the other day, while taking MIL to Cleveland Clinic. I tend to go "south" to Akron for most things (since Akron is "home" territory) but thought I might get back up there to prowl around this fall. I don't generally "shop" for fun, but since I have all my classes scheduled on Tues-Thursday this semester I'll have a couple of "free" days each week. It is really only about 25 minutes from us since we're just 2-3 minutes off 480 east!
Comments
Good Morning Everyone!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and that we're all ready for a great & productive week! I am trying to get myself pumped up, can you tell?
Today's PODA:
* Work at office 8:45 - 11:45
* Laundry, of course!
* Sweep
* WHB
* Telephone calls (about 4)
* Try to go through winter clothes storage boxes and purge clothes
Not too bad. I'm loving flying because my PODA doesn't seem so daunting most days. I just need to maintain.
Y'all have a good day!
Vonnie
Ethopian Sponsorship
Just a quick off topic heads up for those of you involved in the sponsorship of an Ethiopian child last year (organised by Danna). For those wishing to participate this year, this is a heads up that there is a thread on the homepage about it. Thanks
Honey
Good Evening! TADA paid bil
Good Evening!
TADA
paid bills
couple calls
RSVP'd for surprise party
watched neighbor's kid for a couple hours
read paper
morning routine
watered garden
filled bird feeder
took kids to meet their teachers/ice cream social
dinner
Kids are pooped out and watching TV. Hope to get both of them showered/bathed and in bed early. Tomorrow DS9 has half a day of school so summer is officially over for him tonight. Bummed about one of DS's teachers. She is quite pregnant and will be on leave in 2-3 months and then a sub will teach the rest of the year. Oh well...at least it isn't his reading teacher so that is good.
I need to make about 5 calls tomorrow on behalf of LDA to see if anyone can donate items or gift certificates to an event that we are planning in October. Lenora- it is at Legacy Village in case you have heard of that new European styled outdoor fancy shopping center.
off to load dw,check email and bathe DD.
Nighty night....
Heidi
Hi
HI all -
That is a bummer, Heidi! I'm all for pregnancy leaves, etc. except when it affects my own kids!
I hear ya on the maintaining Vonnie - makes life so much easier. I am still thrilled about decluttering our basement. It is addictive, I keep running around looking for more stuff to fling!
Worked today and will work tomorrow. DH flies as best as he can on those days. He does pretty well - the laundry is always done and folded and the house is maintained. I have to say, the sink is not shiny though and that drives me bonkers! Our new vacuum is really helping with the dog hair.
OK, I'm off!
Andrea
Monday, Monday...
Hope everyone had a great weekend!!! Vonnie, once again, your flying is inspiring. I hope that I can get to the "maintaining" stage. Still struggling, but I'm hanging in there. I quit posting at the end of last week because I left town for a memorial service. I'm glad to be back home. Last week, DH made some comments on how I "never seem to have it together." Mostly talking about how I can't ever seem to locate my keys, my purse,... the way I'm always late for appointments, etc. The words cut, but mostly because I know he's right. I was pissed at first, but the criticism has motivated me to do better. I SO want to be an organized person--I HATE being thought of as a flake. The truth is, I'm more talented at keeping up with things in a workplace setting. BUT, I'd RATHER be a better homemaker! Does anyone else feel this way? I'm slowly making improvements... we'll see how it goes!!!!!
Heidi, mine start to school this week, too(preschool and mother's day out). We met teachers today... I wish we'd had an icecream social! DS4's in a new class with NONE of his old friends. He's a little bummed, but I hope he makes new friends.
Andrea, I'm so jealous of your vaccuum!! I love an appliance that works well! Our hoover windtunnel is ok...but I'd love a Dyson. I read your thread too late or I would've posted that a housekeeper that I used to know said she cleaned several homes which had the Oreck and she thought that they didn't hold up well. Sounds like you made a good choice.
TADA:
meet the teacher day at school- got there on time
made bed
straightened house
emptied dw
filled dw
2 loads laundry
worked shift at library
Have a great week flying everyone!!!!
Kay W
hooks
Kay, I used to have more trouble keeping track of keys and purses until I started hanging them on hooks inside the front door (or whichever door is your main entry). Now the house can be total chaos, but I can always find my keys and purse.
PODA:
-school
-make a doc appt to get new blood pressure meds
-laundry
Keys and purse.
Here's how I keep track of my keys and purse.
I attached the keys to my purse.
I call my cell phone to locate my purse.
Hello All
I slept until 6:30 this morning (that's really late for me!), so I had to get busy and didn't have time to post first thing.
Today's TADAs:
* Office 8:45 - 11:45
* Laundry
* Swept floors
* Updated checkbook
Work has me stressed out again. Two different things going on. Neither are in my control, so I need to just stop worrying. Both will cause some extra work for a short period, though. I'm just praying they'll both work out.
Well, DD is sleeping over for the first time tonight! She's going to my Mom's. I really don't expect her to stay all night, but she continually amazes me, so who knows? DH and I are going to go to dinner at least. We may be going to get her by the time we're done, but maybe not. Tomorrow I don't go into the office, so at least if I have to go out at midnight to get her, I don't have to get up early tomorrow.
Sorry this is so lame. Not much to report. Just trying to stop stressing about things.
Y'all have a good one.
Vonnie
Yeah, we missed you this am V
Yeah, we missed you this am Vonnie! I figured something was up. Hope things get straightened out at work. Enjoy your dinner -
Hi Kay - hang in there - you can do it! Ouch, that comment must have hurt! We were considering the Oreck but a vacuum guy said that it's main advantage was the lighter weight and that there are more powerful vacs.
Worked today, but have tomorrow off - busy with dentist appt., playdate, and possibly getting my blood drawn for a physical. All kinds of fun stuff!
Bye!
Andrea
I'm back... I hope
Nothing to report or TADA yet, but I'm back if that counts for anything
Hope to get back into the swing of things next week after my Mom goes home. I missed my flypals.
My baby is growing up... S
My baby is growing up...
She spent the entire night at my Mom's! It's 5:20 a.m. and I didn't get a call last night to come and get her. I haven't spoken to my Mom yet, so I don't know how the night went. I hope she didn't keep everyone up. Makes me kind of sad, though, that she made it all night her first time.
Today's my "at home" day as far as office work goes. Hopefully I won't be bombarded with calls and voice mails all day. Tomorrow will be stressful enough in and of itself.
My PODA:
* Pick up DD when my Mom calls
* Strip sheets on my bed and launder
* Other laundry
* Get a newspaper for this week's grocery sales
* Put dinner in crockpot (I'm having dinner w/friend tonight)
* Work in our bedroom zone today
Well, I'm gonna run. I'll check in with you gals later.
Vonnie
Good morning! Vonnie-how d
Good morning!
Vonnie-how did DD and Grandma do at their slumber party? You are lucky to have involved family.
Lois-Too funny about your keys and purse! very creative....
Welcome Back Jamielea! How is life evolving at your house?
Hi All
PODA
library to return books
bank to deposit money
store to pick up a few things
promised DD a trip to park
several more calls
put away laundry
dinner
TADA from yesterday
DS off to first day of school
mowed front and back yards
got van registration
picked up school calendar at Bd. of Ed.
Better get started here,check in later to see how you all are doing.
Heidi
Welcome back Jamie Lea! HOpe
Welcome back Jamie Lea! HOpe everything is going well with Savannah!
Vonnie, I'd forget the crockpot dinner - DH can have hotdogs or something!
HI Heidi - have a great day!
Well, I'm off to the dentist, so I've gotta run -
Andrea
Just talked to my Mom. She s
Just talked to my Mom. She said DD wouldn't go to sleep until 10 p.m. and then wanted to get up at 5:30 a.m. (welcome to my world, Mom!). She convinced her to go back to bed, but she was up for good at 6:30. Maybe she'll be ready for a nap today.
I'm still surprised she stayed all night. My little girl's growing up!
Vonnie
Thanks for the welcome back :-)
I do have a TADA to report, I got the carpet cleaned in my Family room, and dusted in there. I also fixed my love seat, it's on it's last leg. It still looks good but it's broken underneath. I told DH that from now on I'm buying sofa's and love seats that have the beds in them, they seem to last longer. But anyway, I think what I did today should help us get a few more months out of it.
Also started on a MAJOR de-cluttering in my closet, I won't finish that today but at least I started it.
Savannah's doing great, she's like I said earlier, the piece of the puzzle that was missing from our family. She seems to complete and balance us. Trey (DS6) loves having a little sister, he's always singing "You are my sunshine" to her. *so sweet*
Tony (DS18) started his freshman year at St. Mary's Monday and Anthony (DC16) started his junior year last Monday. He's running Cross Country this year so that's keeping him pretty busy. Trey and I will start back homeschooling as soon as my mom leaves to go back home to SC. I'm going to miss having her here but at the same time I'm looking forward to seeing what "normal" is going to be like now. She's been here for 6 weeks.
Wow, well for my first real post I sure did ramble on.
Andrea, how was your trip to the dentist? I need to make me an appointment, I had a piece of a back tooth come off a few months ago. It's not hurting, but I need to get it fixed.
Heidi, how was your son's first day?
Well DS6 is wanting to go to nick.com so I better run. Hope to check back in later.
Jamie Lea
JennyE
I chatted to JennyE today and she says to say hello to you all!
She says her kids are all doing fine, they recently drove 1,300 miles and the kids were good all the way! (She said she thought of you Vonnie, as they drove through your area) Jenny herself starts school soon, she will be doing 16 hours a week. She also said they have had lots of rain this year and the hay is doing really well. I told her she should pop in and say hi sometime
Back to lurkdom....
Honey
I'm Still Alive
Just super-busy back at work full time
Oh well, I do love my job and the kids go with me, except DS14 who will be in high school now, so I still get to be with them. It's good to be the boss! 
I don't have a huge anything to report because all of our super flinging earlier this month means there isn't much to do to maintain.
TADA
laundry
dishes
dinner: pizza
did a drawer fling in the kitchen.
PODA
eat dinner
read paper
early to bed and read
Heidi-I did finish Book of Ruth. Sad, but good. I picked up Map of the World, so that will be up next in between previewing the 60 new kid's books I got for my classroom. If anyone is in the market for a great mystery for kids ages 9+ Chasing Vermeer was fantastic.
Andrea, I need a math & science teacher who teams with me, care to relocate?
Vonnie, I know just how you feel about DD growing up. I watch mine with a 50/50 mix of pride and wistfulness.
Jamielea, welcome back! We sure missed you. Please tell me that by the time he is 18 that DS14 will be a human again. Please?
Hi Jenny! We miss you lots!
Kay, the only way I can keep track of my stuff is to have routines and designated spots for things. It doesn't work that well though, because I am always losing my sunglasses and I can't carry a purse because I put them dowm places and forget to pick them back up, so my van is my purse. Drives DH crazy!
Bye Now,
-Jo
Hi guys! I have a big TADA
Hi guys!
I have a big TADA today, but I won't post it all - I really got a lot done though. BAck to work tomorrow, then 2 weeks off - yay!
Wow, Jamie Lea, you're doing great! Good job in the family room! I'm personally not fond of the sleepers because they are so heavy to move! (and usually noone wants to sleep on them anyway) I would just go with a nice, solid, quality loveseat. I can imagine that SAvannah really does complete your wonderfuly family. It will be so great for you to have a girl around the house - it is one of the joys in my life! I'm sure Heidi, Jo, and others with boys and girls will agree!
Jo, I would love to team with you, but sadly, I'm not a math/science teacher! Just a school psychologist! I could probably fake it though.
OK, I'm off - going to try to watch a DVD I rented today - I'll fill you in tomorrow.
Andrea
Good Evening Everyone
Tada~
Dinner
Wrote out kids a.m. and p.m routines and laminated, posted them upstairs and down.
Called and argued with car loan company
Called Dell and waited on hold for an hour before I gave up
Swept
I even had time to draw with some new oil pastels
I have a question for everyone....
Can anyone recommend a good floor wax. You know something that protects my tile floor and makes mopping easier.
I would prefer an easy application.
Gotta go
Howdy
Has it been so long since I've checked in? Hello to all, especially to Jamielea! I envy you seeing the sweet side of your teenagers like that! (And as my toddler shrieks and says no at every obstacle to her will, I envy you your sweet little babe!)
Sick and tired -- DH brought home a cold, but the work never ends, does it, so we plug along. State Fair starts tomorrow -- hurray! It's like a 2-week state holiday. Mom comes next week, and we do Kindergarten orientation next week too. DD has written about 3 letters to her new teacher since we heard from her last week. This most recent concluded, "p.s. I love you." Awwwww.
Barely on top of the house, but plugging along. Will try to get back into the PODAs tomorrow!
Shaun
Thursday Will Be Busy!
Another busy day. I have to find a missing file first thing at work today. It is really important and if I don't find it, then I will have to re-create what is in it that the accountant needs. So, I'll be digging and praying this morning at the office.
Thankfully, I have most other things under control, so unless something unforeseen comes up, I should be OK to search.
Yesterday's TADAs:
* Got b'day gift for party DD has Friday night
* Had dinner at Olive Garden with an old friend
* Laundry - all was caught up for about a 30 minute period today!
* Exterminator came; had to get rat bait for outside at our bird feeder
* Cooked roast in crockpot for tonight
* Updated checkbook
* Multiple phone calls checking on various items
Today's PODA:
* Work at office 8:15-11:15 and hopefully find file
* Update checkbook
* Pay bills online
* Laundry
Well, gotta run. Need to leave earlier today as my Mom has plans and I have to go to work 30 minutes earlier so I can get off 30 minutes earlier.
Y'all have a good one.
Vonnie
Good Evening! TADA DD to
Good Evening!
TADA
DD to open day visit again at preschool(she is pretty comfortable there now)
out to lunch(in more ways than one!!)
picked up film and a few other items at store
swept and mopped kitchen floor
laundry washing now
sorted mail
brought in trash cans
PODA
dinner
homework
meeting at 7pm
DS had a good first day on Tuesday and now homework has begun again. Can't you tell I am excited?
andrea- yes it is wonderful having a little girl amongst the men in the house. But if all I had were men in the house I would think that was wonderful too I suppose. But I do like the pigtails and nailpolish aspect.
Shaun-good to see you pop in,was thinking of you.
Vonnie-did you locate the missing file in time? Hope so.
Better whip up a decent dinner and get DS started on homework before I leave at 7pm.
Have a good night you fine fine people!
heidi
Good Afternoon/Early Evening
Woohoo! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! I am so glad. Last weekday before DD starts preschool, too! Yippee! She needs the activity of school to use some of her energy and the socialization of being with other kids to fill that need. I'll be glad to be back in a real routine. That means I have to get organized this weekend, though!
Yes, Heidi, I did find what I needed. Well, I found the copies that I had made for the accountant. Still haven't found the file, but I will. It's there somewhere; I packed up some old files a few months ago & sent to archive storage, so I bet it got mixed in with them somehow. I'll be chasing that rabbit next week. Tomorrow at office I'll be doing the things I should have gotten done today. Oh, well.
DH should be home any minute (picking up dog at vet). DD played in pool for a bit; water is still not really warm, but it's getting better. We had a chill-out day today. Just hanging out. And of course, her talking 90 miles per hour.
When DH gets home, I want to run to Wal-Mart and look for a really cute backpack for DD for next week. She'll be surprised and happy. I may pick up take-out for our dinner. I'm just not in the mood to cook. I sweated this morning at work (part nerves, part running around), so I feel nasty. I'll probably take another shower tonight. That will give me a few extra minutes in the morning.
Today's TADAs:
* FOUND missing info!
* Updated checkbook
SLUG:
* Paying bills online
There really isn't enough laundry for a full load, so I didn't do laundry!
Y'all have a great evening. Please forgive my ramblings on here.
Vonnie
Afternoon flypals :)
Not much to TADA today but I have maintained.
Jo, DS18 is much more human than he was at 14. He's my stepson although I don't refer to, or think of him that way. I remember when I moved in with DH and met him for the first time when he was 7 and thinking "wow, this stepchild thing is nothing" he was so sweet..... THEN he turned 12. Holy cow!! I think part of it was his age and part of it was the fact that DS6 was on the way. I think his mom may have told him that things were going to change once we had our own child. Once DS (now 6) was born and he realized that nothing changed he settled back down. I couldn't have asked for a better big brother.
So the short version... Yes they do become more human 
Andrea, I thought we HAD bought a good quality love seat, the boys are just really rough on furniture. Either way, at least I saved this one for a while.
Shaun, good to see you again, I really miss you guys when I don't post! Your DD sounds like a real sweetie. Hope your all feeling better soon.
Well enough jibber jabber, here's my PODA (sad but it's all I'll get done)
*dinner
*clean cat litter box
*quick pick up in my room
See you guys in the morning.
Jamie Lea
hi all
Welcome back Jamie Lea!
Vonnie, congratulations to your DD on staying the whole night! Remember she did live in an orphanage, so she understands that other people besides you can take care of her and she'll still be safe; so don't worry that she is growing up TOO much!
TADA:
-took cat to vet for follow-up
-fed cats
-gave cat medicine
I'm sensing a theme. Anyway, here's the rest:
-desk chores
-went to class
TGIF (almost!!!)
I've had a busy week around here, with school starting and all!!! It's going to take some adjusting to for all of us. We go on vacation next week, also, so I have alot to do. I'm trying to keep it all together so I don't fall into my old "screwball" ways.
Becky, yes, the hooks for keys are a great idea. I'm going to do that. I do best if everything has a place. Lois, I like your idea, as well! I'll have to admit that I've called my cell phone in order to locate my purse on more than one ocasion. Thanks for the support... I'm determined to rid myself of my SHE ways.
Jamie Lea and Shaun, glad you both are back. Jamie, I saw the pics of your dd, she's a beauty, for sure.
Honey, thanks for giving us the Jenny E update. I miss her posts!
Andrea, congrats on the big TADA...
mine is OK:
-emptied and refilled dw
-cleaned kitchen
-recleaned after dinner
-one load of laundry
-picked up pictures
-bought printer
-returned ink cartridges to office depot
-took ds to swim lessons
slug:
-bills
-didn't make bed today (i'm ashamed)
-left master bedroom messy today
I'll do a little cleaning catchup tomorrow... my inlaws are coming to visit and keep our kids while we go on vacation next week!!!
Kay
Wow
Wow, JamieLea. You're lucky. My teen didn't become normal again until he turned 20.
Woohoo!! Friday!! Yippee!!
Can you tell I am excited that the weekend is almost here? I am ready to relax. So, I am trying to get things done so I won't be doing laundry and housework all weekend.
Today's PODA:
* Work at office
* Make menu plan for next week and grocery list
* Go to grocery store when DH gets home this afternoon
* Wrap b'day gift
* Laundry
* Take DD to b'day party
* General WHB
Not too bad. Y'all have a great day!
Vonnie
Hi!
Yeah, me too Vonnie!
HI Kay-I'd say your TADA is pretty good!
Well, I'm off to get my blood drawn - fun.
I'm starting my 13 days off before I have to go back to work. I'm looking forward to it. Unfortunately, DD5 and I have already had a bg blow up this am regarding clothes, whining, etc. Parental failure for sure. I know she's just missed me from working so much and she's also regressing a bit due to starting school, probably.
OK, I'm off -
Andrea
Good Morning!
TADA
dishes
general clutter pick up
garbage
made Swedish meatballs for potluck at school
stayed up until after 1am waiting for DH to come home and my best buddies in the world to fly in from the west coast
did our big family wall calendar for September and October and entered all school vacations for the year
PODA
laundry
hang out with visitors
maybe go out tonight, if we feel like it
We had quite a plumbing adventure on Thursday night: I turned the water on and all the way to hot and then the handle came off in my hand! The rod inside had broken off way into the wall. I couldn't find the shutoff valve to the shower either, so I ended up shutting off the water pump entirely. DH is fixing it as we speak. Yikes. I am going to make a master list of all the emergency procedures so if stuff like that ever happens when DH is gone again I can find what I need. Sheesh.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
-Jo
Good Morning! TADA laundr
Good Morning!
TADA
laundry put away and another load started
morning routine
vacuumed LR and DR
played Uno and Yahtzee with DS(it is raining outside)
dw loaded and ran
PODA
Aldi quick run
take DD to park if it clears up
gonna make a big dinner(steaks,baked poatoes au gratin,green beans,salad,and rolls)
movie night
Tomorrow Ds and DH are going to an Indians game amd my mom and I and DD are going to an outdoor art show. I went last year to this show and it was just big enough and set in a beautiful area with very fine artisans so should be a good day.
What are you all doing for fun this weekend?
Hey,where has Susannah been or is she taking a break?
Take Care.....
Heidi
Hi!
Hi all!
Yeah, I've been wondering about Susannah too. Hope all is well. How was the art show?
Vonnie, did you get to relax this weekend (so far?)
HI Jo, I have to do that calendar thing too. We are working on 3 different school schedules, so it is crazy.
Well, I worked my butt off today, so it doesn't feel like much of a weekend. Mopped the kitchen, vacuumed stairs, dust mopped upstairs, did an Aldi run, Payless for kids' shoes, brushed the dog, gardened, etc. Tomorrow? Not sure. Maybe an outing. It is very hot and humid here - we were hoping our ac would be done by Friday nite, but it wasn't! They say they will finish Monday.
OK, I'm off.
Andrea
Getting a slow start today.
Getting a slow start today. It's dreary here this morning, but is supposed to get better later. I'm so tired of this gray look the past two weeks. It's just how it was in Russia when we were there last year!
I did manage to awaken on my own at 4 a.m. and put our lunch in the crockpot. I went back to bed at 4:30 and didn't wake back up until DD came into our bedroom singing "Good morning, Mama!" at 7:45. I doubt we'll make it to Sunday School this morning; we'll just go to the worship service. It's 8:35 now and that starts at 10:30. DD is watching Clifford on PBS, so I may sneak in and get my shower. It's getting harder & harder to beat her up these days to do that. School starts tomorrow, though, so we both need to get our act together. We sure need to get in bed on time tonight.
Today's PODA:
* Church services
* Laundry
* Iron DD's school clothes & my work clothes for the week
* Make Italian Chicken recipe to cut up & make chicken salad
* Put potato soup in crockpot after I clean it up from lunch
* Fix sides to go with my Chicken Delicious (crockpot): purple hull peas, corn-on-the-cob, green beans, rolls -- starch city!
* Get DD's lesson plans done for this week's learning time
* Try to get some of the winter clothes storage boxes sorted & packed back up to go back to my Mom's
* Make notations on calendars of two events that came in the mail yesterday; go ahead and check out this week's calendar & make sure I know what's going on
* Put my menu post-it notes on the calendar for the week
* Sweep floors when DD naps
That's about it, but I think it's a full plate for a Sunday. I like those sort of tasks, though. Makes me feel like I've accomplished something when I get done.
Y'all have a great day!
Vonnie
Sunday afternoon
Hi Vonnie-
Wow, should be a productive day for you. What are the purple hull peas and how do you cook them?
I've gotten a lot done today too - groceries for the week, gardened, decluttered Lydia's room, exercised, emptied dw, laundry done but not folded. I am going to shower now and have lunch.
Andrea
Good Afternoon! TADA read
Good Afternoon!
TADA
read Sunday paper
finished One Hundred Years of Solitude and Tuesdays with Morrie
dw loaded and unloaded
dinner marinating
played school with DD
morning routine
PODA
make sure DD naps(she hasn't in 3 days,she is outgrowing them)
dinner
bed on time for school tomorrow
Mom and I and Dd did not go to the art show this afternoon. My mom's car is having trouble and she lives about 45 minutes away from me and the show is about 40 minutes away from here so......oh well. There will be other art fests as fall approaches so I am not too disappointed. DS and DH are at the Indians game at the moment though.
Our city paper is doing this big series on how reading has become passe' and people are too busy or just uninterested in good literature. So this week's article took up a quarter page and the fall lineup for TV and current movie and video reviews took up 2 pages!! Go figure.
I love to read and have since I was a child. No stopping me.
Hi Jo,Vonnie,shaun,Becky,Andrea et al. Hope you guys are having a good Sunday as well.
Heidi
Hi
Boy you all are inspiring... This week I Did some decluttering of DS and DD clothes.. got DH to go through his clothes and I went through mine.. went through toys... I am working today so not much flying.
Hi all
Good job Marcie!
Well, you certainly are reading a lot Heidi! I never could get through "Solitude" too dreamy for me, I guess. I'm reading White Oleander now, like it. I saw the movie.
I actualy have free time today - a dear friend took both of my kiddos for the afternoon - well, she has DD at a movie and her DH has DS7. I've gotten a lot done today. Cheeseburgers and ? for dinner.
Andrea
Afternoon flypals
Took my Mom to the airport this morning. She was here for 6 weeks. I'm gona miss her but I'm also looking forward to finding out what "normal" is going to be like now that Savannah's here.
Not much to TADA today, but I did get the kitchen clean and maintained downstairs.
Tomorrow's PODA
start homeschooling 1st grade with DS6 (Trey)
list some things on freecycle
spend 15 min. in my zone (master bedroom)
call insurance company and add Savannah
start on Thank you notes
Andrea, enjoy your time off
Good to see you Marcie!!
Kay, enjoy that vacation! Sounds great.
Hi to everyone else, Becky, Vonnie, Heidi, Lois, Jo, Shaun. See you guys Monday.
Jamie Lea
HI Jamie Lea! Good luck with
HI Jamie Lea! Good luck with "normal"! Should be fun! What is freecycle?
I'm looking forward to my time off - I just have to work 3 hours and 15 minutes (who's counting?!) at home and that's it until Thursday the 9th. We have several outings planned this week plus DD5's kindergarten orientation/bus run. Looking forward to all of it, but I need to remain organized/on top of the house. we 're in pretty good shape now - I think I'm going to start unloading the dw before I go to bed and also throwing my load of laundry in. That will give me a jumpstart.
Have a good nite - see you in the am!
Andrea
Heidi...
I drove by there just the other day, while taking MIL to Cleveland Clinic. I tend to go "south" to Akron for most things (since Akron is "home" territory) but thought I might get back up there to prowl around this fall. I don't generally "shop" for fun, but since I have all my classes scheduled on Tues-Thursday this semester I'll have a couple of "free" days each week. It is really only about 25 minutes from us since we're just 2-3 minutes off 480 east!
Lenora
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