I can’t call up the site for some reason, so I’m typing this in Word.
I have a couple of TA DA’s to report:
*Flung 3 trash bags full of kids’ clothes yesterday
*Flung some small toys and a few books
*Packed all in the car
*Cleaned up kitchen
*Pulled out cool weather clothes for baby and put in drawers.
This morning:
*Emptied DW
*Homeschooled
I can actually *close* all of my clothes containers now, after paring them down! Who knew I had that much extra?
Emma tried milk for the first time last night. She seemed to like it. I fed the children very late (because of the flinging) and we had pancakes for supper. I never seem to be together on everything at once. Oh well!
I'm going to get something else accomplished before beginning supper.
Waiting for the school bus to bring DS home so thought I would post a little something.
My dad and stepmom left in the wee hours this morning. We had a good visit even though we really didn't do much but talk and play board games and eat!! Miss them already.
TADA
kids off to school
couple calls made
1 load of laundry
read paper
made a bday and a thank you card
dw emptied and reloaded
paid 2 bills
PODA
dinner
homework
walk
shower for me desperately need it!
Got some fall decor out here as well. Have more to go through,may thin out some scraggly or unwanted items this year. Want to bob for apples with the kids and stuff scarecrows with newspaper,all the traditional stuff we do y'know...
Haven't accomplished much today, still sick. DS6 sounds better and says he feels fine but Dbaby and myself still have it. I talked to JennyE on the phone today for over an hour and a half. There went most of my day but I really enjoyed talking to her. Also got a message threw my uncle from an old friend I haven't seen or talked to in about 10 years, I'll try and call her one day this week. It'll be nice to talk about "old" times, we got in LOTS of trouble together.
I'm moving the treadmill in the living room, I hate stuff like that in the living room but I need to walk and that's the most convenient place for it right now. It's the kind you can store easily, folds up, so when we have company we can just move it back to the pantry. I gotta get rid of this extra weight left over from the baby.
DH took my van in this morning and had my flat tire fixed, also filled it up with gas and had the oil changed in it. It scares me to think of what he might want in return Well the baby's fussin so I'll see you guys later.
Good job in the de-cluttering Susannah.
Glad you had a nice visit with your family Heidi.
Ha! I hear ya Jamie Lea about your DH! You are doing great!
Sounds like a nice visit Heidi - those are the best, just spending time.
Susannah, great job on the clothes!
Well, DS7 signed up for viola lessons tonite - am I crazy or what?!!!
He was in tears when I told him I didn't want to do it. Oboy. I guess we will try it. That and Cub Scouts are his only 2 activities.
Andrea, I sympathize with you trying to keep a reasonable level of activities. Right now DD5 has music/piano 1x a week and dance 1x a week. That's plenty! Still, we'd like to add swimming lessons at some point . . .
My sister and family are fine. Looks like Louisiana lucked out -- this time. If there's an upside to the storm, it's that my parents took her dogs back to Memphis, so when they came back home they didn't have 2 needy dogs to take care of.
Vonnie, glad you and your family and friends all came out of the storm OK!
DH and I have decided to clean Monday nights for about 40 minutes. Kind of a joint weekly home blessing. I've been setting the timer for 10 minute intervals, which helps. The house looks *so* much better after 40 minutes that it's pretty motivating.
Gotta get to bed at a reasonable hour. Hopefully I can treat myself to TNH once a day -- I have been having bad luck with a slow connection. Or, like today, every time I sit down and read a thread something happens and I have to jump up and go take action.
Shaun, our rule has always kind of been 2 activities per kid. We don't count Sunday School, because they don't go every Sunday. But when you have 2 kids who have 2 activites each, it does get complicated! DS will also do baseball in the spring, but that is only for 2 months. Actually DD5 just has dance now and that is probably enuf for her. I like the 40 min. idea by the way.
Becky,. I really don't know much about the instrument. I couldn't get the jokes to load!
I'm at work, so I've gotta run. Have a great day flying!
TADA
Marc's for a few odds and ends
morning routine
kids off to school
1 call made
PODA
vac FR
1 load laundry
2 more calls
send cards I made yesterday
dinner
homework
meeting at 7pm
Thanks for the well wishes on my parents' visit,Andrea and Jamielea.
Activities...well we haven't done too many things like that yet. Storytime here and there and now preschool for DD3. Swimming lessons and camp in the summers for DS9. School and homework take up so much of the school year that we only do 1 extra at a time,like an after school art class and starting this week a series of after school science projects through Mad Science. anyone ever heard of that? Sounds really cool. They get to grow crystals,build mini airplanes,design 3D things,mix chemicals to make soda pop,etc... My son hasn't ever expressed an interest in team sports so we have him take an art class or this science class,things like that.
Making a basket of goodies to give my best friend for her bday this weekend. I filled a wicker basket with coffees,chocolate,lotion,candle,magazine, and dish towels. I think she will enjoy it.
Much better than any of the ones I've seen on frugal/ homemaking ones elsewhere.
Today is one of my days "off" (haha) so I have stuff to do....
TADA yesterday:
-bunch o' errands
TADA so far today:
-went online and subscribed my new laptop calendar to US and Jewish calendars
-mailed off Netflix DVDs (the Netflix headquarters is about a forty-minute drive from us, so we have a lovely fast turnaround)
-fed cats
PODA:
-make an airline reservation for DH for my sister's wedding-- he has a free ticket coming, and I wasn't able to get through to the airline before because of hurricane issues
-get some soda for DH, at his request
-go to dress fitting for my sister's wedding
-go to the library (not the USC library, a different one) and do some work for a presentation tomorrow
-call someone about the yardwork at his father's house
-put chili in crockpot
-send some bills in the mail
-call for a tax appointment
-order some craft supplies
-go to the front office and arrange for them to start taking packages when I'm not home
-fax some medical records stuff
-call my social security lawyer, see if he got my med records
-throw out fridge science projects
-take out trash
-wash dishes
I'm having a rough time washing backed-up dishes. This sounds weird, since I have a dishwasher, but after I do one load, I have a lot of trouble gathering the energy to do another-- it's difficult physically. Even when dishes are not backed up, sometimes I use two loads' worth in a day depending on what I cook, and it is hard for me to keep up with that, and then they GET backed up. I use Cascade Complete so I don't have to rinse much. DH helps but he has a fuller schedule than I so is not always around. It's really frustrating.
Yikes, boys all out of school, so we did our last summer fling in search of water in New Mexico. We all got muddy, so home to wash them, and while they enjoy the afternoon coolness (only in the 80's), I took my pre-soaked hot wings and tossed in oven. Corn on cob in 20 minutes and some thank God for canned bisquits! DH home soon, so will be quick. Re signed up and recieved my beginner fly letter. Feel like I fell off a horse. Ha ha
Will be up, dressed and flying tomorrow! Hope?!?
You're on your way Ann - good job! Hope doesn't frequent this thread anymore - she's on Clearing Clutter. She hopes to join us though when she gets into her new house.
Worked today so flying was minimal. Gotta get DS7 in shower - have a good nite!
Shaun, I'm so jealous, between knowing what and how to use a creme brulee kitchen torch, and having a husband that will help you clean. I'm green with envy!
Anne, so where's Hope getting all her information on all the additions to your family sense last time we heard from you. I'm curious and can't find it anywhere.
Becky, that's some PODA, I'm tired just reading it!
Ok, nuff beating around the bush. I didn't get much done today either.
TADA
*2 loads laundry, but still need to put one away
*maintained downstairs
*helped DS6 clean his room
*homeschooled
*made a good bit of headway in my bedroom, still needs dusting
Oh, funny story. Today we were homeschooling and I had the baby sitting in the car seat on top of the table where DS6 and I were working on his reading. She's being a little angel just sitting there looking all around when just about the time that DS6 reads the word bat (as in baseball) she starts crying. DS6 jumps up out of his seat and says "NO Savannah, it's ok, not that kind of bat!"
Ok, way past my bedtime. See you guys in the morning.
Jamie Lea
Morning all!
Yep, I am still the early bird. Now, more of a necessity for a bit of quiet time.
Jamie-I posted a few times from the library, just little updates about life. We were all set to pick up a little boy, Jose from Colorado, when everything went ka-plo-wee! Long, long story. But with in 2 weeks, three children became available. Gabriel, who was 4, and his twin identical sisters, 11 months different who were also 4! We picked them up last September, and now Eric DS-8, Gabriel DS-6, And Abby and Anna DS's-5! Life was a bit rampant, and I was swept away.
But both DS's are in school, and the twins and I are playing catch up, educationally wise. They were all a bit neglected. But doing maaavalous now!!
So I am flying again.
PODA
Reboot washer-fold those in dryer!
Fill fish tanks (the trials and tribs of living in the desert)
Help girls put their clothes away.
Get boys off for school
quick stop at post office
Girls "fun-school" learning letter M
gather library books and computer games
Off to library for a pre-school reading program (Real Fun)
quick stop to Walmart
Home to finish laundry.
Procrast Item: Put together bookcase to help finish out computer room. (ashamed to say, we have alot of stuff on the floor in piles)
We've been doing each week. I'm peeking in while I work on a presentation for school. Hey, anyone know roughly how many paragraphs would be in a seven-minute presentation?
Anne, we start a new thread each Monday! Oh my goodness, I am amazed at your story! What a wonderful family you have! I can't imagine the twins being only 11 months younger than their own brother, but I know it happens. Congratulations - that is so great!
I have a big PODA today on my day off. Already been to Wal-Mart and dropped kids at school, laundry going, dw emptied. I'm off to coffee with DH now before I keep plugging away.
Anne-I think I remember you,are you a big sports fan??
TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
library
laundry folded
couple calls made
paperwork for LDA
PODA
put away laundry
pick DD up from preschool
read paper
lunch
walk or park with Dd
dinner
homework
Ever since I joined LDA I have learned about assembling volunteers and how much work is involved in being on a Board. i think I have found a good place for me to land and give back a little.
Well, laundry is folded and put away and I"m off to the lovely bathroom. How often does everyone clean their bathroom(s)? I think it's been 2 weeks for this one used by me and the kids and it is past due.
I don't think we've "met." But hello! And bravo to you, taking in the little ones. "Swept away" is probably an understatement.
We're having a very nice First Day of Fall celebration here. I left tiny little bubble tumblers by their beds last night with handmade cards, as a little prize. So they woke me up by blowing bubbles all over me. The girls and I just made a fall wreath to hang on the front door. Looks pretty nice, for a craft-challenged person like myself. We're also going to do caramel apples later on.
Yesterday I spent a good part of the day decluttering upstairs. I'm very proud of the results. I had prayed and prayed for the Lord to give me some success in my housework, and I felt like that prayer was answered yesterday. So, by divine help, I have several *more* bags of fling in the back of the van, headed to Ms. Mary at the first opportunity. Their rooms actually have floor space now. I could probably go through one more time and declutter a bit more, but I think I'm going to concentrate on our master bedroom next. It's in very bad shape.
Jamie, that little interchange sounded so cute! You are doing so well, with new baby, colds, and all.
Becky, you are busy, busy. Your dishes are equivalent to my laundry. Frustrating, indeed. I'm always backed up, either with clean or dirty or both.
Andrea, I'm ashamed to say, I clean my bathrooms when they start to smell...and that always not right away. But considering I have two little boys whose aim isn't always so great, that can be closer together than two weeks.
Last night, the girls and I found Cassiopeia in the sky for the first time. It was a great night for viewing stars.
TA DA:
*Got the grocery shopping done
SLUGS are:
*Stayed up waaaay too late and very achey today as a result
*Didn't get my kitchen clean
I know this might be asking a bit much, considering my DH's housekeeping standards are below even mine (which is saying a lot), but it would be *so* very nice if I could go out to do the shopping and have someone clean the kitchen for me while I was gone. Is that a whine? If so, I'll stop. He did get the boys in bed, so that was nice.
Two very nice visits coming up around the end of next month. First, hubby's sister, who hasn't seen the kids in AGES. Then, my "middle" sister, who's been in Santa Monica since the first of the year, and whom the kids miss horribly. We are so looking forward to seeing them.
Ok, through rambling. Time to get a late-ish lunch on the table.
Jeez, with Anne and Jamielea and Susannah around more often, it's a regular party on this thread!
Had a pretty good morning:
Folded clothes
Dropped off a ton of plastic bottles (rumor is next year we'll get curbside recycling on plastics -- please please please!)
Target run
Organized DD5s sock/underware/PJ drawer with Target finds
Put up shoe rack for both DDs shoes
The catch is, I have no home for the PJs now, but I think I can scare something up. Better do it by tonight!!
Susannah, DD is loving school! They do a science/Spanish/gym rotation, and she is really liking those things. Every day that is a Spanish day she is so proud to tell me a new word. And yesterday was a science day: she walked in the door and said, "Do you know what H2O is?" They just started having computer class on Friday. No idea what they do -- the first class was just learning names and such.
I was telling DH last night, it's like having a baby all over again. When the newborn comes, you think, "wow, a real live person seemingly from out of nowhere." And now it seems like that again. Suddenly she seems so much more her own person, a real individual (I'm sure she was before, but I'm really seeing it), and I'm thinking "wow, where did this great kid come from?"
It's not all wine and roses, as you know! But it is nice.
I'd better get lunch on and baby's nap going so I can get some work done.
Still on the agenda:
Freelance work
Dinner
Finding a home for those PJs!
Edited to add this side note for those interested in education:
I read in the paper today that a new charter public high school is opening in the metro area, a small school for "a select and diverse group of students who learn best by writing." It's called the F. Scott Fitzgerald school, since F. Scott is from St. Paul. Sounds awesome! I'd love to be able to send one of my girls there if it seems like a good fit then!!
Whew!
TADA
3 loads done!!! All the way!!!
girls are doing the letter L! Silly mom, we already did "m" remember? No, my memory is kaput! Kerri, maybe I need some Gingko?
The library was fun...Ladybugs, glad we were on L now!
DH said come over for some Popeye Chicken for lunch...now my tummy is full and I want a nap. Girls are gonna play I SPY on the 'puter while I tackle the bookcase.
Went to Post Office, and the machine for those women who wait til last minute and have no stamps was open and making wierd noises...I thought it had been robbed, but all the money was there. Being the last person with out a cell phone, I looked around and said "helloooooo" in my best Winnie the Pooh voice...out came one of the postman...nice as could be...whoops says he...forgot to close it...Got my two stamps, and our car payment is on its way...
Yes Heidi, I am indeed a sports fan...mainly baseball, but my team the Dbacks are in last place...but I still love 'em
Becky-how many paragraphs? whew...I talk real fast...that could be a long presentation?
Back to the bookcase...it is anti-procrastination day isn't it.
We did caramel apples, and we did a scarecrow. He's definitely homemade-looking. (Head is a stuffed pillowcase.) I still have to make supper and I'm already reaallllly tired. The place is trashed. But it was worth a little fun for a change.
I'm so glad things are going well at school, Shaun! How cool that she gets to learn Spanish! I gave up on Spanish the first year, but I've still got the course somewhere; we can pick it up again.
Good for you on that laundry, Rooney! I can't seem to find a clean spot on which to fold mine. Everything needs a thorough scrubbing and steam cleaning. It's pretty bad when your own house is grossing you out.
Elias is still oozing something awful, even though I have reduced his dosage significantly. I'm holding out for Oct. 6 (specialist appointment). I sure hope I get something definitive from them. Dang it! I forgot to call the hospital for his x-rays today! Anyway, we've been through packs and packs and packs of wipes. It's awful. I feel so sorry for him. I wish I could see an end to it, but unless they pull something out of the hat on the 6th, I can't imagine what it will be.
I really need to get up and go make supper.
Later y'all!
Love,
Susannah
P.S. I just read that George Muller's second wife was named Susannah. Just a historical tidbit there.
finished PODA and then some so I am doing okay here by flystandards.
Susannah-making a scarecrow...We use old jeans and shirt and stuff it with newspaper,tie the wrists and ankles with rubber bands or twine,use a punpkin head,top with a straw hat and a fake crow in the hat. We then sit him in a porch chair but you could nail him to wood or tie to a trellis. Good Luck!
Good morning, everyone. I’m sorry I haven’t posted this week (I don’t think I’ve posted at all on this thread!). Nothing major is going on, just trying to focus a little better. And sometimes, focusing for me means staying off the computer so much!
We’re having a semi-busy week. I cooked Monday night, Tuesday night we had an insurance dinner, Wednesday night DD was at my Mom’s so I didn’t cook, tonight I cook. Tomorrow night is high school homecoming football game, so we’ll probably just do nachos at home. Everyone seems to get hotdogs at the game, anyway. Our weekend will be busy as well. Saturday my Mom wants us over for lunch, DD has a kids’ choir party Saturday night, Sunday lunch is my BIL’s b’day lunch. Whew! Eating is quite the theme here!
Since I can’t post everything I’ve done since my last check-in, I’ll just jump right in here. My PODA for today:
• Laundry – towels, dark load, my bed’s bedspread
• Sweep floors
• Work at my office
• Clean up bathroom really well
• Work on getting house cleaned up for weekend
Not too bad, really. I’ll cook dinner tonight. Probably Hamburger Helper, fried okra, peas, carrots, rolls. Nothing fancy.
Well, I need to go wake DD up. She is having a hard time getting to sleep at night and then getting up in the mornings. So, I’m MAKING her get up this morning, feeding her a big breakfast and hopefully she’ll be ready for a good nap this afternoon and then sleep tonight. She’s gotten in a bad cycle with sleep right now. So, that means I have, too! I actually got up at 5:30 this morning instead of sleeping until 7 like I’ve done the other 3 weekdays this week!
Woke up to DS6, small voice, "Momma, my butt is all wet." My one eye opens, and he is standing in soaked undies...Joy, as my eye travels to the dim red light: 3:44am. So popped him in the tub, new undies, set up on couch. Kisses on head. Laundry begins at 4am. But in order to do this I NEED coffee!
Able to read Bible and pray with 2 cups of Java...that should help the rest of the day.
DH up at 5, explain situation...he smiles and ask if there is any coffee...yep!
SO my PODA:
Make boys lunch
Steam the mattress
Wash Boys Laundry
Girls still doing "L"
**oh a quick break** DS6 (same one) read words last nite! Sounding out!! Oh how I love that sparkle that goes in a child's eye when they begin reading!!!
am gonna give a better effort to put the dreaded bookcase together!
Go thru girls closet/dresser(clothes) weed out to small etc.
Mending in pm.
Beans in crock pot, so dinner is thought of...
Vonnie-hello to you! Glad your adoption is complete?
I'm in the thick of school until tomorrow. Wednesdays and Thursdays are no good for me. See y'all tomorrow. Good luck to everyone. Susannah, your celebration sounds great.
Anne, I do envy you your daily devotionals. The best I've been doing lately is listening to snippets of Chuck Swindall on the radio while dropping DD5 at school. I do like this series on Grace. Maybe that's why I'm so grumpy,
Anyhoo, feeling lazy today
TADAs:
mini grocery run (organic dairy products are far cheaper at a particular store, and I am particular about organic dairy for baby)
crossword puzzle
moved laundry ahead one load (one into dryer, one into washer)
Can you see I'm padding? Just really tired and uninspired today.
PODA:
fold laundry
meet with financial advisor at home (we are finally getting our retirement, college, and emergency savings off the ground, and even though it costs more, hiring someone to help is cheaper than never doing it at all, which is the current method)
start taping dining room for painting this weekend!!!!
Unload/reload DW
yummy kung pao tofu with honey roasted peanuts planned for dinner -- did the marinade and the broth last night, so I'm ahead of the game
DD1 is up here tapping the keyboard, the screen, and everything else saying, "What's that?" She is such a big talker! Anyway, I guess she wants more attention. Better run!
TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
bank deposit
trip downtown to pick up LDA materials
drop off fundraising materials on way back
LDA office to help stuff envelopes
picked up DD3 from preschool
lunch
washing comforter
PODA remaining:
read paper
finish stuffing envelopes I brought home
dry comforter
water plants
dinner
homework
walk or bike
Lots of running around this morning but it all got done while Dd was at preschool so I didn't have to drag her from place to place.
Vonnie-good to see you here today,yes does sound like a food theme going on! Enjoy..
Hey where has Karin been,is she moving now too??
Rooney-those middle of the night episodes are killers for sure,coffee,coffee, and more coffee!
We Boogied! 6 Walmart bags full of clothes!!!! Full and bulging! They loved trying everything on. DS6 has passed down all his pants and with twins...I need double duty. We got rid of all stain and sick of clothes. I am really buzzed. This is helping me to see what is really "needed" for the winter season. They were quite excited to see all the winter stuff I had hidden from thrifts this past summer.
Tada!!
Girls closet and dresser DONE!
DS6 mattress done and bed made.
Boys clothes are done-and waiting for them to put away (so they will be awesome DH's someday) They are also cleaning their dresser and closet. ha ha ha I already have their closet on their beds. Sneaky me.
Shaun: What color you painting?
The bookcase sits against the wall mocking me each time I pass it..
This thread was dead a couple days ago and now I can't keep up. I only skimmed so I'll just say HI EVERYBODY
Quick TADA
took size 1 diapers back to Costco and exchanged for size 2
Walmart for supplies for a chore chart for DS6
Grocery store run
finished chore and behavior chart for DS6
Poda
*@ least one load laundry
*spiffy downstairs
*load and unload dishwasher (I know what time it is )
*homeschool
*what's for dinner?
*get ready for play date tomorrow
I CLEANED THE MASTER BEDROOM! I dusted, and steam-vac'd and washed sheets and flung stuff and piled papers in my "bother about later" crate. I sorted and shelved DH's precious motocross magazines. I moved my closet stuff neatly back into the closet. I CAN WALK THROUGH MY ROOM! Without shuddering, too.
And that is my TA DA for the day. It took most of the day, too. Chalk up another phys. ed./art day for homeschooling.
I did set & re-set my timer a few times, but basically worked straight through. It seems I'm one of those people who has to see things through or else I lose momentum and leave it half-done. No 15 min. one day, 15 min. the next.
Oh, I'm also catch-ing (present tense) up on the laundry.
I've got dinner in the oven, but it'll be a late meal. DH needed my help composing a difficult e-mail when he got home. Right now, everyone but baby and me is out fishing. Maybe they'll be hungry for meatloaf by the time they come trooping in.
Glad you are all doing well. I just noticed I missed your birthday, Shaun, but happy birthday belatedly from me!
*I cut the front yard
*DC17 cut the back yard
*DH watched the baby
*spiffied downstairs
*hung 3 pictures (from the procrastination files)
*homeschooled reading and DS6 done Math on the computer
*played outside with DS6 and baby
*one load of towels done, just need to fold
Another TADA, I've made $65.00 this week off our local garage sale e-mail group. Pretty cool, I list it, they come and get it. I've also gotten rid of 3 boxes of stuff I no longer wanted on the local freecycle group this week. You can beat that.
Way to go on that booggie Anne!
Shaun, your dinners always sound so good.
Heidi, I like the scarecrow idea, I think I may try that this year. Thanks
Ok, DS6 is out of the bath gotta run. See you guys in the morning.
Jamie Lea
Well, Friday is finally here! This has been such a hectic week; I guess because last week was only a 3 day week (compliments of Hurricane Ivan). I'm still not caught up, but I've done the best I can do!
This was another slept-too-late morning here in our house! So, I've been running wild so far.
Yesterday's TADAs:
* Laundry
* Worked at office
* Ran dishwasher
* Cooked big country dinner
Today's PODA:
* Work at office
* Get house cleaned up for weekend (while DD naps)
* Laundry (whatever is left to do)
* Unload dishwasher
* Get our clothes ready to wear to football game tonight
* Call MIL to find out about BIL's b'day celebration
* Make a grocery list for tomorrow
Hopefully I'll hear little from my office today, so I can get something done. Some days I don't hear a word & others they drive me nuts!
Late to post...but good morning...
Had a one of my bestest friends over for coffee...the kinda friend that you can be in jammies, and have cereal on the floor and feel totally comfy. Was a great morning.
Tada
Kids lessons done. RaH!
Dishes done. Rah!
Laundry done and away. Sis!
Dinner thought of. Boom!
On my way to walk. Bah!
Rah! Rah! Sis! Boom! Bah!
TGIF!
Gonna have a great day!
Jamie! You have been buzy while I was away! Your son has grown leaps and bounds, and your daughter is down right precious. But I am so amazed at your computer skills...I remember the lady who struggled and won putting graphics in her post. Now you are posting pics....I am impressed and would love to learn...
PoDa still left
Quick Walmart run for little stuff to take thru weekend.
(I don't like to go in there on weekends)
Drop off 6 bags of clothes at thrift. (was able to give neighbor 6 other bags)
If time permits....give Dog a bath!!
Sharing a little lunch with baby before starting her nap and getting ready to work.
Way to go on the bedroom Susannah! Sounds liek quite an accomplishment.
My day totally fizzled yesterday. The attic fan blew off our roof again in a storm, so DH ended baby's nap to fix it. Ended up heading out to Home Depot after picking up DD5, so we could choose shingles for the new roof we're getting next week. We ended up going out to dinner with the family -- it was our 9th anniversary yesterday -- which was a mess, as one of the waitstaff left shortly after we arrived and there was one waiter for the whole restaurant til the end of the meal. Argh! Well, I have always liked the place, but hadn't been there for years -- Greek food with lots of garlic. Put Iris to bed immediately after getting home and fell asleep right next to her. Happy Anniversary honey!
Well, tonight we'll be taping off the dining room. We're painting it a lovely eggplant shade. I can't wait!
I've gotta make the kung pao tonight. Jamielea, I gotta make good dinners -- it's the only homemaking thing I can do passably! Messy house, disorganized papers, late bills, yelling at the kids -- but at least we're all well fed!!
Rooney- way to go on flinging such a large amount of stuff,must feel good.
Shaun-wanna trade? I'll clean and organize if you will come cook!!
Hi to Everyone....
TADA
morning routine
dw
Ds off to school,DD3 home
walk with dog and DD3
1 load of laundry
swept 1st floor
mail sorted
read paper
lunch
watching friend's son til 5pm
PODA
dinner
no homework...TGIF
movie or game night-decisions,deisions
Really. Last night I dreamed that I got home from school/ work, and there waiting for me was a social worker with five different kids of different races and sexes, looking worried, saying there was nowhere to put them and she knew I had experience with kids and would I please foster them and she'd put through the paperwork. DH was there and had already agreed (in real life we both have been substitute teachers and had our police checks and fingerprint checks; the social worker was a hospital social worker I have met). So I was thrilled, but unfortunately my house in my dream was not my dream house! It was our real house, which has no extra room even for one kid who is older than 3 or so. So we agreed to all but the oldest child, since he was a teenager and we couldn't give him any privacy; the social worker got hold of someone else for him. I slept late today, so I think I was probably hearing the neighborhood kids outside my window in the early morning. Then, in the dream, I had to explain to the kids that they were going to a Yom Kippur service with me (again, some realism-- my temple has family services and child care).
Speaking of which, for all of you who feel you are neglecting "devotionals" I am about to make up for the lot of you. I have services tonight 8-10, then tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with nary a break for lunch since it is Yom Kippur and adults are fasting. Bathroom breaks only.
PODA: see my lawyer for my social security case- hearing on Monday
get DH's ticket for my sister's wedding!
maybe upgrade my ticket for same
make some phone calls
last dinner before the fast
services
Wow, Becky, I've been to some long prayer meetings, but never that long!
TA DA:
*Homeschooled
*Had DD8 clear the DW
*Washed, "boiled" and dried dirty underpants
*Picked up frozen food for dinner (Buffalo wings for adults, fish sticks for kids)
*Put roast on to marinate (I forgot the last two days!)
We had our first P.E. class this afternoon. Anna Kate seemed to do okay (we're doing the Presidential Fitness Challenge for the next six weeks), but Olivia dropped out halfway through, crying, and refused to participate from then on. I'm not quite sure what to do about that. It wasn't as if the class was too tough; the exercises are light for the little ones and they mostly played red light/green light and duck, duck, goose.
We have a picnic tomorrow for the community service project our group does every year. We haven't actually done the project yet, due to Ivan's depredations around here, but we will next week. The picnic is always lots of fun: free food, cool prizes, etc. Never fails one of our members wins a free meal at Hooters. LOL!
I have to go; fussy baby and loud kids. It's BEDTIME!! Shouldn'ta fed 'em those last two chocolate chip cookies. Tonight, I catch up on laundry once & for all. Just a couple loads to do. Lots of ironing, though.
Today's been a long day. I'm pretty tired but baby's not so I'm still awake.
I got a good bit done this morning. DS6 had some homeschool buddies come over to play and that's always a driving force to get off your butt and clean House looks pretty darn good.
DC17 found out today that he can graduate this year. This is the year that he should have graduated but he was held back in South Carolina in the 9th grade. He entered out here with a 14 average, mostly from nonattendance, his mom wouldn't get up and take him or even wake him in time to ride the bus. Anyway he's done so good the last 2 years that there going to let him take 2 credits on-line, which will allow him to graduate this year. I'm sooooo proud of him and at the same time a little bummed as I know he'll be going off to college soon. He has a girlfriend in SC so I think he's going to want to go to school there with her I am truly in my heart very proud but at the same time I feel like crying. Hormones? Not sure. Someone give me some words of wisdom that'll make me feel better??
Ok, getting more bummed by the minute, I'll be fine tomorrow. See you guys then.
Jamie Lea
DH is waiting to watch a movie, so I'm just peeking in.
Jamielea. your little one is such a sweetie! I got to hold a 2-month-old for a while today, and she was just a little doll. So if you're feeling down about DC, give her some extra snuggles. You *should* be proud about DC. I have always admired you so much for bringing him into your family and it's so great to see how he's benefited from it. I'm sure even if he goes to SC for college he'll want to stay close with you and your family.
Heidi, I am so willing to trade with you! Are you good with paperwork?!
We did eat the kung pao tofu (with asparagus and shitake mushrooms), and it was good! And now DH is trying to chip off a couple of frozen slices from the birthday cake remains I hid in the freezer to keep us from eating it. I guess I need to hide it in someone else's freezer next time!
Either I am getting too old to keep up with my life, or it is getting too complicated, or most likely, a bit of both.
TADA
We have kept up pretty well this week with our new system. Everyday each of us four big people in the family do a half job. That way everyday load of dishes and laundry gets done. Plus on my "early" day I do a mini home blessing. So far, so good.
All of that extreme cleaning/organizing this August has sure helped too...
PODA
dishes
3 loads of laundry
meal plan
groceries
take DS14 to his soccer game
DS12 to a scouts paintball/campout
try to find a present for DH's birthday on Monday
Susannah, I'm jealous that your bedroom is clean! That is my one, true hotspot right now. Somehow it seems to have turned into a pass-through dumping ground.
Shaun, I had to laugh about the "at least we're well fed" comment, I have sure had that exact thought several times in the past two weeks!
Jamielea, here are some cyberhugs {{{{{{}}}}}}}
Here's hoping for a peaceful, restorative weekend all around!
-Jo
We went to a picnic today, where as usual I temporarily lost a child, this time the nearly-3-year-old. Somebody caught up with him while I was off looking for him. They were doing door prizes up front at the PA, and nearly offered him as a prize! LOL! Good thing I showed up in the nick of time.
We won a child's fishing pole and bike helmet, some metal polish, a t-shirt, and a meal coupon at a restaurant. Somebody gave me a caramel pie they'd been given. So, we came home with some more "stuff," for sure! Always fun to win a little something.
Jamie, sounds like you've already got empty-nest pains! ((((Hugs)))) from me too. How is it possible to be so proud and so sad at the same time? I feel that way at nearly every milestone, but the really grown-up ones must be even more bittersweet. (If he's going to Clemson, I could check up on him from time to time for you--we're not far from there! )
Jo, congrats on getting the system down! I can't wait till my kids are older and can do more of the work.
BTW, if you could see my house you wouldn't be so jealous. I've spent the last few weeks of my life in deep discouragement and dreadful mess. It's truly a miracle I had the mental energy to tackle this room. All the credit goes to you-know-who; you know, the one who listens patiently to tearful, frustrated homemakers/mommies, and I don't mean my husband (although he's pretty patient with me too). There's still so much to do. My carpet...yucccck. Still, getting a few corners decluttered has perked me up considerably and given me hope for the rest.
Finally caught almost all the way up on the laundry. Of course, "all the way" caught up is never quite achievable.
I want to get to Home Depot at some point this afternoon and get my double-roller painting system for painting the living room. I've had the paint for two or three weeks. Now it's time to do something with it! While my DS and DSIL are visiting in Oct. and can help with kids, I might try to paint some other rooms as well. Talk about perking things up! That would do it for sure.
Anyway, I need to set up some train tracks for bored DS4.
The local, well only hospital we have had a open house. Was so much fun. All 4 kids got bike helmets! Real nice ones, and all (thank God for color coding), different colors! The local fire dept and police had a mock drunk driver accident and used the jaws of life to remove "victims". Made impression on kids. But the best of all...the LiFe Flight Helicopter flew in. My oldest twin Abby, due to neglect and filth, had complete renal failure at 8 months...LIfe Flight helped save her life and started the paperwork to get the authorities involved. We were able to thank the pilots. Oh tears were flowing. The other twin...Anna went up (because Abby is as shy as Anna is venturesome), and says, "Thank you for helping my sister." Even DH got a lump on that. Abby thinks the helicopter is her own. I told the flight nurse, and he says, "It is yours...wanna get in?" Pictures taken. Awesome afternoon. The free hamburgers and hotdogs were just an added bonus for mom.
PoDa
DH is doing bills on other 'puter, and as soon as he is done, I will post in computer.
Iron clothes for church tomorrow
quick sweep and mop in kitchen
baths for kidlets
Walmart with hubby for coffee...I am all out!
See ya'll Monday...
DH is going out of town for a few days soon for a family funeral (a very dear aunt, but generally a "happy" occasion, if you know what I mean.) I'm a bit nervous! I don't do well without breaks, especially in the evening. So we'll see what happens!
I had a flylady moment last night. I woke up and heard DD5 stumbling around the upstairs. Turns out she had wet the bed. This is a pretty unusual occurrence -- mabye 5 or 6 times in the last 2 1/2 years. Nonetheless, I was ready! I do make sure that a clean set of sheets for each bed is always in the drawer, so while she changed into fresh PJs I yanked everything off the bed, remade it with a towel in place of the mattress pad, tucked her in, and went back to sleep.
PODA
dinner(DH picking up fast food on way home) Yay
baths/showers
Kids not feeling too well today so it was easy just to veg on the couch with them. At one point this afternoon all of us were asleep! Pretty sad,huh? I hope they feel better in the morning. My kids hardly ever get sick but school recently started and now they are exposed to all those wonderful germs and viruses.
Shaun-here's hoping those days fly by. I actually enjoy my alone time if DH is working late or out for the evening etc. But my kids are older so I can cocoon with a book while DS9 entertains himself and DD3 is in bed or playing or watching a movie,etc...
Susannah-way to go on the bedroom,nothing like one area to inspire others. I never win anything either so I can relate to the "prizes" you won today. What color are you planning on using or did I miss that?
Tomorrow my best friend's mom is having family and friends over for cake and ice cream to celebrate my friend's bday. I made a gift basket with assorted goodies for her. Should be a pleasant afternoon.
Leaves are red,orange,yellow and f
a
ll
i
n
g......
Fall has arrived to the Midwest in earnest.
Time to buy pumpkins and Indian corn,jump in the leaves and break out the pretty sweaters!
Well Anne, I got a lump in my throat too, after reading that! Wow - you guys are so lucky, but those kids are even luckier to have you. Don't know if you're comfortable posting photos, but I'd love to see your new additions. It sounds like you are adjusting really well to it all.
Yes Heidi, it is that time! I went frog-hunting with DS7 and a friend this afternoon at an inlet of one of the Finger Lakes. SO pretty with all the red and yellow leaves falling down. We caught one toad and two frogs, so it was a successful venture.
Shaun, hope the time w/o DH goes well. I'm like Heidi, I enjoy my time alone. Remember to pace yourself and maybe rent a special DVD for the kiddos so you can kick back in the evening.
I did a bit of gardening, a bit of frig cleaning, laundry, and sheets today. That's it. Also took DD to dance, did the playdate, made a simple dinner of burritos and corn.
Thanks for all the hugs and support, you guys always make me feel better. Shaun, your post made me cry, it was very sweet. Crying over it made me think that this is probably a little bit of hormones left over from pregnancy I am very proud of him and like Susannah said, it's weird how you can be so proud and so sad at the same time.
Today's been a busy one for us. Up at 6 to take DC to school to catch the bus to his meet, came home got myself and the kids dressed and went to his meet at 8. On the way home we stopped at a couple yard sales I got Savannah a baby doll and Trey a scooter.
DS18 had work study this morning, he's doing really well and loves being a "college man".
We went to Costco this afternoon for groceries. DS6 got to open his "spending" bank today. He had $71.00 in change and $19.00 in bills, he was walking around here like Mr. Money Bags. He's so funny.
Not much flying today so forgive me, this post is ALL OT. The boys are ready to play Monopoly so see you guys later.
Jamie Lea
All my best laid plans didn't quite work out yesterday. I wish I was more flexible because I went to bed grumpy and work up grumpy about it..... I am finding I am much less resiliant the older I get.
TADA
2 loads of laundry, but found 2 more in DS12's room
1 load of dishes, but there were 2 to do
baked the b'day cake
meal planned
grocery shopped ($275!!!!! GULP!) That's what I get for not getting anything but absolute necesseities the last 3 weeks!
watered planters and window boxes, which caused it to rain for the 1st time in 11 days
took DS14 and 5 of his friends to the theater 25 miles away. It is close to my work, so I went in and cleared my desk. That's what messed up my plan, but at least I got to drive him on his first group-date-sorta-thing. One of his best friends is his female cousin, so it was DS and a buddy of his and cousin and 3 of her female friends. I guess DS is interested in one of DC's friends. Sniff...... I didn't embarass him too much.....
PODA
shower
church
frost cake
finish dishes and laundry
general pick up
update calendar for the week
sort folded laundry
make DH's b'day dinner: grilled ribeye, sauteed mushrooms, warm foccacia, salad, red wine, and chocolate cake w/ vanilla frosting
Anne, that is a beautiful story about the life flight helicopter.
Shaun, I do much better with my DH around, for sure. I am really dreading the upcoming hunting season when he disappears for a really long time. I wish he was a better shot!
Oh that dinner sounds great Jo! I know what you mean about flexibility. So are you still leaving your job? I wasn't sure - love to hear more about it if you feel like it.
Hey Jamie Lea! Sounds like a busy day for you.
My PODA is:
dw
laundry
sheets
wash GR comforter
walk
groceries
attend play with kids and Grandma
Phew! I'm tired. Yom Kippur services yesterday and the night before were not QUITE as long as I had thought, because I misread the ticket and there was more of a break. So, the schedule for real: Friday night 8-10:30, Saturday 10-12:30, and again Saturday 3:30-5:30 (I left that one at 5:15 though). There were more services but I was too tired. I did manage to get the food drive bag of canned stuff to services, which was an accomplishment. Also there was a forum about candidate platforms and Jewish values, from 12:30 to 2-- mostly we talked about which parts of platforms actually meant anything at all. It was less interesting than I'd expected, so I left at 1:30. I did get a nap between Saturday services at that time, which helped me survive the rest of the day on no food. Well, almost. I decided to make the break-the-fast dinner early when I got home, so we ate at about 6:30, before the sun had finished setting.
Then we watched part of the special features of the Firefly DVD, and then I went right to bed.
PODA:
-DH and I are going to make a better file system for our mail
-more leftover dishes
-laundry
-homework
-watch Joan of Arcadia season premier, which DH taped on Friday
TADA
morning routine
put away wayward laundry
dw
read paper
called friend
PODA
friend's party at 3pm
kids to bed on time for school tomorrow
After kids got baths last night,I took DS to video store and rented a Goosebumps video that he and I watched. Then I finished "The Incident about the Dog at midnight" or some such title,ate ice cream and promptly fell asleep.
Becky- I would be exhausted from that line up of services for sure. My mail sorting system is to open everything above the trash can so all junk mail goes right in,then I write due dates and amounts on the outside of the envelopes and put in date order,then everything goes in a pretty wooden box that holds the stamps,calculator,checkbook,and pens. Works well for me. Just gotta check it every couple days to see which bills to pay and off they go in the mail.
Hola, amigas and amigos! Hope everyone had a great weekend. We had a good one. It was semi-busy, but we had a lay-around afternoon, so that sort of leveled things out a little bit. We went to DH's school's homecoming game Friday night, then DD had a choir party last night. Church this morning and small groups tonight. It's about time for me to get DD dressed so we can leave on time. What a concept for us!
Semi-busy week ahead of us. DD is coughing a lot, I am getting a sore throat. I hope we don't end up sick and missing school/work.
TADAs:
* Ran dishwasher
* Washed rugs from DD's room and have them drying on deck
* Did two loads of laundry (only one is put away)
* Started grocery list
PODA:
* Small group at 6 p.m.
* Bring rugs in if they are dry tonight
* Put away load in dryer
* Unload dishwasher
Well, I'd better run. DD needs a clean shirt for church. Cya!
Hope that sore throat doesn't develop into anything Vonnie. I hate that.
Hi Heidi! I love that wooden box idea, where did you find it?
We had a nice day, it did not involve much flying but that's ok. We saw The Very Eric Carle (http://www.mermaidtheatre.ns.ca/index.html) which was cvery cute and then went to stroll along the Erie Canal, had ice cream and fed the birds.
OK, I am off, everyone have a great week! i will join you in earnest on Wednesday!
Andrea
I work M, T, and Thu so should be busy but fun this week.
You guys always have the most fun, Andrea. Frog-catching and theatre and all kinds of nice things. Sounds so relaxed.
Anne, how terrible, a baby neglected to the point of near death. My heart just skipped a beat when I read that. It makes me want to hug my baby tighter. But the story was so sweet! I'm so glad you got a chance to express your gratitude to the life flight folks and got pictures too! What a treasure.
My baby looks beat up tonight because she fell against her sisters' bunk bed and gashed her lip with her tooth. I hate when that happens.
Becky, I'm so glad you got a nap after all that. These days, I think I'd rather nap than eat. We keep our paper pile in a green plastic crate, currently. I need to do something about it, but at least it's corralled and not very full. And I always know where to go when hunting a piece of paper--straight to the green crate. Maybe it's not too bad a "system" (if you can call it that) after all.
Vonnie, hope you fight that bug off. I can usually fight off a sore throat with hot tea & the like. But if it starts in my nose, forget it, it's coming on and nothing's gonna stop it.
Shaun, I guess the girls rule the house for a while, eh? Maybe you can have a toenail-painting party or something girlie like that. Hope you can relax and take it easy those few days.
Jo, I notice I'm not so flexible anymore either. What's up with that?
I had a rough morning. Slept late, fussy kids, got off to church late, long service, no classes for kids today, let kids play in nursery, kids wandered out of nursery, fussy mom came down too hard and made eldest (very sensitive) DD cry, had to apologize (in tears), kids fought all day, more fussing from me, and the house is messy despite spending the last few days working nonstop. Blah. I feel like crying all the time. That hormonal thing must be going around. I was watering the ironing with tears earlier, just thinking again about how I'd made her cry. I really didn't mean to hurt her, but I was too condemning. She forgave me okay; now I've gotta forgive myself.
Told DH we need to troubleshoot the cleaning-up-after-selves thing, because I seem to spend all my time working on the house. I did a little experiment this week to see if it indeed is too much work for the time I have, and it is. So that means the kids (and DH, and even me, truthfully) need to learn to clean up their own stuff more.
Speaking of cleaning...sigh. I have more dishes and ironing to do. Dang it! It never ends.
Susannah, I invite you to read my journal and see that you are not alone. Today was not a banner day for me. And isn't it so hard to forgive yourself when your kids are so willing to forgive you? Always makes me feel about 2 feet tall.
Anne, I missed your earlier post -- I love that story about the pilots!! What a wonderful family you have.
I've got DD5's comforter washing, and the sheets drying -- missed a day dealing with other junk yesterday. Just too much doing doing this weekend, not much family or personal time.
For the rest of today I've got to get the toilet totally unclogged and clean up the bathroom.
Tomorrow, I'm settin' my sights very low. Those hormones are really having their way with me -- and this is the absolute worst time for SAD issues as well -- and I'm just going to try to go with the flow rather than try to swim against the tide and get pulled under again!
2 loads of laundry done.
1 load of laundry ironed and put away.
Beds made.
Birdbath cleaned.
Fountain cleaned.
Lunch made.
Figured out how to use the water pipe (hose). *Go me!*
Figured out how to use the washer/dryer. *Again ~ Go Me!*
Front walk swept.
Kitchen floor and entry way swept.
Took trashes out.
PODAs
Figure out how to open the infernal dryer door.
Unpack our clothes.
Vacuum house. (Or Hoover it, as the case may be...)
Make brown sugar meatloaf for dinner.
Join FlyLady email group, again.
Catch up on emails.
Catch up on 3 telephone calls.
I guess that I should put on my shoes now.
I will try to check in later...
Hope you are all having a good day/morning/evening thus far.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
We have a new thread! "Rooney" made it on September 27 and forgot to put Flybabies in the subject heading. It is called "Flying through the living room." Lois, you may want to re-post your hello in there to make sure anyone sees it.
The viola is one of my very favorite instruments, definitely my favorite string. Here is the famous viola joke website, in case you haven't it already:
I'm sorry you couldn't get the jokes to load! Most of them are "lawyer" or "blonde" jokes with "violist" substituted. Especially blonde jokes. There is a joke in the musical community that violists are all dumb. There is no basis for it, and everyone knows it's not true, but it just is-- like with blondes.
DH's uncle is a famous violist, or as famous as violists get anyway. He teaches at Vanderbilt.
I didn't mean we're locked in for the services or anything! I just meant that there are not many built-in break times. Obviously people come and go as they need to, but that way you miss part of the music or whatever.
We just need to refine the system for where to put things that don't fit in those categories. We have some things that we really need to keep but that don't belong in the trash, nor in the bill box.
It is nice to see you back ~
I hate it when I have computer woes.
It is also nice to see someone else post ~
I seem to be a thread killer no matter where I post.
Tempting to stop posting...
Good to see you here ~
I am now off for some flying.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Comments
Second post, too
I can’t call up the site for some reason, so I’m typing this in Word.
I have a couple of TA DA’s to report:
*Flung 3 trash bags full of kids’ clothes yesterday
*Flung some small toys and a few books
*Packed all in the car
*Cleaned up kitchen
*Pulled out cool weather clothes for baby and put in drawers.
This morning:
*Emptied DW
*Homeschooled
I can actually *close* all of my clothes containers now, after paring them down! Who knew I had that much extra?
Emma tried milk for the first time last night. She seemed to like it. I fed the children very late (because of the flinging) and we had pancakes for supper. I never seem to be together on everything at once. Oh well!
I'm going to get something else accomplished before beginning supper.
Love,
Susannah
Good Afternoon! Waiting fo
Good Afternoon!
Waiting for the school bus to bring DS home so thought I would post a little something.
My dad and stepmom left in the wee hours this morning. We had a good visit even though we really didn't do much but talk and play board games and eat!! Miss them already.
TADA
kids off to school
couple calls made
1 load of laundry
read paper
made a bday and a thank you card
dw emptied and reloaded
paid 2 bills
PODA
dinner
homework
walk
shower for me desperately need it!
Got some fall decor out here as well. Have more to go through,may thin out some scraggly or unwanted items this year. Want to bob for apples with the kids and stuff scarecrows with newspaper,all the traditional stuff we do y'know...
Hear the bus rumbling better go.
Heidi
Afteroon
Haven't accomplished much today, still sick. DS6 sounds better and says he feels fine but Dbaby and myself still have it. I talked to JennyE on the phone today for over an hour and a half. There went most of my day but I really enjoyed talking to her.
Also got a message threw my uncle from an old friend I haven't seen or talked to in about 10 years, I'll try and call her one day this week. It'll be nice to talk about "old" times, we got in LOTS of trouble together. 
I'm moving the treadmill in the living room, I hate stuff like that in the living room but I need to walk and that's the most convenient place for it right now. It's the kind you can store easily, folds up, so when we have company we can just move it back to the pantry. I gotta get rid of this extra weight left over from the baby.
DH took my van in this morning and had my flat tire fixed, also filled it up with gas and had the oil changed in it. It scares me to think of what he might want in return
Well the baby's fussin so I'll see you guys later.
Good job in the de-cluttering Susannah.
Glad you had a nice visit with your family Heidi.
See you all later.
Jamie Lea
Evening
Ha! I hear ya Jamie Lea about your DH! You are doing great!
Sounds like a nice visit Heidi - those are the best, just spending time.
Susannah, great job on the clothes!
Well, DS7 signed up for viola lessons tonite - am I crazy or what?!!!
He was in tears when I told him I didn't want to do it. Oboy. I guess we will try it. That and Cub Scouts are his only 2 activities.
Andrea
Activity crazy
Andrea, I sympathize with you trying to keep a reasonable level of activities. Right now DD5 has music/piano 1x a week and dance 1x a week. That's plenty! Still, we'd like to add swimming lessons at some point . . .
My sister and family are fine. Looks like Louisiana lucked out -- this time. If there's an upside to the storm, it's that my parents took her dogs back to Memphis, so when they came back home they didn't have 2 needy dogs to take care of.
Vonnie, glad you and your family and friends all came out of the storm OK!
DH and I have decided to clean Monday nights for about 40 minutes. Kind of a joint weekly home blessing. I've been setting the timer for 10 minute intervals, which helps. The house looks *so* much better after 40 minutes that it's pretty motivating.
Gotta get to bed at a reasonable hour. Hopefully I can treat myself to TNH once a day -- I have been having bad luck with a slow connection. Or, like today, every time I sit down and read a thread something happens and I have to jump up and go take action.
Any of you know what that's like?
Shaun
Activities
Mornig all!
Shaun, our rule has always kind of been 2 activities per kid. We don't count Sunday School, because they don't go every Sunday. But when you have 2 kids who have 2 activites each, it does get complicated! DS will also do baseball in the spring, but that is only for 2 months. Actually DD5 just has dance now and that is probably enuf for her. I like the 40 min. idea by the way.
Becky,. I really don't know much about the instrument. I couldn't get the jokes to load!
I'm at work, so I've gotta run. Have a great day flying!
Good Morning! TADA Marc's
Good Morning!
TADA
Marc's for a few odds and ends
morning routine
kids off to school
1 call made
PODA
vac FR
1 load laundry
2 more calls
send cards I made yesterday
dinner
homework
meeting at 7pm
Thanks for the well wishes on my parents' visit,Andrea and Jamielea.
Activities...well we haven't done too many things like that yet. Storytime here and there and now preschool for DD3. Swimming lessons and camp in the summers for DS9. School and homework take up so much of the school year that we only do 1 extra at a time,like an after school art class and starting this week a series of after school science projects through Mad Science. anyone ever heard of that? Sounds really cool. They get to grow crystals,build mini airplanes,design 3D things,mix chemicals to make soda pop,etc... My son hasn't ever expressed an interest in team sports so we have him take an art class or this science class,things like that.
Making a basket of goodies to give my best friend for her bday this weekend. I filled a wicker basket with coffees,chocolate,lotion,candle,magazine, and dish towels. I think she will enjoy it.
Better go pick DD3 up from preschool.
Try to check in later.
have an awesome day!
Heidi
That's really cool Becky!
That's really cool Becky!
OK, back to work...
sounds like a great gift basket Heidi!
Much better than any of the ones I've seen on frugal/ homemaking ones elsewhere.
Today is one of my days "off" (haha) so I have stuff to do....
TADA yesterday:
-bunch o' errands
TADA so far today:
-went online and subscribed my new laptop calendar to US and Jewish calendars
-mailed off Netflix DVDs (the Netflix headquarters is about a forty-minute drive from us, so we have a lovely fast turnaround)
-fed cats
PODA:
-make an airline reservation for DH for my sister's wedding-- he has a free ticket coming, and I wasn't able to get through to the airline before because of hurricane issues
-get some soda for DH, at his request
-go to dress fitting for my sister's wedding
-go to the library (not the USC library, a different one) and do some work for a presentation tomorrow
-call someone about the yardwork at his father's house
-put chili in crockpot
-send some bills in the mail
-call for a tax appointment
-order some craft supplies
-go to the front office and arrange for them to start taking packages when I'm not home
-fax some medical records stuff
-call my social security lawyer, see if he got my med records
-throw out fridge science projects
-take out trash
-wash dishes
I'm having a rough time washing backed-up dishes. This sounds weird, since I have a dishwasher, but after I do one load, I have a lot of trouble gathering the energy to do another-- it's difficult physically. Even when dishes are not backed up, sometimes I use two loads' worth in a day depending on what I cook, and it is hard for me to keep up with that, and then they GET backed up. I use Cascade Complete so I don't have to rinse much. DH helps but he has a fuller schedule than I so is not always around. It's really frustrating.
Tada - first in a while!
Yikes, boys all out of school, so we did our last summer fling in search of water in New Mexico. We all got muddy, so home to wash them, and while they enjoy the afternoon coolness (only in the 80's), I took my pre-soaked hot wings and tossed in oven. Corn on cob in 20 minutes and some thank God for canned bisquits! DH home soon, so will be quick. Re signed up and recieved my beginner fly letter. Feel like I fell off a horse. Ha ha
Will be up, dressed and flying tomorrow! Hope?!?
HI all! You're on your w
HI all!
You're on your way Ann - good job! Hope doesn't frequent this thread anymore - she's on Clearing Clutter. She hopes to join us though when she gets into her new house.
Worked today so flying was minimal. Gotta get DS7 in shower - have a good nite!
Andrea
Afternoon
Shaun, I'm so jealous, between knowing what and how to use a creme brulee kitchen torch, and having a husband that will help you clean. I'm green with envy!
Anne, so where's Hope getting all her information on all the additions to your family sense last time we heard from you. I'm curious and can't find it anywhere.
Becky, that's some PODA, I'm tired just reading it!
Ok, nuff beating around the bush. I didn't get much done today either.
TADA
*2 loads laundry, but still need to put one away
*maintained downstairs
*helped DS6 clean his room
*homeschooled
*made a good bit of headway in my bedroom, still needs dusting
Oh, funny story. Today we were homeschooling and I had the baby sitting in the car seat on top of the table where DS6 and I were working on his reading. She's being a little angel just sitting there looking all around when just about the time that DS6 reads the word bat (as in baseball) she starts crying. DS6 jumps up out of his seat and says "NO Savannah, it's ok, not that kind of bat!"
Ok, way past my bedtime. See you guys in the morning.
Jamie Lea
how Hope knows
There is a thread somewhere on here, something like "Anne P is back" which mentions her current family.
Not sure if you start a new thread each day or week?
Morning all!
Yep, I am still the early bird. Now, more of a necessity for a bit of quiet time.
Jamie-I posted a few times from the library, just little updates about life. We were all set to pick up a little boy, Jose from Colorado, when everything went ka-plo-wee! Long, long story. But with in 2 weeks, three children became available. Gabriel, who was 4, and his twin identical sisters, 11 months different who were also 4! We picked them up last September, and now Eric DS-8, Gabriel DS-6, And Abby and Anna DS's-5! Life was a bit rampant, and I was swept away.
But both DS's are in school, and the twins and I are playing catch up, educationally wise. They were all a bit neglected. But doing maaavalous now!!
So I am flying again.
PODA
Reboot washer-fold those in dryer!
Fill fish tanks (the trials and tribs of living in the desert)
Help girls put their clothes away.
Get boys off for school
quick stop at post office
Girls "fun-school" learning letter M
gather library books and computer games
Off to library for a pre-school reading program (Real Fun)
quick stop to Walmart
Home to finish laundry.
Procrast Item: Put together bookcase to help finish out computer room. (ashamed to say, we have alot of stuff on the floor in piles)
each week
We've been doing each week. I'm peeking in while I work on a presentation for school. Hey, anyone know roughly how many paragraphs would be in a seven-minute presentation?
Morning
HI all!
Anne, we start a new thread each Monday! Oh my goodness, I am amazed at your story! What a wonderful family you have! I can't imagine the twins being only 11 months younger than their own brother, but I know it happens. Congratulations - that is so great!
I have a big PODA today on my day off. Already been to Wal-Mart and dropped kids at school, laundry going, dw emptied. I'm off to coffee with DH now before I keep plugging away.
Have a good day -
Andrea
Good Morning! Anne-I think
Good Morning!
Anne-I think I remember you,are you a big sports fan??
TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
library
laundry folded
couple calls made
paperwork for LDA
PODA
put away laundry
pick DD up from preschool
read paper
lunch
walk or park with Dd
dinner
homework
Ever since I joined LDA I have learned about assembling volunteers and how much work is involved in being on a Board. i think I have found a good place for me to land and give back a little.
Must run,hi to everyone!
Heidi
Bathrooms
That's great Heidi!
Well, laundry is folded and put away and I"m off to the lovely bathroom. How often does everyone clean their bathroom(s)? I think it's been 2 weeks for this one used by me and the kids and it is past due.
Andrea
Hi, Anne
I don't think we've "met."
But hello! And bravo to you, taking in the little ones. "Swept away" is probably an understatement.
We're having a very nice First Day of Fall celebration here. I left tiny little bubble tumblers by their beds last night with handmade cards, as a little prize. So they woke me up by blowing bubbles all over me.
The girls and I just made a fall wreath to hang on the front door. Looks pretty nice, for a craft-challenged person like myself. We're also going to do caramel apples later on.
Yesterday I spent a good part of the day decluttering upstairs. I'm very proud of the results. I had prayed and prayed for the Lord to give me some success in my housework, and I felt like that prayer was answered yesterday. So, by divine help, I have several *more* bags of fling in the back of the van, headed to Ms. Mary at the first opportunity. Their rooms actually have floor space now. I could probably go through one more time and declutter a bit more, but I think I'm going to concentrate on our master bedroom next. It's in very bad shape.
Jamie, that little interchange sounded so cute! You are doing so well, with new baby, colds, and all.
Becky, you are busy, busy. Your dishes are equivalent to my laundry. Frustrating, indeed. I'm always backed up, either with clean or dirty or both.
Andrea, I'm ashamed to say, I clean my bathrooms when they start to smell...and that always not right away. But considering I have two little boys whose aim isn't always so great, that can be closer together than two weeks.
Last night, the girls and I found Cassiopeia in the sky for the first time. It was a great night for viewing stars.
TA DA:
*Got the grocery shopping done
SLUGS are:
*Stayed up waaaay too late and very achey today as a result
*Didn't get my kitchen clean
I know this might be asking a bit much, considering my DH's housekeeping standards are below even mine (which is saying a lot), but it would be *so* very nice if I could go out to do the shopping and have someone clean the kitchen for me while I was gone. Is that a whine? If so, I'll stop. He did get the boys in bed, so that was nice.
Two very nice visits coming up around the end of next month. First, hubby's sister, who hasn't seen the kids in AGES. Then, my "middle" sister, who's been in Santa Monica since the first of the year, and whom the kids miss horribly. We are so looking forward to seeing them.
Ok, through rambling. Time to get a late-ish lunch on the table.
Love y'all!
Susannah
P.S.
I forgot to ask: Shaun, how's school going for DD?
And Heidi, how do you make a scarecrow? I want to make one. Do you use a pumpkin-head?
Hello hello
Jeez, with Anne and Jamielea and Susannah around more often, it's a regular party on this thread!
Had a pretty good morning:
Folded clothes
Dropped off a ton of plastic bottles (rumor is next year we'll get curbside recycling on plastics -- please please please!)
Target run
Organized DD5s sock/underware/PJ drawer with Target finds
Put up shoe rack for both DDs shoes
The catch is, I have no home for the PJs now, but I think I can scare something up. Better do it by tonight!!
Susannah, DD is loving school! They do a science/Spanish/gym rotation, and she is really liking those things. Every day that is a Spanish day she is so proud to tell me a new word. And yesterday was a science day: she walked in the door and said, "Do you know what H2O is?" They just started having computer class on Friday. No idea what they do -- the first class was just learning names and such.
I was telling DH last night, it's like having a baby all over again. When the newborn comes, you think, "wow, a real live person seemingly from out of nowhere." And now it seems like that again. Suddenly she seems so much more her own person, a real individual (I'm sure she was before, but I'm really seeing it), and I'm thinking "wow, where did this great kid come from?"
It's not all wine and roses, as you know! But it is nice.
I'd better get lunch on and baby's nap going so I can get some work done.
Still on the agenda:
Freelance work
Dinner
Finding a home for those PJs!
Edited to add this side note for those interested in education:
I read in the paper today that a new charter public high school is opening in the metro area, a small school for "a select and diverse group of students who learn best by writing." It's called the F. Scott Fitzgerald school, since F. Scott is from St. Paul. Sounds awesome! I'd love to be able to send one of my girls there if it seems like a good fit then!!
Shaun
Day 1/2 over and I am beat!
Whew!
TADA
3 loads done!!! All the way!!!
girls are doing the letter L! Silly mom, we already did "m" remember? No, my memory is kaput! Kerri, maybe I need some Gingko?
The library was fun...Ladybugs, glad we were on L now!
DH said come over for some Popeye Chicken for lunch...now my tummy is full and I want a nap. Girls are gonna play I SPY on the 'puter while I tackle the bookcase.
Went to Post Office, and the machine for those women who wait til last minute and have no stamps was open and making wierd noises...I thought it had been robbed, but all the money was there. Being the last person with out a cell phone, I looked around and said "helloooooo" in my best Winnie the Pooh voice...out came one of the postman...nice as could be...whoops says he...forgot to close it...Got my two stamps, and our car payment is on its way...
Yes Heidi, I am indeed a sports fan...mainly baseball, but my team the Dbacks are in last place...but I still love 'em
Becky-how many paragraphs? whew...I talk real fast...that could be a long presentation?
Back to the bookcase...it is anti-procrastination day isn't it.
Whew
We did caramel apples, and we did a scarecrow. He's definitely homemade-looking. (Head is a stuffed pillowcase.) I still have to make supper and I'm already reaallllly tired. The place is trashed. But it was worth a little fun for a change.
I'm so glad things are going well at school, Shaun! How cool that she gets to learn Spanish! I gave up on Spanish the first year, but I've still got the course somewhere; we can pick it up again.
Good for you on that laundry, Rooney! I can't seem to find a clean spot on which to fold mine. Everything needs a thorough scrubbing and steam cleaning. It's pretty bad when your own house is grossing you out.
Elias is still oozing something awful, even though I have reduced his dosage significantly. I'm holding out for Oct. 6 (specialist appointment). I sure hope I get something definitive from them. Dang it! I forgot to call the hospital for his x-rays today! Anyway, we've been through packs and packs and packs of wipes. It's awful. I feel so sorry for him. I wish I could see an end to it, but unless they pull something out of the hat on the 6th, I can't imagine what it will be.
I really need to get up and go make supper.
Later y'all!
Love,
Susannah
P.S. I just read that George Muller's second wife was named Susannah. Just a historical tidbit there.
Good Evening! finished POD
Good Evening!
finished PODA and then some so I am doing okay here by flystandards.
Susannah-making a scarecrow...We use old jeans and shirt and stuff it with newspaper,tie the wrists and ankles with rubber bands or twine,use a punpkin head,top with a straw hat and a fake crow in the hat. We then sit him in a porch chair but you could nail him to wood or tie to a trellis. Good Luck!
Time to take a walk before the sun sets.
Heidi
I'm Baaaack....
Good morning, everyone. I’m sorry I haven’t posted this week (I don’t think I’ve posted at all on this thread!). Nothing major is going on, just trying to focus a little better. And sometimes, focusing for me means staying off the computer so much!
We’re having a semi-busy week. I cooked Monday night, Tuesday night we had an insurance dinner, Wednesday night DD was at my Mom’s so I didn’t cook, tonight I cook. Tomorrow night is high school homecoming football game, so we’ll probably just do nachos at home. Everyone seems to get hotdogs at the game, anyway. Our weekend will be busy as well. Saturday my Mom wants us over for lunch, DD has a kids’ choir party Saturday night, Sunday lunch is my BIL’s b’day lunch. Whew! Eating is quite the theme here!
Since I can’t post everything I’ve done since my last check-in, I’ll just jump right in here. My PODA for today:
• Laundry – towels, dark load, my bed’s bedspread
• Sweep floors
• Work at my office
• Clean up bathroom really well
• Work on getting house cleaned up for weekend
Not too bad, really. I’ll cook dinner tonight. Probably Hamburger Helper, fried okra, peas, carrots, rolls. Nothing fancy.
Well, I need to go wake DD up. She is having a hard time getting to sleep at night and then getting up in the mornings. So, I’m MAKING her get up this morning, feeding her a big breakfast and hopefully she’ll be ready for a good nap this afternoon and then sleep tonight. She’s gotten in a bad cycle with sleep right now. So, that means I have, too! I actually got up at 5:30 this morning instead of sleeping until 7 like I’ve done the other 3 weekdays this week!
Y’all have a great day!!!
Vonnie
Early Morning-still yawning....nap in the future
Woke up to DS6, small voice, "Momma, my butt is all wet." My one eye opens, and he is standing in soaked undies...Joy, as my eye travels to the dim red light: 3:44am. So popped him in the tub, new undies, set up on couch. Kisses on head. Laundry begins at 4am.
But in order to do this I NEED coffee!
Able to read Bible and pray with 2 cups of Java...that should help the rest of the day.
DH up at 5, explain situation...he smiles and ask if there is any coffee...yep!
SO my PODA:
Make boys lunch
Steam the mattress
Wash Boys Laundry
Girls still doing "L"
**oh a quick break** DS6 (same one) read words last nite! Sounding out!! Oh how I love that sparkle that goes in a child's eye when they begin reading!!!
am gonna give a better effort to put the dreaded bookcase together!
Go thru girls closet/dresser(clothes) weed out to small etc.
Mending in pm.
Beans in crock pot, so dinner is thought of...
Vonnie-hello to you! Glad your adoption is complete?
hello to all
I'm in the thick of school until tomorrow. Wednesdays and Thursdays are no good for me. See y'all tomorrow. Good luck to everyone. Susannah, your celebration sounds great.
off and running
Anne, I do envy you your daily devotionals. The best I've been doing lately is listening to snippets of Chuck Swindall on the radio while dropping DD5 at school. I do like this series on Grace. Maybe that's why I'm so grumpy,
Anyhoo, feeling lazy today
TADAs:
mini grocery run (organic dairy products are far cheaper at a particular store, and I am particular about organic dairy for baby)
crossword puzzle
moved laundry ahead one load (one into dryer, one into washer)
Can you see I'm padding? Just really tired and uninspired today.
PODA:
fold laundry
meet with financial advisor at home (we are finally getting our retirement, college, and emergency savings off the ground, and even though it costs more, hiring someone to help is cheaper than never doing it at all, which is the current method)
start taping dining room for painting this weekend!!!!
Unload/reload DW
yummy kung pao tofu with honey roasted peanuts planned for dinner -- did the marinade and the broth last night, so I'm ahead of the game
DD1 is up here tapping the keyboard, the screen, and everything else saying, "What's that?" She is such a big talker! Anyway, I guess she wants more attention. Better run!
Shaun
Good Afternoon! TADA morn
Good Afternoon!
TADA
morning routine
kids off to school
bank deposit
trip downtown to pick up LDA materials
drop off fundraising materials on way back
LDA office to help stuff envelopes
picked up DD3 from preschool
lunch
washing comforter
PODA remaining:
read paper
finish stuffing envelopes I brought home
dry comforter
water plants
dinner
homework
walk or bike
Lots of running around this morning but it all got done while Dd was at preschool so I didn't have to drag her from place to place.
Vonnie-good to see you here today,yes does sound like a food theme going on! Enjoy..
Hey where has Karin been,is she moving now too??
Rooney-those middle of the night episodes are killers for sure,coffee,coffee, and more coffee!
Best get at it.
have a good rest of the day.
Heidi
I am so proud of my DS5 flybabies!
We Boogied! 6 Walmart bags full of clothes!!!! Full and bulging! They loved trying everything on. DS6 has passed down all his pants and with twins...I need double duty. We got rid of all stain and sick of clothes. I am really buzzed. This is helping me to see what is really "needed" for the winter season. They were quite excited to see all the winter stuff I had hidden from thrifts this past summer.
Tada!!
Girls closet and dresser DONE!
DS6 mattress done and bed made.
Boys clothes are done-and waiting for them to put away (so they will be awesome DH's someday) They are also cleaning their dresser and closet. ha ha ha I already have their closet on their beds. Sneaky me.
Shaun: What color you painting?
The bookcase sits against the wall mocking me each time I pass it..
WOW
This thread was dead a couple days ago and now I can't keep up. I only skimmed so I'll just say HI EVERYBODY
Quick TADA
took size 1 diapers back to Costco and exchanged for size 2
Walmart for supplies for a chore chart for DS6
Grocery store run
finished chore and behavior chart for DS6
Poda
)
*@ least one load laundry
*spiffy downstairs
*load and unload dishwasher (I know what time it is
*homeschool
*what's for dinner?
*get ready for play date tomorrow
See you guys later tonight
Jamie Lea
Shout it from the Housetops!
I CLEANED THE MASTER BEDROOM! I dusted, and steam-vac'd and washed sheets and flung stuff and piled papers in my "bother about later" crate. I sorted and shelved DH's precious motocross magazines. I moved my closet stuff neatly back into the closet. I CAN WALK THROUGH MY ROOM! Without shuddering, too.
And that is my TA DA for the day. It took most of the day, too. Chalk up another phys. ed./art day for homeschooling.
I did set & re-set my timer a few times, but basically worked straight through. It seems I'm one of those people who has to see things through or else I lose momentum and leave it half-done. No 15 min. one day, 15 min. the next.
Oh, I'm also catch-ing (present tense) up on the laundry.
I've got dinner in the oven, but it'll be a late meal. DH needed my help composing a difficult e-mail when he got home. Right now, everyone but baby and me is out fishing. Maybe they'll be hungry for meatloaf by the time they come trooping in.
Glad you are all doing well. I just noticed I missed your birthday, Shaun, but happy birthday belatedly from me!
Love,
Susannah
Way to go Susannah!
I've got some more TADA's too!
*I cut the front yard
*DC17 cut the back yard
*DH watched the baby
*spiffied downstairs
*hung 3 pictures (from the procrastination files)
*homeschooled reading and DS6 done Math on the computer
*played outside with DS6 and baby
*one load of towels done, just need to fold
Another TADA, I've made $65.00 this week off our local garage sale e-mail group. Pretty cool, I list it, they come and get it. I've also gotten rid of 3 boxes of stuff I no longer wanted on the local freecycle group this week. You can beat that.
Way to go on that booggie Anne!
Shaun, your dinners always sound so good.
Heidi, I like the scarecrow idea, I think I may try that this year. Thanks
Ok, DS6 is out of the bath gotta run. See you guys in the morning.
Jamie Lea
one more tada
Well, Friday is finally here!
Well, Friday is finally here! This has been such a hectic week; I guess because last week was only a 3 day week (compliments of Hurricane Ivan). I'm still not caught up, but I've done the best I can do!
This was another slept-too-late morning here in our house! So, I've been running wild so far.
Yesterday's TADAs:
* Laundry
* Worked at office
* Ran dishwasher
* Cooked big country dinner
Today's PODA:
* Work at office
* Get house cleaned up for weekend (while DD naps)
* Laundry (whatever is left to do)
* Unload dishwasher
* Get our clothes ready to wear to football game tonight
* Call MIL to find out about BIL's b'day celebration
* Make a grocery list for tomorrow
Hopefully I'll hear little from my office today, so I can get something done. Some days I don't hear a word & others they drive me nuts!
Y'all have a great day!
Vonnie
off and running...okay walking kinda quickly..
Late to post...but good morning...
Had a one of my bestest friends over for coffee...the kinda friend that you can be in jammies, and have cereal on the floor and feel totally comfy. Was a great morning.
Tada
Kids lessons done. RaH!
Dishes done. Rah!
Laundry done and away. Sis!
Dinner thought of. Boom!
On my way to walk. Bah!
Rah! Rah! Sis! Boom! Bah!
TGIF!
Gonna have a great day!
Jamie! You have been buzy while I was away! Your son has grown leaps and bounds, and your daughter is down right precious. But I am so amazed at your computer skills...I remember the lady who struggled and won putting graphics in her post. Now you are posting pics....I am impressed and would love to learn...
PoDa still left
Quick Walmart run for little stuff to take thru weekend.
(I don't like to go in there on weekends)
Drop off 6 bags of clothes at thrift. (was able to give neighbor 6 other bags)
If time permits....give Dog a bath!!
Have a great one all!
Hi
HI all!
Not much time to post, but wanted to say hi! I'm off to the "Olympics" with DS7's 2nd grade class. I"m manning an event!
Anne, I don't like Wal-Mart on weekends either, in fact I hate it. I just can't call you Rooney, by the way!
Andrea
happy lunch hour
Sharing a little lunch with baby before starting her nap and getting ready to work.
Way to go on the bedroom Susannah! Sounds liek quite an accomplishment.
My day totally fizzled yesterday. The attic fan blew off our roof again in a storm, so DH ended baby's nap to fix it. Ended up heading out to Home Depot after picking up DD5, so we could choose shingles for the new roof we're getting next week. We ended up going out to dinner with the family -- it was our 9th anniversary yesterday -- which was a mess, as one of the waitstaff left shortly after we arrived and there was one waiter for the whole restaurant til the end of the meal. Argh! Well, I have always liked the place, but hadn't been there for years -- Greek food with lots of garlic. Put Iris to bed immediately after getting home and fell asleep right next to her. Happy Anniversary honey!
Well, tonight we'll be taping off the dining room. We're painting it a lovely eggplant shade. I can't wait!
I've gotta make the kung pao tonight. Jamielea, I gotta make good dinners -- it's the only homemaking thing I can do passably! Messy house, disorganized papers, late bills, yelling at the kids -- but at least we're all well fed!!
Shaun
Good Afternoon! Rooney- wa
Good Afternoon!
Rooney- way to go on flinging such a large amount of stuff,must feel good.
Shaun-wanna trade? I'll clean and organize if you will come cook!!
Hi to Everyone....
TADA
morning routine
dw
Ds off to school,DD3 home
walk with dog and DD3
1 load of laundry
swept 1st floor
mail sorted
read paper
lunch
watching friend's son til 5pm
PODA
dinner
no homework...TGIF
movie or game night-decisions,deisions
Better check on DD3 and friend's son4.
have a great night .
Heidi
I dreamed I was Anne P (Rooney)
Really. Last night I dreamed that I got home from school/ work, and there waiting for me was a social worker with five different kids of different races and sexes, looking worried, saying there was nowhere to put them and she knew I had experience with kids and would I please foster them and she'd put through the paperwork. DH was there and had already agreed (in real life we both have been substitute teachers and had our police checks and fingerprint checks; the social worker was a hospital social worker I have met). So I was thrilled, but unfortunately my house in my dream was not my dream house! It was our real house, which has no extra room even for one kid who is older than 3 or so. So we agreed to all but the oldest child, since he was a teenager and we couldn't give him any privacy; the social worker got hold of someone else for him. I slept late today, so I think I was probably hearing the neighborhood kids outside my window in the early morning. Then, in the dream, I had to explain to the kids that they were going to a Yom Kippur service with me (again, some realism-- my temple has family services and child care).
Speaking of which, for all of you who feel you are neglecting "devotionals" I am about to make up for the lot of you. I have services tonight 8-10, then tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with nary a break for lunch since it is Yom Kippur and adults are fasting. Bathroom breaks only.
PODA: see my lawyer for my social security case- hearing on Monday
get DH's ticket for my sister's wedding!
maybe upgrade my ticket for same
make some phone calls
last dinner before the fast
services
Good Evening
I need to go and look at Jamielea's pictures!
Wow, Becky, I've been to some long prayer meetings, but never that long!
TA DA:
*Homeschooled
*Had DD8 clear the DW
*Washed, "boiled" and dried dirty underpants
*Picked up frozen food for dinner (Buffalo wings for adults, fish sticks for kids)
*Put roast on to marinate (I forgot the last two days!)
We had our first P.E. class this afternoon. Anna Kate seemed to do okay (we're doing the Presidential Fitness Challenge for the next six weeks), but Olivia dropped out halfway through, crying, and refused to participate from then on. I'm not quite sure what to do about that. It wasn't as if the class was too tough; the exercises are light for the little ones and they mostly played red light/green light and duck, duck, goose.
We have a picnic tomorrow for the community service project our group does every year. We haven't actually done the project yet, due to Ivan's depredations around here, but we will next week. The picnic is always lots of fun: free food, cool prizes, etc. Never fails one of our members wins a free meal at Hooters. LOL!
I have to go; fussy baby and loud kids. It's BEDTIME!! Shouldn'ta fed 'em those last two chocolate chip cookies. Tonight, I catch up on laundry once & for all. Just a couple loads to do. Lots of ironing, though.
Love,
Susannah
Afternoon flypals
Today's been a long day. I'm pretty tired but baby's not so I'm still awake.
I got a good bit done this morning. DS6 had some homeschool buddies come over to play and that's always a driving force to get off your butt and clean
House looks pretty darn good.
DC17 found out today that he can graduate this year. This is the year that he should have graduated but he was held back in South Carolina in the 9th grade. He entered out here with a 14 average, mostly from nonattendance, his mom wouldn't get up and take him or even wake him in time to ride the bus. Anyway he's done so good the last 2 years that there going to let him take 2 credits on-line, which will allow him to graduate this year. I'm sooooo proud of him and at the same time a little bummed as I know he'll be going off to college soon. He has a girlfriend in SC so I think he's going to want to go to school there with her
I am truly in my heart very proud but at the same time I feel like crying. Hormones? Not sure. Someone give me some words of wisdom that'll make me feel better??
Ok, getting more bummed by the minute, I'll be fine tomorrow.
See you guys then.
Jamie Lea
quick good night
DH is waiting to watch a movie, so I'm just peeking in.
Jamielea. your little one is such a sweetie! I got to hold a 2-month-old for a while today, and she was just a little doll. So if you're feeling down about DC, give her some extra snuggles. You *should* be proud about DC. I have always admired you so much for bringing him into your family and it's so great to see how he's benefited from it. I'm sure even if he goes to SC for college he'll want to stay close with you and your family.
Heidi, I am so willing to trade with you! Are you good with paperwork?!
We did eat the kung pao tofu (with asparagus and shitake mushrooms), and it was good! And now DH is trying to chip off a couple of frozen slices from the birthday cake remains I hid in the freezer to keep us from eating it. I guess I need to hide it in someone else's freezer next time!
Thanks for atoning for me Becky -- I owe you one!
Shaun
Another Very Hectic Week
Either I am getting too old to keep up with my life, or it is getting too complicated, or most likely, a bit of both.
TADA
We have kept up pretty well this week with our new system. Everyday each of us four big people in the family do a half job. That way everyday load of dishes and laundry gets done. Plus on my "early" day I do a mini home blessing. So far, so good.
All of that extreme cleaning/organizing this August has sure helped too...
PODA
dishes
3 loads of laundry
meal plan
groceries
take DS14 to his soccer game
DS12 to a scouts paintball/campout
try to find a present for DH's birthday on Monday
Susannah, I'm jealous that your bedroom is clean! That is my one, true hotspot right now. Somehow it seems to have turned into a pass-through dumping ground.
Shaun, I had to laugh about the "at least we're well fed" comment, I have sure had that exact thought several times in the past two weeks!
Jamielea, here are some cyberhugs {{{{{{}}}}}}}
Here's hoping for a peaceful, restorative weekend all around!
-Jo
Family Fun Day
Howdy.
We went to a picnic today, where as usual I temporarily lost a child, this time the nearly-3-year-old. Somebody caught up with him while I was off looking for him. They were doing door prizes up front at the PA, and nearly offered him as a prize! LOL! Good thing I showed up in the nick of time.
We won a child's fishing pole and bike helmet, some metal polish, a t-shirt, and a meal coupon at a restaurant. Somebody gave me a caramel pie they'd been given. So, we came home with some more "stuff," for sure! Always fun to win a little something.
Jamie, sounds like you've already got empty-nest pains! ((((Hugs)))) from me too. How is it possible to be so proud and so sad at the same time? I feel that way at nearly every milestone, but the really grown-up ones must be even more bittersweet. (If he's going to Clemson, I could check up on him from time to time for you--we're not far from there!
)
Jo, congrats on getting the system down! I can't wait till my kids are older and can do more of the work.
BTW, if you could see my house you wouldn't be so jealous.
I've spent the last few weeks of my life in deep discouragement and dreadful mess. It's truly a miracle I had the mental energy to tackle this room. All the credit goes to you-know-who; you know, the one who listens patiently to tearful, frustrated homemakers/mommies, and I don't mean my husband (although he's pretty patient with me too). There's still so much to do. My carpet...yucccck. Still, getting a few corners decluttered has perked me up considerably and given me hope for the rest.
Finally caught almost all the way up on the laundry. Of course, "all the way" caught up is never quite achievable.
I want to get to Home Depot at some point this afternoon and get my double-roller painting system for painting the living room. I've had the paint for two or three weeks. Now it's time to do something with it! While my DS and DSIL are visiting in Oct. and can help with kids, I might try to paint some other rooms as well. Talk about perking things up! That would do it for sure.
Anyway, I need to set up some train tracks for bored DS4.
Love,
Susannah
Fam Fun in New Mex too :)
The local, well only hospital we have had a open house. Was so much fun. All 4 kids got bike helmets! Real nice ones, and all (thank God for color coding), different colors! The local fire dept and police had a mock drunk driver accident and used the jaws of life to remove "victims". Made impression on kids. But the best of all...the LiFe Flight Helicopter flew in. My oldest twin Abby, due to neglect and filth, had complete renal failure at 8 months...LIfe Flight helped save her life and started the paperwork to get the authorities involved. We were able to thank the pilots. Oh tears were flowing. The other twin...Anna went up (because Abby is as shy as Anna is venturesome), and says, "Thank you for helping my sister." Even DH got a lump on that. Abby thinks the helicopter is her own. I told the flight nurse, and he says, "It is yours...wanna get in?" Pictures taken. Awesome afternoon. The free hamburgers and hotdogs were just an added bonus for mom.
PoDa
DH is doing bills on other 'puter, and as soon as he is done, I will post in computer.
Iron clothes for church tomorrow
quick sweep and mop in kitchen
baths for kidlets
Walmart with hubby for coffee...I am all out!
See ya'll Monday...
Fear and dread
DH is going out of town for a few days soon for a family funeral (a very dear aunt, but generally a "happy" occasion, if you know what I mean.) I'm a bit nervous! I don't do well without breaks, especially in the evening. So we'll see what happens!
I had a flylady moment last night. I woke up and heard DD5 stumbling around the upstairs. Turns out she had wet the bed. This is a pretty unusual occurrence -- mabye 5 or 6 times in the last 2 1/2 years. Nonetheless, I was ready! I do make sure that a clean set of sheets for each bed is always in the drawer, so while she changed into fresh PJs I yanked everything off the bed, remade it with a towel in place of the mattress pad, tucked her in, and went back to sleep.
Yay!
OK, gotta get back to work.
Shaun
Good evening! TADA basica
Good evening!
TADA
basically nothing after morning routine
PODA
dinner(DH picking up fast food on way home) Yay
baths/showers
Kids not feeling too well today so it was easy just to veg on the couch with them. At one point this afternoon all of us were asleep! Pretty sad,huh? I hope they feel better in the morning. My kids hardly ever get sick but school recently started and now they are exposed to all those wonderful germs and viruses.
Shaun-here's hoping those days fly by. I actually enjoy my alone time if DH is working late or out for the evening etc. But my kids are older so I can cocoon with a book while DS9 entertains himself and DD3 is in bed or playing or watching a movie,etc...
Susannah-way to go on the bedroom,nothing like one area to inspire others. I never win anything either so I can relate to the "prizes" you won today. What color are you planning on using or did I miss that?
Tomorrow my best friend's mom is having family and friends over for cake and ice cream to celebrate my friend's bday. I made a gift basket with assorted goodies for her. Should be a pleasant afternoon.
Leaves are red,orange,yellow and f
a
ll
i
n
g......
Fall has arrived to the Midwest in earnest.
Time to buy pumpkins and Indian corn,jump in the leaves and break out the pretty sweaters!
Heidi
Saturday nite
Hi all!
Well Anne, I got a lump in my throat too, after reading that! Wow - you guys are so lucky, but those kids are even luckier to have you. Don't know if you're comfortable posting photos, but I'd love to see your new additions. It sounds like you are adjusting really well to it all.
Yes Heidi, it is that time! I went frog-hunting with DS7 and a friend this afternoon at an inlet of one of the Finger Lakes. SO pretty with all the red and yellow leaves falling down. We caught one toad and two frogs, so it was a successful venture.
Shaun, hope the time w/o DH goes well. I'm like Heidi, I enjoy my time alone. Remember to pace yourself and maybe rent a special DVD for the kiddos so you can kick back in the evening.
I did a bit of gardening, a bit of frig cleaning, laundry, and sheets today. That's it. Also took DD to dance, did the playdate, made a simple dinner of burritos and corn.
Have a good nite all-
Andrea
Hello
Thanks for all the hugs and support, you guys always make me feel better. Shaun, your post made me cry,
it was very sweet. Crying over it made me think that this is probably a little bit of hormones left over from pregnancy 
I am very proud of him and like Susannah said, it's weird how you can be so proud and so sad at the same time.
Today's been a busy one for us. Up at 6 to take DC to school to catch the bus to his meet, came home got myself and the kids dressed and went to his meet at 8. On the way home we stopped at a couple yard sales I got Savannah a baby doll
and Trey a scooter.
He's so funny.
DS18 had work study this morning, he's doing really well and loves being a "college man".
We went to Costco this afternoon for groceries. DS6 got to open his "spending" bank today. He had $71.00 in change and $19.00 in bills, he was walking around here like Mr. Money Bags.
Not much flying today so forgive me, this post is ALL OT. The boys are ready to play Monopoly so see you guys later.
Jamie Lea
Prepping for a New Week
All my best laid plans didn't quite work out yesterday. I wish I was more flexible because I went to bed grumpy and work up grumpy about it..... I am finding I am much less resiliant the older I get.
TADA
2 loads of laundry, but found 2 more in DS12's room
1 load of dishes, but there were 2 to do
baked the b'day cake
meal planned
grocery shopped ($275!!!!! GULP!) That's what I get for not getting anything but absolute necesseities the last 3 weeks!
watered planters and window boxes, which caused it to rain for the 1st time in 11 days
took DS14 and 5 of his friends to the theater 25 miles away. It is close to my work, so I went in and cleared my desk. That's what messed up my plan, but at least I got to drive him on his first group-date-sorta-thing. One of his best friends is his female cousin, so it was DS and a buddy of his and cousin and 3 of her female friends. I guess DS is interested in one of DC's friends. Sniff...... I didn't embarass him too much.....
PODA
shower
church
frost cake
finish dishes and laundry
general pick up
update calendar for the week
sort folded laundry
make DH's b'day dinner: grilled ribeye, sauteed mushrooms, warm foccacia, salad, red wine, and chocolate cake w/ vanilla frosting
Anne, that is a beautiful story about the life flight helicopter.
Shaun, I do much better with my DH around, for sure. I am really dreading the upcoming hunting season when he disappears for a really long time. I wish he was a better shot!
Have a great one flyfriends!
-Jo
Oh that dinner sounds great J
Oh that dinner sounds great Jo! I know what you mean about flexibility. So are you still leaving your job? I wasn't sure - love to hear more about it if you feel like it.
Hey Jamie Lea! Sounds like a busy day for you.
My PODA is:
dw
laundry
sheets
wash GR comforter
walk
groceries
attend play with kids and Grandma
Andrea
Happy Sunday!
Phew! I'm tired. Yom Kippur services yesterday and the night before were not QUITE as long as I had thought, because I misread the ticket and there was more of a break. So, the schedule for real: Friday night 8-10:30, Saturday 10-12:30, and again Saturday 3:30-5:30 (I left that one at 5:15 though). There were more services but I was too tired. I did manage to get the food drive bag of canned stuff to services, which was an accomplishment. Also there was a forum about candidate platforms and Jewish values, from 12:30 to 2-- mostly we talked about which parts of platforms actually meant anything at all. It was less interesting than I'd expected, so I left at 1:30. I did get a nap between Saturday services at that time, which helped me survive the rest of the day on no food. Well, almost. I decided to make the break-the-fast dinner early when I got home, so we ate at about 6:30, before the sun had finished setting.
Then we watched part of the special features of the Firefly DVD, and then I went right to bed.
PODA:
-DH and I are going to make a better file system for our mail
-more leftover dishes
-laundry
-homework
-watch Joan of Arcadia season premier, which DH taped on Friday
gOOD mORNING! TADA mornin
gOOD mORNING!
TADA
morning routine
put away wayward laundry
dw
read paper
called friend
PODA
friend's party at 3pm
kids to bed on time for school tomorrow
After kids got baths last night,I took DS to video store and rented a Goosebumps video that he and I watched. Then I finished "The Incident about the Dog at midnight" or some such title,ate ice cream and promptly fell asleep.
Becky- I would be exhausted from that line up of services for sure. My mail sorting system is to open everything above the trash can so all junk mail goes right in,then I write due dates and amounts on the outside of the envelopes and put in date order,then everything goes in a pretty wooden box that holds the stamps,calculator,checkbook,and pens. Works well for me. Just gotta check it every couple days to see which bills to pay and off they go in the mail.
Hello to everyone!
have a good day of rest to tackle Monday ahead!
heidi
Hola, amigas and amigos! Hop
Hola, amigas and amigos! Hope everyone had a great weekend. We had a good one. It was semi-busy, but we had a lay-around afternoon, so that sort of leveled things out a little bit. We went to DH's school's homecoming game Friday night, then DD had a choir party last night. Church this morning and small groups tonight. It's about time for me to get DD dressed so we can leave on time. What a concept for us!
Semi-busy week ahead of us. DD is coughing a lot, I am getting a sore throat. I hope we don't end up sick and missing school/work.
TADAs:
* Ran dishwasher
* Washed rugs from DD's room and have them drying on deck
* Did two loads of laundry (only one is put away)
* Started grocery list
PODA:
* Small group at 6 p.m.
* Bring rugs in if they are dry tonight
* Put away load in dryer
* Unload dishwasher
Well, I'd better run. DD needs a clean shirt for church. Cya!
Vonnie
Hey everyone! Hope that so
Hey everyone!
Hope that sore throat doesn't develop into anything Vonnie. I hate that.
Hi Heidi! I love that wooden box idea, where did you find it?
We had a nice day, it did not involve much flying but that's ok. We saw The Very Eric Carle (http://www.mermaidtheatre.ns.ca/index.html) which was cvery cute and then went to stroll along the Erie Canal, had ice cream and fed the birds.
OK, I am off, everyone have a great week! i will join you in earnest on Wednesday!
Andrea
I work M, T, and Thu so should be busy but fun this week.
Happy Sunday!
You guys always have the most fun, Andrea. Frog-catching and theatre and all kinds of nice things. Sounds so relaxed.
Anne, how terrible, a baby neglected to the point of near death. My heart just skipped a beat when I read that. It makes me want to hug my baby tighter. But the story was so sweet! I'm so glad you got a chance to express your gratitude to the life flight folks and got pictures too! What a treasure.
My baby looks beat up tonight because she fell against her sisters' bunk bed and gashed her lip with her tooth. I hate when that happens.
Becky, I'm so glad you got a nap after all that.
These days, I think I'd rather nap than eat. We keep our paper pile in a green plastic crate, currently. I need to do something about it, but at least it's corralled and not very full. And I always know where to go when hunting a piece of paper--straight to the green crate. Maybe it's not too bad a "system" (if you can call it that) after all.
Vonnie, hope you fight that bug off. I can usually fight off a sore throat with hot tea & the like. But if it starts in my nose, forget it, it's coming on and nothing's gonna stop it.
Shaun, I guess the girls rule the house for a while, eh? Maybe you can have a toenail-painting party or something girlie like that. Hope you can relax and take it easy those few days.
Jo, I notice I'm not so flexible anymore either. What's up with that?
I had a rough morning. Slept late, fussy kids, got off to church late, long service, no classes for kids today, let kids play in nursery, kids wandered out of nursery, fussy mom came down too hard and made eldest (very sensitive) DD cry, had to apologize (in tears), kids fought all day, more fussing from me, and the house is messy despite spending the last few days working nonstop. Blah. I feel like crying all the time. That hormonal thing must be going around. I was watering the ironing with tears earlier, just thinking again about how I'd made her cry. I really didn't mean to hurt her, but I was too condemning. She forgave me okay; now I've gotta forgive myself.
Told DH we need to troubleshoot the cleaning-up-after-selves thing, because I seem to spend all my time working on the house. I did a little experiment this week to see if it indeed is too much work for the time I have, and it is. So that means the kids (and DH, and even me, truthfully) need to learn to clean up their own stuff more.
Speaking of cleaning...sigh. I have more dishes and ironing to do. Dang it! It never ends.
And on that happy note...signing off.
Love,
Susannah
ready for a new week
Susannah, I invite you to read my journal and see that you are not alone. Today was not a banner day for me. And isn't it so hard to forgive yourself when your kids are so willing to forgive you? Always makes me feel about 2 feet tall.
Anne, I missed your earlier post -- I love that story about the pilots!! What a wonderful family you have.
I've got DD5's comforter washing, and the sheets drying -- missed a day dealing with other junk yesterday. Just too much doing doing this weekend, not much family or personal time.
For the rest of today I've got to get the toilet totally unclogged and clean up the bathroom.
Tomorrow, I'm settin' my sights very low. Those hormones are really having their way with me -- and this is the absolute worst time for SAD issues as well -- and I'm just going to try to go with the flow rather than try to swim against the tide and get pulled under again!
Have a good night!
Shaun
Hello everyone...
I am stepping back onto the FlyLady bandwagon ~
I am off to join the email group, right now.
TADAs
2 loads of laundry done.
1 load of laundry ironed and put away.
Beds made.
Birdbath cleaned.
Fountain cleaned.
Lunch made.
Figured out how to use the water pipe (hose). *Go me!*
Figured out how to use the washer/dryer. *Again ~ Go Me!*
Front walk swept.
Kitchen floor and entry way swept.
Took trashes out.
PODAs
Figure out how to open the infernal dryer door.
Unpack our clothes.
Vacuum house. (Or Hoover it, as the case may be...)
Make brown sugar meatloaf for dinner.
Join FlyLady email group, again.
Catch up on emails.
Catch up on 3 telephone calls.
I guess that I should put on my shoes now.
I will try to check in later...
Hope you are all having a good day/morning/evening thus far.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
Hi Ladies
Hi Ladies -- I lost you for a while when the computer went wacky. But I'm back.
no, Cari, you are not a thread killer!
We have a new thread! "Rooney" made it on September 27 and forgot to put Flybabies in the subject heading. It is called "Flying through the living room." Lois, you may want to re-post your hello in there to make sure anyone sees it.
viola jokes
The viola is one of my very favorite instruments, definitely my favorite string. Here is the famous viola joke website, in case you haven't it already:
http://www.mit.edu/~jcb/jokes/viola.html
more on violas
I'm sorry you couldn't get the jokes to load! Most of them are "lawyer" or "blonde" jokes with "violist" substituted. Especially blonde jokes. There is a joke in the musical community that violists are all dumb. There is no basis for it, and everyone knows it's not true, but it just is-- like with blondes.
DH's uncle is a famous violist, or as famous as violists get anyway. He teaches at Vanderbilt.
It's on the "Foster to Adopti
It's on the "Foster to Adoption..." thread. But if it pleases you all to think I have some kinda MoJo happening go ahead
.
clarification
I didn't mean we're locked in for the services or anything! I just meant that there are not many built-in break times. Obviously people come and go as they need to, but that way you miss part of the music or whatever.
I do that too
We just need to refine the system for where to put things that don't fit in those categories. We have some things that we really need to keep but that don't belong in the trash, nor in the bill box.
Hi LoisD
It is nice to see you back ~
I hate it when I have computer woes.
It is also nice to see someone else post ~
I seem to be a thread killer no matter where I post.
Tempting to stop posting...
Good to see you here ~
I am now off for some flying.
~*~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~*~
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