Flybabies, Feb 21st....

Morning everyone!

Thanks for starting the thread Anne - hope you have a great day!

I am enjoying the slower pace of a vacation morning. I exercised, walked dog, fed kids and I. Now I'm off to:

shower
Zone
Wal-Mart
dog groomer for nail trim
drop stuff at apt.
lunch with friend at her house
organize my scrapping stuff

Vonnie, I feel the same way about eating at home - it is gratifying to know we are saving that $ and also not eating fast food! Of course, we do love to go out too - try to limit it to once or twice a week though and nothing too pricey. Hope the refinance thing works out for you.

Gotta run!

Andrea

Great job Jana - feels good doesn't it?

Still trying to get in the shower!

a girlfriend!

Jana

Glad you had a nice weekend Jana Good job on the exercise. I've been walking lately too, feels good.

Quick TADA ( I think Savannah's waking up)
*Morning routine done
*Weekly blessing downstairs
*zone work (master bedroom)
*Homeschooled (with a bonus Presidents day lesson)
*nap

PODA
*figure out what's for dinner
*one load laundry (found it in Tony and anthony's room)
*address pampered chef cards for party next week

See you guys in a bit
Jamie Lea

...and all day yesterday I thought it was Wednesday. If today really HAD been Thursday I might have been able to help my friends out with their last minute child care crisis.

Well, my weekend PODA was successful. All except the call from the girlfriend. Her kids were gone all weekend, and she didn't call after telling me how much she really needed to talk to me....HMMMMM. Methinks she solved SOMETHING

Dinner out was great both nights. Yes, mom gave me enough $$ to get my hair foiled and cut, so that was great, too. Especially great was my dinner Saturday night.

Debbie and I made definite plans for my watching the boys some over the summer, since I don't work at the university. They'll bring them to my house Monday evenings, so that they can stay over (meaning Debbie and Brian don't have to do any kid stuff in the a.m.--plus the boys and I can sleep as long as we want--plus I can do a few things at home before we all head down to their house for the rest of the day.) Thursday mornings I'll head to their house--I'm going that way anyhow for Bible Study. The boys can stay in the nursery during Bible Study--something they used to always do anyway before Debbie went back to work--then back to their house. I think it'll be a great arrangement.

After dinner we stopped at Barnes and Noble, then Best Buy, then Dick's Sporting Goods. Then back to their house to watch a movie. It was SOOO disturbing. Has anyone seen it? It's called "Monster", and it's the true story about that hooker in FL who was executed for killing all those men. Sad and gruesome at the same time.

Things are starting to look up at the chocolate shop. Much less stressful. Here's hoping.

Brian and I had 12 kids in our group at Adventure Club last night. Not bad considering everyone was off of their routine with there being no school. It's been really fun having these third- and fourth-graders.

PODA this week? Trying to get routines back in order after the wild week.

Oh, and I have another Spanish test--blew the first one!

Good luck with the refinance, Vonnie. It'll be a good starting-over point. I'm glad Jana had a great weekend--sounds like something I'd love to do. And, now Jo has made me hungry for Mexican. Sheesh!

Must run--have a great day,
Jul

Sooo overwhelmed here at the moment! Just trying to get the essentials done and keep going.

Sounds like this is a busy time for everyone -- is it the short month?

Got to spend the morning in DD5's kindergarten -- fun, but *hard work*! I was tired out after 2 hours. It was a special day celebrating the 100th day of school, and I staffed the "estimation center," where we did various estimation activities related to 10s and 100s. The favorite was invariably the walk around the school to see how far we could get with 100 steps! Finally with the last group I figured out to have them hold a long chain of plastic links we had used for another activity to keep them together so they wouldn't go tearing off without me. Seems like someone wants to sprint ahead and someone always drags about 10 ft. back.

OK, gotta get to work! Work is tedious and frustrating lately. Looking forward to getting some of these projects out the door in the next few weeks!

Shaun
"If you jump off the boat, you only rock it once"

Went for DS14's room stuff and did quite well! Got a bedskirt (tailored white linen), a matress pad, a sheet set (denim blue with white stripes), a down pillow-top bed cover thingy, a down comforter (white), a curtain set (tab-top denim), a black iron scroll curtain rod, an extra set of bed pillows with black cases, and a black bean bag chair. All for less than $200! Clearance and white sales, K-Mart, WalMart, and LNT 20% off coupon. He's got a whole denim blue/white/black thing going on and it looks very nice. I only wish we could have found an area rug for those wood floors.

TADA
one load laundry
dishes

PODA
dinner: steak, green beans, mushrooms
watch TV with the gang
maybe another load of laundry

Have a great evening ladies!
-Jo

Gotta get that book! Hmmm, maybe Thursday! Here's an easy non-recipe I did tonite: 1 jar of Major Gray's Chutney (in the Indian/ethnic food section and 1 packet of onion soup mix (dry) - mix and pour over chicken pieces - bake. Yum!!

Isn't that fun Anne? I'm just at that point with my DD6 - doing phonics program with her on the puter - Funnix.

Good job Jo! There are some great buys on rugs - don't know what stores you have, but if you hit a big carpet/flooring shop they have BIG remnants really cheap bound even.

Did the science museum with kids and DS's friend today - he slept over last nite, fun but exhausting.

I'm off to bed -
Andrea

DD was up at 5 a.m. yesterday & same today! Makes my mornings less than stellar. No quiet time before she gets up & a constant stream of chatter when I am not "up" for it.

Well, we think that we're actually going to pay off ALL of our credit cards! That will be so freeing for us. It will leave only house payment, one car payment, insurance, retirement account loan payment, food, gas & utilities! And now that I have most everything set up to pay with online banking, it should be a breeze!

I guess I'd better run. I'll try to pop back in before I leave for work and post my PODA.

Vonnie

Can I hide in your suitcase???

Jana

Way to go on the re-fi Vonnie, I'm sure that's a good feeling!

Jo, we've got Sea World and Six Flags all within 15 min. of the house. One of the reasons I love San Antonio. So much to do.

Anne, you said you guys were coming in August? Is that right? We've definatly gotta do lunch or something. Jana's close enough, maybe she could come down as well. Regular ol' flybaby fest

TADA
Morning routine done
Anthony to school, he overslept

PODA
*one load laundry
*15 min. in Master bedroom
*some de-cluttering in Trey's room
*home school park day
*what's for dinner?

That'll probably do it for today. Hope you all have a great day, see ya later tonight.
Jamie Lea

It's Wednesday and the week is flying by. DS informed me last night that he needs to be a buffalo indian dancer for boyscouts Friday night. So, I was off to Walmart this morning. I found brown fleece and brown faux fur for the headress. I'm using styrofoam cones (covering with black felt) for the horns. I'm hopeful it will come together. He also needed a palace guard costume for a simulator united nations program the weekend of March 12. I am renting 4 busby hats and having the boys buy red shirts and black pants. I will be embelishing with buttons and a wide black belt.

TADA
grocery shopping
walmart
laundry (last load in dryer)
kitchen cleared

PODA
touch up dining room
dentist
hem DS pants
finish buffalo headress
check on khakis and tan t-shirt for friday

Sounds like we need a TNH flybaby meeting in San Antonio this summer. 20 years ago we lived in Del Rio. San Antonio was our favorite place for weekend trips.

off to the sewing machine,
Susan

did I mention we got the Roomba (aka robot vaccuum cleaner, a little disc that travels around your house vaccuuming)?

It is sooo awesome! You do have to pick up the floor for it to work, which is great because now we have nothing on our floors. It is wonderful for the kitchen and dining room -- we run it almost every night while the kids get ready for bed. No more crumbs on bare feet in the morning!

That's my cleaning news. But I was chatting with a friend over coffee today, and she was telling me she is a big Flylady fan. She has empty drawers and half-full closets now!

I told her about my big realization: I was fantasizing (again) about winning the Powerball and what I would do with my millions. I realized that I would get rid of most of my clothes and have just a few nice things. Why? Because I would feel secure that I could go out and get more if I needed to.

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding! Lightbulb moment!

I *never ever ever* would have seen myself as a hoarder, or someone who holds onto stuff to feel secure, but somehow during my daydreaming something clicked. It just didn't make sense -- if I would feel happier with less as a "rich" person, wouldn't I feel happier with less as I am right now? I feel ready to start letting go of more stuff. I *can* get more if I need to, even if I am not a millionaire.

OK, enough rambling! Iris didn't nap *again* today and I still have 1/2 of my freelance work for today to finish.

Hi to everyone -- I am reading your posts carefully to see what is going on, but no individual posts tonight.

Shaun
"If you jump off the boat, you only rock it once"

I am a loser flyfriend Sorry I have been missing in action. I posted once and then disappeared again. Its been one long month. My laptop blew up and I was computerless for about a week. Got a great new desktop that I love. Finally got that all set up. Then my Nanny got really sick with pneumonia and she fought so hard for 2 weeks. She passed away on Tuesday and I miss her so much already. She really suffered and we all are relieved she is at peace. And then of course there is the light of my life Alexa keeping me busy. She crawls now so she is EVERYWHERE. She pulls herself up to stand on anything, including on Tiger. She is so spirited and is so attached to me. We love her to death and each day is a new adventure. I thought laid back Mommy and Daddy= laid back baby. Yeah right!!!!!!!!!! Motherhood has definitely taught me one thing- whatever I believe is true is not!!!!! OK enough of us, I tried to skim really fast and everyone sounds good. I hope everyone with school kids is enjoying their week off. Big hugs and I missed you guys so much!!! I have written posts to you guys everyday in my head but starting today I am going to be here more no matter waht. I need you guys.

OK not much flying going on here. My house looks like Romper room. I have been keeping up with laundry and dishes. I lost 8 pounds on weight watchers and have been cooking a lot. Except this week with my stress eating I have had a Big Mac, Checkers, Taco bell. Fast food is my comfort food when I am upset. Starting today I am getting back on track. Ok fussypants is jumping out of her stroller when she should be drinking her baba... DH is working the next 3 days, Nannys wake and funeral are Sunday and Monday. Someone please give me strenth and patience.... Big hugs JAckie and Alexa

Oh heres a link to Alexa's website I finally updated
http://www.babysites.com/sites/alexachristina/
Hope it works...

I'm so sorry Jackie - you have been through so much lately! Thoughts and prayers with you over the next few days -

That is cool Shaun! I wonder how it would do on Corgi hair?

Susan, oh my goodness - those costumes sound like so much work!

Hi Julie! Twice a week will be nice! Is this a paying job for you?

Well, I'm off - we're going to the WM Supercenter in the city to get kiddos pictures taken since their school pictures were crummy. Also continuing to table shop, not finding just what we want yet.

Andrea

I'm sorry to hear about your Nanny, thoughs and prayers are with you and your family. I checked out Alexa's picutes and signed your guest book, she's just a doll. I love to hear you talk about her.

Jenny? You staying away due to morning sickness?

Susannah, I miss dogwood's and azalia's, so pretty. I also miss honey suckle I tried to plant some in my yard once but it died.

I done my BBR last night, I don't always, it makes such a huge diffrence.
TADA
*MR done
*went threw the house and emptied all the trash (truck comes today)
*kiddies have been fed

PODA
*home school
*one load laundry
*15 min. in Master bedroom
*little bit of desk work I need to get done

See you guys in a bit.
Jamie Lea

I just got Alexa down for a nap finally- Ive been trying since 1030am- And I logged on really fast and you guys made me smile

Thanks for signing our guestbook Jamielea, that was really sweet. Give Savannah big big wet sloppy kisses from Alexa

I actually have a tada too- I am motivated today:
~vacuumed upstairs and den
~1 load laundry done and folded just have to put away
~called my coordinator to take off Friday and Monday
OK not much but its babysteps right???
Poda:
~Take a shower right now before she wakes up again and I spend the day looking like i got hit by a truck
~Maybe play with the twins down the block

Lots of hugs, Love Jackie

Good Afternoon!

Jackie-how sad about your Nanny,sorry to hear that.

Andrea-wow double bummer on the photo session and the table saga! what type of table are you looking for?

TADA
morning routine
dw rotation
kids off to school
hardware store for DH
paint store for DH
called insurance lady and started filling out forms(YUK)
dropped above items off to DH
picked up DD
lunch
calls
folded one load laundry
read paper
sorted mail

PODA
homework
dinner
put away laundry
meeting at 7:30pm
finish forms tonight or tomorrow

Have a good remainder of Thursday!

Heidi

Heidi-

Gosh you were productive, unlike me! We are looking for a small kitchen table - 30 X 48 or 36 X 48 - contemporary style - I'm picturing some combination of wood, glass, or steel. We like cushioned chairs. We are pretty set on what we want and I"m finding it difficult. I think the problem is the small size - I like many that are larger. OUr nook really can't fit anything bigger though.

Prayer said Vonnie!

Off to bathe the dog so I can say I did at least something today!

Andrea

I'm not sure TADA does have words attached to it, but maybe we should make some up. I'm still a big fan of the SLUG list (was that Still Left Undone Garbage?)

Jackie, so sorry about your Nanny! Hope you can take some time to remember her. The good thing about Grandmothers, I've found, is that they are always with you somehow in spirit.

Vonnie, update us soon on what happened! I do hope everything is OK.

Thanks to Roomba I actually wet mopped the floors today! Otherwise I am just working working working for a deadline and taking care of a sick kid. (Does Iris just get every cold that goes through town or what?)

Shaun
"If you jump off the boat, you only rock it once"

The *^$#@@ never called me back! I am not at all impressed with these folks. But since we've already spent $400 for an appraisal, I'm not ready to back out now. As soon as the last paper is signed, though, (assuming there is not a problem & we are in fact getting the refinance) I am letting them know how I feel about their service.

Probably won't be sleeping much tonight.

Vonnie

Then I suppose I shall think of TADA as "TaaDaa!!!" in a chipper, sing-songy voice, look at what I've accomplished sort of thing.
So here goes: TADA
took pup for walk (in way too much wet snow for any shih tzu)
breakfast with kids(dippy eggs)
make beds
PODA:
take kids to school
keep up with pup's house training
wash, dust, and shine bathroom
1, possibly 2 loads of laundry
split pea soup in crock for dinner

I think that should about do it for me today. Have a great morning all. ~Tiffany

Good Morning!

Shaun and Tiff- what about this for TADA...Today's Activities Done Accomplished???

Hi All!

PODA
morning routine
dw rotation
DS off to school(DD home on Friday mornings)
read paper
finish insurance forms
couple calls(some social some business)
possible playdate for DD or at least something fun with me
dinner
no homework...TGIF

Went to a dyslexia simulation at a local high school last night...very educational and very frustrating. There were 6 stations set up to make you do things the way it is for a person with dyslexia to do. Each thing was very difficult to accomplish and really sensitized you to how dyslexics must feel.

I hope to work with PTA to bring the program to our school,we'll see...

DS has a pool party tomorrow(indoor of course) so we must get a gift certificate for that. Probably can pick it up on the way tomorrow...sorry thinking out loud here.

Better get at it.

Heidi

Morning all!

Anne, that sounds so yummy! Oh my.

Glad you are getting paid Julie - though I'm sure it will be fun too.

Like the TADA words Heidi! Funny.

OK, my TADA so far:

dw
vacuum
dust mopped upstairs
breakfast for kids
walked dogs
laundry done

PODA left to do:

bank
laundry folded and put away
DD's sheets on bed
Zone
mop kitchen
exercise
take kids bowlingmaybe order table

That's a lot, I better get busy.

Thanks so much for all of your well wishes about my Nanny. I can't believe how much I miss her already. We were going through some pictures and had some great memories to laugh about. It feels good because watching her the last two weeks that has been what is stuck in my mind. Last night instead of dreaming about her being sick I dreamt about when we went to Rye beach when I was 12 years old and she went on the rides with us. She was a cool Nanny.

Alexa has been giving me a run for my money as a momma the past three days but we are doing OK. I think she senses me being upset. This kid is so attached to me it overwhelms me. Its like my heart outside my body

Anne, thanks for checking out our pictures. She does look so different with her earrings. I am so gald I did it finally.

Jenny, did I miss some really important news???????????? Are you pregnant?? I hope to join you really soon, hopefully by the summer... If I can convince DH sooner I would love it!!!!

Happy Anniversary to you Anne!!! I hope you have a love filled day
Big hugs to everyone else!!
Heres a qick poda and toda mixed together:
~ran dishwasher just have to unload it
~took a shower but got back in my sweats until I find out from the @!$%%^^^"s I work for if they covered my shift tonight. If not I have to work 5-9pm and have to get dressed. If not we're in for the day since it snowed and I don't have the truck
~get Alexa dressed
~try to stick to Alexa's feeding and nap schedule because she is out of control
~cleaned out my underwear and sock drawer. I think we're in the Bedroom zone right???
~cleaned bathrooms
~put highchair cover back on since I finally washed it
~PUT AWAY THE FLIPPIN LAUNDRY ALREADY
OK that's it. You girls have a great Friday. Love Jackie

I don't know why I always have these computer problems, especially with a NEW (well, still under warranty) laptop, but I'll be not on too much until I get the thing back.

and that means a migraine for me! Nausea, cranky, head pounding. It should pass around 6pm. Crazy how I can time them! What is that about???

We are having a birthday celebration for my grandfather's 80th birthday this weekend so family will be coming in and Sunday will be consumed with birthday party activity!

Saturday we are just gonna hang around the house.

PODA (for the weekend)
clean bathrooms - DH is on that this evening
DW rotation
floors - vacuum, sweep, mop
change sheets
laundry!!! laundry!!! laundry!!!

Since being sick I have just been maintaining so this weekend I must clean and whip it into shape!!!! Control the monster.

Anne - Happy Anniversary!!!!

Andrea - table looks great!

Shaun - glad to see you peeking in!

Becky - with no computer more time to make a baby!

Heidi - you are always so productive!!! That simulation sounds interesting.

Waves to everyone else!

Jana

I like the [New} designation at the begining of new entries! Neatto, Lynn!!

Well, the re-fi mystery is solved! At 10 a.m., I STILL had not heard from the company (even after my scathing message on her voice mail!). So, DH called. The lady acted oh-so-nonchalant about it. No, there's no problem with the loan; it was an error on the paperwork calculations. We are set to close at 5:30 p.m. Monday. We're not getting as much as we thought because of closing costs, but we will be able to pay off all but a portion of one credit card. Depending on how much OT DH gets, we could pay it off in 3-6 months. House payment is a little less than we thought, too. I think our first will be due May 1, so that will give us 2 months house payment to save as well. We still want to (1) re-cover sofa (2) lay down hardwood laminate floor (3) put down new linoleum in bathroom and then we'll have to save to put a brick footing around our house and rebuild our shed. So, it all turned out OK. I've been working on our budget tonight.

Well, DD is spending the night with a friend -- her first overnighter with someone other than a grandparent!!! Mom is missing her so much. It was not planned until this afternoon & my MOm picked her up at school, so I only spent about 2 hours with her. But, DH is really sick with what looks like the stomach flu, so it is good that she's not here. I am having a Gilmore Girls fest with my Netflix deliveries today while DH laments in bed. I'm about to pop some popcorn.

Hopefully, DH will be better tomorrow; DD wants to practice for t-ball/softball.

Well, I am so tired and Gilmore Girls is running, so I'll not take time to post my TADAs. I hope everyone has a great evening!

Vonnie

Good morning!! Hope everyone is having a fun Saturday. We have no plans today, DH is working 9-7pm. I am going to rest up for the next two days.
I have a non flybaby problem maybe all the experienced Mommas can help me with. Alexa is so so so attached to me. I love it, but when I can't even leave the room to pee it is getting a little rough. I do play with her a lot, I am with her most days all day by myself except Mon and Friday for a few hours. She cried for 2 hours on Monday at my Moms until Dh came to get her. My Mom is so patient, but DMil takes it so personally. She cried for about an hour on Tues when I ran dropped her off suddenly when my Nanny left us. She just doesn't go with the flow. I understand this is her temperment(sp?) but I also think as her mother I need to teach her to be independent. Is she too little for that? She is teething but I ahve been saying that for like forever and we only have the bottom two teeth. I leave her in the pack and play to do chores around the house but she cries the whole time usually. She wont take a pacifier, I am trying to get her to take to a pooh bear and a blanket. I put the blanket in my bra to get my smell on it I think I am going nuts!!!!!!! Sorry this is so long but I want to do the right thing both for her and for my sanity. Maybe she will grow out of it- she is 9 months and that is the peak of separation anxiety. I love her to death but when she is hanging on my ankles and holding on for dear life I think she is getting a little too attached thanks in advance for your help and sorry so off topic

Shaun, I hope you enjoyed your movie. I watched Raising Helen the other day. It took about 4 hours of pausing and playing but it was really cute when I finally got to the end

Becky, I know what you mean with computer problems. I just got this computer and now our wireless network is all screwed up. AGGGHHH...... Good luck with it!!
Andrea I love the table!! I am glad you waited to find what you wanted. I love shopping online and finding exactly what I visionedinstead of aimlessly roaming around the store settling for something else.
Jana, I hope you are feeling better today
Anne, Im glad your day was good yesterday. Your pumpkin cream cheese roll is making me hungry.
Hi everyone else!!!
Heres a quick Poda and Tada mix:
~cleaned kitchen
~fed Alexa breakfast
~ALexa down for her am nap
~1 load laundry in washer
~I finally put away 2 baskets of laundry from Thurs WOOOHOO!!
~packed away Alexa 3-6 months clothes
~cleaned out 2 drawers in my dresser
~make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner
~lay out clothes for tomorrow for Alexa and I and pick up DH's suit
OK sorry so long. HAve a great day Love Jackie

Andrea, the sleepover went well. DD behaved very well and went to bed with no problem. Didn't cry for us (at all?). Stayed with them until 3 p.m. A little too long for me! I was ready to see her and hug her! She went to the grocery store with me and then we came home & fixed sloppy joes and fries for dinner. DH is still feeling icky, so he didn't eat anything. DD is in the tub now -- Saturday night bath!! -- I'll have to run get her out in a jiffy. Gonna rock her and read a new book "It's Hard to Be Five" by Jamie Lee Curtis. Really fits DD to a "tee".

Got lots of household changes going on here this week. DD starts t-ball practice Tuesday. We are abandoning our cable TV in favor of Direct TV (to be installed tomorrow afternoon!) and are leaving the cable company's DSL in favor of Bellsouth DSL. We'll save about $300 in 12 months, so I feel it is justified and worth it. We won't see any reduction in television channels we watch & will actually gain several kiddie channels, including Disney. Will have to monitor DD's TV time & not let her become a junkie! LOL!

After I get DD to sleep, I guess I'll put in my next Netflix movie, "13 Going on 30". I've heard it's really good.

OK, I have a few TADAs today:

* Went shopping for myself (yup, you read that right!) and got two pair of pants that FIT (down to the next lower size!), and four tops. Also found a darling purple purse -- I LOVE bold, different handbags!
* Got DD's Easter dress at TJ Maxx -- so pretty!
* Did laundry & have it fairly caught up
* Got grocery shopping done & got some great buys on meats at a meat market here
* Fed dogs & brought in DD's t-ball equipment and covered bikes (rain in forecast for tomorrow)
* Got dinner cooked & ate and cleaned up kitchen
* Unloaded dishwasher
* Picked out DD's and my clothes for church tomorrow

Still to go, PODA:

* Read story & get DD to sleep
* Watch movie
* Get my Bible, etc. together
* Write out check to church
* Go to bed at a decent hour (don't know if I'll sleep in bed with DH or not; didn't last night because I didn't want to get sick)

I hope you all have a great evening. It is so nice to be able to come here & be real about what I get done & what I fail at! I never feel judged or looked down upon. Y'all are the best!

Vonnie
*

I am soooo happy for you! I enjoy working part-time and from my home, but if we adopt a little boy in the future, I want to stay home full-time. I can juggle right now, but there's not enough of me to go around for two and a part-time job.

Congrats again!!!

Vonnie

Hi all-

Congrats Jo! I think that lifestyle will work well for you - good luck with it! A new chapter in your life...

Heidi, I hope the table comes soon! They said 10 days I think. Our new floor is still not in - that will come in 1 or 2 weeks too - so we still have a bit of a wait! I don't think DH Is on because of the Oscars... I did see Terri Hatcher on Barbara Walters though.

Back to work and school for us tomorrow - I think we're ready!

Andrea