Right. When I'm at work I have my list of tasks/meetings etc all set up on the PC so it pops up to tell me what I should be doing when. I don't have that at home and I keep forgetting things - not that there's much to do round these parts, but still. So I thought we could use a thread like this - to record our daily achievements/tasks and see how well we've done.

Whether you're at work or home, tell us what you've got to do today, then tell us at the end of the day how much you've actually done. I always start the day with great plans but tend to lose impetus as I go along, so if I've posted them here, maybe I'll feel more obliged to actually do them. We'll see

Today I have to:
Hang out the washing and put two more loads in and out.
Unload the dishwasher
Go to the shops and buy a few bits
Take the children to the park


Not very much I know, but it'll keep me occupied.

Rock and roll! :pimp:

Is that your list?

No, MI6 will not allow me to divulge my daily schedule :ninja:

So you're waiting for Brenda to dish out the post before you make a start on the filing then?

Ahem........


2 viewings (at the moment)
3 tenancy agreements
Check other tenancies progressing
Deal with any amount of poo that lands on my desk, can never tell what that will be.
Buy lunch
Make/drink coffee/tea
Nip in and out of here throughout the day
Do weekly figures, which I should have done yesterday
Check Janet's task list before she gets back from hols next week.
Copy and send out check-out reports to ex-tenants
Call kids and make sure they're doing to their chores
Check files of all move-ins from the weekend and input onto computer

Wow, this is actually very helpful. I usually tend to land in the office and start running.

I have lunch at Canary Wharf today actually. :)

So I'll be pottering around here for a couple of hours and should get back just in time to go home. :bye:

Okay, hold onto your hats, here is my exciting day:

Hang out washing and put more washing on (already made a start on this)
Clean kitchen cupboards out (dreading this, hate this job)
make and drink lots of tea for me
make and give lots of tea to the roofer
decide what to have for dinner
make dinner
take middle child to football training
pick middle child up again
shout at kids to get shower (always a treat)
flop out on sofa for big brother.

Now beat that for thrills.:mellow:

Wow, this is actually very helpful.

Yes, well that was my intention, but sadly my thread got grouched :mad2: .

Actually I have another thing to add. The new Early Learning Centre catalogue just arrived so I'll be out of action for an hour with a red pen, circling everything.

What busy at exciting lives we lead eh?

I have already

put a washing on
been to the doctors
picked up a parcel from the other side of town.... and got lost
went to the supermarket got £20 worth of groceries
hung on the washing
put another washing in

still to do

hang out the washing when it is finished
wait for Mr B to return from park with the girls
make lunch - stuffed peppers with mince & rice throwtogether
pack a suitcase as going away overnight tomorrow to a stately home - brother in law has got a new girlfriend who tests out stately homes and gives reviews. This one is in Ayrshire.
Take elder daughter to see Pirates of Caribbean
Make supper on return - quesidelias
Open bottle of wine/beer/gin whichever comes first and slob out in front of TV.

Exciting, thrilling day........not

Ahem........


2 viewings (at the moment)
3 tenancy agreements
Check other tenancies progressing
Deal with any amount of poo that lands on my desk, can never tell what that will be.
Buy lunch
Make/drink coffee/tea
Nip in and out of here throughout the day
Do weekly figures, which I should have done yesterday
Check Janet's task list before she gets back from hols next week.
Copy and send out check-out reports to ex-tenants
Call kids and make sure they're doing to their chores
Check files of all move-ins from the weekend and input onto computer

Wow, this is actually very helpful. I usually tend to land in the office and start running.

So far, viewings done (one cancelled)
On second coffee (usually third by now)
Delegated copying and send of check-out reports
Weekly figures done
On here several times

So far so goo. :w00t:

Today I have to:
Hang out the washing and put two more loads in and out.
Unload the dishwasher
Go to the shops and buy a few bits
Take the children to the park


Not very much I know, but it'll keep me occupied.


Done one load of washing and hung it out - the other is still going, although the second turned into a third when I found a heap of other bits that needed to go in, chucked on the bedroom floor on HIS side of the bed :glare:

Been to the shops and the park, read the ELC catalogue. Still got the dishwasher to do. Yuk.

Just bought, and am now eating, lunch.

That's cheating - eating isn't a task is it?

In that case I've prepared lunch for 3 -1 serving of leftover italian meatballs and pasta (me), 1 turkey sandwich, banana and frube (Gigi) and one mushed banana and rice cakes (Edward)

I never realised quite what a domestic godess I was until now! :laugh:

So far today...

I have got up, showered, ironed my shirt, had breakfast, changed the boys water and given them their porridge, drive to work...

Once at work...I have so far...
*chased up a dive report,
*responded to a couple of 999 calls
*played something fishy,
*sorted out the notice board & work related magazine tray, *drunk 4 cups of tea,
*eaten five custard creams,
*received numerous traffic reports from boats,
*moaned a bit,
*discussed & researched a new form thingie we need to start using for ship reports but decided it's crap so we will revolt and do it the old way until someone tells us off
*Chatted pleasantly to a newbie in the office about life here & diving
*moaned a bit more
*chatted to a yummy man in combats via telephone about our helicopter
*played more something fishy
*Caught up here
*completed six none stop complete spins on my chair
*discussed the benefits of home grown vegetables
*booked an extra 2 days of leave for the end of August

Still to do...
*drink more tea
*eat more custard creams before moving onto maryland cookies
*respond to any reports of distress we receive
*erm...erm...

I am bored! :wacko:

I did have to prepare it and present it on the plate beautifully (avocado, cherry tomatoes, mixed leaf salad, beetroot salad and couscous with a drizzle of salad cream) with 2 dark rye crispbreads. The eating's the easy bit. I just didn't want you to think I was going hungry. I know how you worry.

Coastie - steady on girl, there's a whole lot of day left to fill -the world isn't made of custard creams you know, there's only so many to go round :wink2:


Pats - I'm even more worried now hearing that excuse for a lunch.

You didn't hear the noise my trousers made when I bent down to unlock the garage padlock this morning. :huh:

I shall also be having an apple for pudding. Not just yet, though. I'm a bit full. :glare:

Coastie - steady on girl, there's a whole lot of day left to fill -the world isn't made of custard creams you know, there's only so many to go round :wink2:

That's why we have a packet of Maryland choc chip cookies aswell! :naughty:

Update:

Have now had lunch!

Status:

Complete success! :)

Someone else paid then?

Yep and the customer has already repaid us with a handsome piece of business. *where's the cigar smilie?*

Well I've just hung my last load of washing out, so there. :thumbsup:

get up and shower
walk mutt round block
go to work - done

pick up da mammy at 1.00 p.m.
go for weekly grocery shop - done

hair back to house for quick nosh - check
back to work - check
eat 2 shortbread biccies with glass of milk - deffo done, crumbs everywhere

yet to come -
finish work -yay
go home - yay
cook dinner - sorta yay
blob - mega yay

blob - mega yay

? :unsure:

I can say I successfully did all the washing. I made and drank all the tea, I made and delivered all the roofers tea, I made the dinner, I dropped the middle child to football (must pick him up again).
However, I couldn't face the kitchen cupboards...:(

I did everything on my very short list, but I haven't put the washing away. Something to look forward to tomorrow I suppose :angry: .

My kitchen cupboards are bare, so that's not a problem :ninja:

re: floppy floopy, buzz, and others...I have a DRYER (electic tumble type) and air conditioning!!! Get with the 21st century girls!!! I haven't hung out wash since...1980:blink: !!! That's b/c I lived with my Granny briefly...:surrender: Maybe that's another reason we formed the colonies...for the mod cons, air conditioner and dryers!!:yahoo: :laugh:

can't afford one and we haven't got the space in the kitchen :(

I had a tumble dryer until we started working on the extension and had to demolish the garage, but as soon as my new sooper dooper utility room is finished I shall be purchasing another one.

THat said, I only tend to tumble underwear, towels and sheets, and anything I need in an emergency, All the other stuff I still hang out cos I think it irons better and it smells nicer too.:ninja:

Tasks for today.

1. Try not to jump down everyone's throats
2. Go home

Tasks for today.

1. Try not to jump down everyone's throats
2. Go home
Bad day at the office dear?

I blame effin Love Island. Why does it have to be on so late?

blob - mega yay

? :unsure:


blob = recline on comfy surface whilst doing nothing but watch crud on telly while stuffing cakehole
mega yay = :yahoo: = exclaimation of sheer delight at the prospect...

Tasks for today.

1. Try not to jump down everyone's throats
2. Go home

No.1 not going too well. No.2 may come quicker than expected.

Oooh I like that Tigereye, I want a day of blobbing. Unfortunately my day will be more like this -

1. Go to bank to get money
2. Pay swimming baths money owed (avoid library for same reason)
3. Try to sell garden swing seat through local website
4. Do a load of washing
5. Go through work emails and do all work realted
6. Call helpdesk to find out why remote connection not working properly
7. Sit on phone with helpdesk for ages while they make me restart my computer ten times before admitting they have no idea.
8. Strip Samuels newly soaked bed and put new bed clothes on
9. Put Samuel to bed and read those awful books three times
10. BLOB :D

Blob means a whole other thing round these parts :ninja: .

Today I don't have much to do. Already been to Tescos and got some petrol and spent quality time with nanny (i.e. they wrecked her house and she didn't seem to mind).

Both small people are now asleep, so I'm making the most of it.

Not going well. They won't let me answer the phone. :angry:

can't afford one and we haven't got the space in the kitchen :(


that's something I've noticed when I've seen various shows from the "Mother Land", i.e. 'Changing Rooms', 'Cash in the Attic', others...y'all have all that stuck under the kitchen cabinets. Not so over in the Colonies...I have a dishwasher, trash compactor, and my bottom cabinets (I have top hung ones as well), then I've always had a 'laundry room'. In my first house and this house (my 4th since marrying), they were in the smaller bathrooms. In my 2nd and 3rd houses, I had a laundry room that was ONLY for the purpose of laundry.

As far as air conditioning...WE'D DIE WITHOUT IT!!! Point blank. It's too hot and too humid for NOT having one. And if I was down South in the 'homeland' it'd be WORSE.

Of course I really forget how far 'up' the latitude/longitude degrees y'all are. Really even up there with Canada...:sun:

Today's list

Check gas safety list
Do 2 tenancy agreements
Do admin for Mr Kelly's application
Sort out Mr Beckman's deposit
Drink lots of coffee to stay awake
Check all my jobs before I go away
Buy, prepare and eat lunch
Play Quick Stack
Flit about a bit, looking very busy
Leave early to go and buy youngest's birthday present

Today's list for me:

Bath - done
Feed & clothe children - done
Try not to kill Cockers - working on
Go to friends house so children can 'play' - urgent

shower ?- no
walk dog? - no
brekkie ? - no
work on time? - nope
sleep it out? - oh yes..........

Today:

Go shower for work
dress for work
go to work
wonder if certain parents would really miss the child they leave in my care
worry about friends and possible rellies in UK-Al Qaida scare:ghost: :unsure:
come home and check mail and check here where no one is when I'm here
try to sleep

Big day ahead...gotta go:wacko:

Didn't leave the house today, couldn't be fagged :cool:

Well it wasn't in my in tray to do today, but I am rather proud of the fact that I steam cleaned all my downstairs windows - inside and out, and they are sparkling like sparkly things now..:smartie:

You did this whilst you're having an extension built? :blink:

You did this whilst you're having an extension built? :blink:
Yep.

There is only so much dirt I can tolerate, and it reached breaking point today. I could hardly see through the flaming things. It looks like someone has turned a light on in the house now there is so much light.

But doesn't the excess light show up the grime everywhere else?

:ghost:

But doesn't the excess light show up the grime everywhere else?

:ghost:
Grime? could you explain what grime you might be referring to? I have no grime in my house.:sun:

Only thing I didn't do on my list today was play Quick Stack. I was far too busy. :sleep:

Tomorrow's tasks

Get up at 7.00am
Go on holiday

:w00t:

got a half-@ssed attempt at getting my classroom plotted out for 'work day' Saturday to get ready for Monday and the influx of children...got boss to spring for a few items...waiting for Mississippi State University Extention Service to call saying they have all my FREE laminating done...between plotting the death of my spouse and curriculum starting Monday, I may be a bit frazzled:bag:

Today's list:

Clean carpets (remove weetabix and wee)
Put washing away
Go to park with monsters
Help Groucho with his hangover :devil:

Clean carpets (remove weetabix and wee)

If you have a top tip for removing wee let me know. Im scrubbing the lobby carpet daily with vanish power spray at the moment as Bella has a couple of accidents a day ..... and it smells a bit doggy.

I'm vaxing it, Bons, nothing else works, cos it seeps into the underlay :sick:

Bons:
Kim and Aggies advice

Freshening and deodorising a carpet
How to: For general deodorising, we advise using homemade carpet deodorizer on a monthly basis, or as needed. The carpet should be treated in the evening and left overnight. Mix the following ingredients: 1/2 cup baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) 1/2 cup cornflower 15 drops of your favourite essential oil fragrance. Work the mixture into the carpet with a stiff brush, leave and vacuum the following day. Sprinkle after you tinkle!
Might be worth a try

Thanks peeps.

Looking at your post Buzz, im wondering if you can still buy 'shake and vac' ??? That would freshen it a bit after washing with vanish, but it would cut out the faff.

I might have to have a look lunchtime.

Got family over this weekend, and i want my house to smell sweet, not manky.

Tesco's still stock Shake n Vac, but only in a sickly Lily of the Valley flavour, but it does work in the short term.

Buzz, I'm seeing you in a new light lately

http://members.shaw.ca/lolaland/hilda.jpg

You can buy Shake and Vac at Tescos Bons, I saw it last night. Also after the cleaning has been done how about a shot of Febreeze?

Yeeees, thanks for that Floopy.:mad2:

Shake and Vac is crap. Stick with my idea!!

Anyway enough of this. I have got to go into work today, so see ya laters.

You can buy Shake and Vac at Tescos Bons, I saw it last night. Also after the cleaning has been done how about a shot of Febreeze?

Oooohhh Febreeze. Ive had that before, and it does work well. I'd forgotten all about it. I will get some of that too. I tell you, my house will spell like a cheap brothal by the time im done :laugh:

Anyway - sorry for ruining the thread and going off topic.

Housework
Washing
Housework
Ironing
Housework

Repeat ad nauseam :cry:

Well today's list was:

Go collect Mum
Drive to Witham to find somewhere to get Gigi's hair cut
Grab lunch
Come home for babies' nap time
Go to barbeque at friend's
Come home eventually

Damn weather has scuppered my day completely.

Went to mum's. stayed there.
Came home, Babies refused to sleep
Barbeque cancelled
Now have to find something for dinner


Grrr

You can buy Shake and Vac at Tescos Bons, I saw it last night. Also after the cleaning has been done how about a shot of Febreeze?



Febreeze is the bomb!!!!!! I have 2 sons and this helps the stench of their bathroom even after INDUSTRIAL CLEANING of said bathroom!!

They also make it for the car and it's good too!!

Forgot to post my 'in-tray':

Finish my classroom Sunday for influx of children on Monday!!

I worked about 10+ hours today and still have some tweaking to do. It's so gorgeous so far. I'll have to post some new piccies soon.:applause:

Today was the day I was finally going to get Gigi's hair cut, but it was ****ing down with rain :rain: and there's no way I'm traipsing round Braintree with a double buggy in the rain.

So we grabbed Nanny and went to the soft play centre, which was a riot. Gigi got bored waiting at the top of the slide for her turn, so she gave a few people what you might call a helping hand :ninja: .

Eddie had a great time in the ball pond and clambered over everything screeching in a joyous manner :w00t:.

This afternoon we're doing a bit more playing, nappy chaging, potty poo-ing and general toddling.

Today I got on SO, got fed up with a few peeps on here. Took Jamie to town and then came home, still fed up with some peeps. After we went shopping in town which put me in a better mood and now I don't give a flip!:w00t:

Tonight I am staying in and posting copious amounts on the board.

How d'ya like them apples?:laugh:

TOday I had planned to do bu gg er all, but, when you plan that it never happens. So I:

took eldest child to dentist and he had a tooth extracted,
paid the roofers bill, which meant a trip to the bank (always a joy)
changed some money into Euros for my holiday
prepared dinner
went to see my sis who is going on hols tomorrow
went to see my bruv who came back from his hols yesterday
came home
fed kids
cleaned oven (not planned at all!!)

now I am going to have a couple of beers and peruse the board for an hour.

Tried a few hairdressers, all either closed on a Monday or didn't have an appointment. Last resort was Toni & Guy, who did indeed have someone free, but they wanted £21 to cut a toddler's hair!!!

£21 !!!! :shocking:

I told them to ****** off :thumbsup:

Today I went to work to greet my new charges and let them know of the massive amount of blood, sweat, and tears that went into their WONDERFUL room, only to be near tears this afternoon after nap when I let them play in their new 'creative' centers and they trashed the room!! I got 2-3 of the ones I have that fear me and know how I run my room to help me get it right and straight, then I went and got popcicles for the whole class and took them outside to eat the popcicles and play outside b/c what could they trash out there??!! It was only 31C, so no one dropped from sun stroke and it would have been better than dropping from 'me' stroke!!:ranting:

Tomorrow: leave children outside as much as possible!
finish cleaning/filing/organising my stuff so I can move around
my desk and worktable...do this during naptime so I don't have to
worry about Satan's children!!:huh:

Today I have an interview for a Counselling placement in a Bereavement Agency. I need to be in a placement for the final two years of my course. Not sure what I'll be doing the rest of the day.

Oh yeah I do.:(
Mop the kitchen floor
Cook dinner
Do laundry and put it away.

It's easy to forget the mundane things.:huh:

Today I have an interview for a Counselling placement in a Bereavement Agency. I need to be in a placement for the final two years of my course.


I hope the interview goes well for you tiggs :hug:

I hope the interview goes well too Tiggs. Let us know.


OK - this is my timetable.

9am - took Bailey to vets.
11am - hoover and generally tidy up
12am - Do some washing
1pm - pick up Bailey
1.30 - 5.30 - Snog face off Bailey
6pm - Take Bella to vets for 2nd jab
6.30 - Dad home, might go for a quick drinkie.


Sounds kinda boring / manic at the same time.

Took Eddie to the doctor's this morning, cos his head isn't growing at the rate it should, and she's referred him to a paediatrician now :( .

Doc reckons he's probably absolutely fine, just that he hasn't read the text book and is doing things at his own rate, but now i'm all worried that he's brain damaged or something :cry:

Took Eddie to the doctor's this morning, cos his head isn't growing at the rate it should, and she's referred him to a paediatrician now :( .

Doc reckons he's probably absolutely fine, just that he hasn't read the text book and is doing things at his own rate, but now i'm all worried that he's brain damaged or something :cry:
Oh Floops - im sure he will be absolutely fine. Im sure this happened to my sister in laws kiddie. They were worried about his growth, and they were told everything would catch up in due course .... and it did. No problems whatsoever.

Try not to worry.

Thanks guys. It went ok, I will post about it in another thread.

Took Eddie to the doctor's this morning, cos his head isn't growing at the rate it should, and she's referred him to a paediatrician now :( .

Doc reckons he's probably absolutely fine, just that he hasn't read the text book and is doing things at his own rate, but now i'm all worried that he's brain damaged or something :cry:
Floops, you are an old hand at this mothering now. You know deep down that he is fine don't you. You know that the Dr is covering herself, being cautious cos they have to.

I think he's fine, but I just don't know it for sure, and I don't like not knowing.

You also can't help but think it might be something that you've done, that his development is slower than Gigi's cos I spent more time doing mental stuff with her cos she was our first baby we we've been a bit more relaxed with Ed, but you do, don't you? Not that Ed's been neglected in that area, just that all his toys are Gigi's old ones and I feel a bit like he deserves as much as she had but he's getting hand-me-downs.

All stupid things I know, but that's what mums do I suppose.

Right, got to go start teaching Eddie to read the dictionary. :nerd:

Eddie will be fine Floops, Gigi turned out fine despite being your daughter :D You clearly breed children resilient enough to survive you :devil:

Today... today... all I want to do is lay in bed and sulk about nothing in particular. In fact the more I think about it the better that plan sounds. Right that's my in tray for today everything else can wait until tomorrow :cool2:

I think he's fine, but I just don't know it for sure, and I don't like not knowing.

You also can't help but think it might be something that you've done, that his development is slower than Gigi's cos I spent more time doing mental stuff with her cos she was our first baby we we've been a bit more relaxed with Ed, but you do, don't you? Not that Ed's been neglected in that area, just that all his toys are Gigi's old ones and I feel a bit like he deserves as much as she had but he's getting hand-me-downs.

All stupid things I know, but that's what mums do I suppose.

Right, got to go start teaching Eddie to read the dictionary. :nerd:
Hey listen, when you have three of the same the third one doesn't even have the luxury of second hand, it's all third hand!! And you do relax the more you have, I know I was anxious as hell with the first one, a bit more relaxed with the second and by the time number three came along I was positively comatose!!
Boys are notoriously slower than girls, and don't forget, he's traiing to be a man, why do things when you got a big sister to do them for you!

He will be fine and dandy, just like his daddy...

He will be fine and dandy, just like his daddy...

To be honest, that's what concerns me most :ninja:

Anyways, que sera, yet another appointment to look forward to :glare:

Up early this morning as kids are back to school today, moved up to Upper school so Katie wasn't so keen for me to take her to school.

Just going to jump on the bus and go up town as we have tickets booked to see the Gruffalo and friends!

Will spend some time uptown taking in the Festival atmosphere, that is if my 3 year will allow it! She has just announced that she wants to go to Starbucks for lunch!

Will need to be home for 3.15 as that is when Katie finishes school, find out all about the new teacher etc and do homework, if any!

We have left-over curry for tea.

I have some work to do later tonight on some jewellery as I have a party on Friday plus have another go at doing my accoounts!!:cry:

Today is a normal day really.

Catching up on yesterdays work load plus todays.

Lunchtime i need to get my car tax, pay the electricity bill and do Mr.B's business banking.

I also need to pop into Boots and buy toothpaste.

In the afternoon i have to sort out our business brochures and stationary as we have had a delivery of new stuff.

Tonight i think we will be off to the pub for a quick drink as we have to return a muzzle that was leant to us for the dog, and she works at the pub.

Sleep.

The dog works at the pub? :huh:

The dog works at the pub? :huh:

Im sure the barmaid has been called worse :bag:

I am on a serious downer today and really do not want to be here...

My Auntie died yesterday, admittedly we weren't exactly close, and I am worried about my mum as she only had the one sister and has taken it quite hard...for obvious reasons. This set me up for a non-to happy day.

The last thing I needed was my boss going on about ruddy Ministerial Targets which are all leading to us having to justify our existance with the bean counters. I am having to take charge of the recording and collation of the end of month retruns relating to the latest fad on the powers that be's mind with virtually no clue as to what it is they actually want from me. My boss has tried to explain it the best he can but he's been given as much info as I have and well...I really can't be arsed with it all as to me it is purely bean counting and I know those that are supposed to supply me with the info I need to collate the returns are going to be consistantly late etc. and to be honest I have told my boss that I will not be chasing people up...they are adults and if they can't compile a return and get it to me on time then their figures will not be recorded...:ranting:

Gosh I am ranting..sorry...I am just really ****ed off at the moment! In case you hadn't noticed :blush:

:hug: :hug: take these and go home Coastie and give one to Mama Coastie too.

Ditto to what Buzz says Coastie, love to Mama Coastie! :hug:

from me too hon...:hug:

Me too, Coastie :)

Excuse me if I ramble and rant, it's been one of those days.

Today - rang the day nursery about them having the munchkins for two days a week, we're going to visit tomorrow which is quite exciting cos I think Gigi will love it, and Eddie's just, well Eddie's just Eddie so he won't mind where he goes, cos he's chilled like that :pimp:

Finally found a hairdresser for Gigi at the very reasonable £6. She's going tomorrow to be chopped.

Went to buy Gigi a new pair of shoes at Clarke's, they didn't have any at all in her size, even the horrible brown ones. Gave up and got her a pair of Dora the Explorer trainers from Adams instead, which she loves. Tsk.

Got Ed's feet measures in Clarke's too, cos he's standing up and cruising around the place and that's the time they recommend you get them a proper pair of shoes - they even have special types for crawling, cruising and walking. So, he's a size 2. They only start at size 2 and the three pairs she had in stock were all too big :evilmad: . She advised me to come back when his feet were bigger! I told Eddie he'd have to go back to sitting on his bum all day till Clarke's caught up with him. It actually really annoyed me, cos they're supposed to experts. Double tsk.

Cheers all...the cyber hugs have really made me feel better :hug:

Floopsey...can you not get some walking shoes but put insoles in them for now? Perhaps you could cut up an adult insole to size just till the wee mans feet grow a bit...just a thought...though probably not a very good one :blink:

It's never that simple Coaster. Bubby feet are really soft cos the bones and cartilege haven't set properly yet, so footwear is really important and it needs to be supporting thier ickle feet in all the right places.

Good idea though. :cool:

I'm casting my net further afield and going to child shoe rival Start-Rite. That'll teach them :ninja:

oOOooo good for you Floops...and then when you get the perfect shoe for your darling bubba you can march him along to Clarkes and onward through the shop your head held high and triumphant! :cool: I like it!

Went to buy Gigi a new pair of shoes at Clarke's, they didn't have any at all in her size, even the horrible brown ones. Gave up and got her a pair of Dora the Explorer trainers from Adams instead, which she loves. Tsk.

I bought Smalls shoes new from Clarks at first, but when advised by the woman in there that I'd need to bring him back roughly every NINE weeks for the next size I gave up buying them new and get them off Ebay instead. After nine weeks wear they're virtually new anyways.

Either that or I use a website which sells em discounted, I only use the actual shops for measuring :D Will try and find the link but I think if you google Clarks 4 kids it should come up - just in case anyone wants it :D

Sorry way off topic :surrender:

Oh, but my mother always told me never to buy second hand shoes.

I'm torn now, between by purse and my upbringing :wacko:

I know, I was unsure about it at first, but even the most clumsy child can't do a lot to a pair of shoes in nine weeks... go on give it a go :D

http://www.clarks4kids.co.uk/ heres the link to the new but cheaper site if not

Oooh, I'm liking that muchly. The only ones they've got in her size are purple, but I'll keep looking. Ta :cool:

Right, so we went to visit this day nursery today, and it's lovely and friendly and happy and stuff. Gigi wanted to get stuck in right away. It's a bit expensive, but I can live with that so long as they're happy there.

Only thing I'm not sure about though, is that the different age groups are kept separate all day, so they wouldn't get to see each other at all :sad: .

Gigi and Ed have spent all day every day together since Eddie was born, and I think they'd miss each other. Am I just being soft? Wil they have so much fun playing with the other children that they won't even think about it?

The other option would be a childminder so they could be together, but that would mean they'd miss out on the activities and interaction that a nursery would provide.

Advice please.

I know i havent got any kids, so my opinion probably doesnt mean much - but i would of said that nursery is soooo much better than having a childminder.

At nursery they learn, see and do a lot more. I think they will progress better.

Im sure they will adapt just fine to not seeing one another. There will be so much to do, and so many new friends to play with that after a couple of days you will wonder why you worried so much.

If things dont work out at the nursery - can you change your mind and go for the child minder route ?

I love my childminder. She has other children (all different ages) so he gets lots of interaction and she has more toys and outdoor things (sand pits etc) than I do. Also she often takes on other children temporarily so there's new faces and people to meet and she takes them out nearly every day - I have even been given a schedule.

Here's Mondays -

10.00 – 10.30 TV Time
10.30 – 12.00 Visit to the library, shopping or a walk along the riverside, depending on the weather. Sometimes we will take Samuel’s football to the riverside with us. Other times we may visit the ducks.
12.00 – 12.30 Lunch
12.30 – 13.00 Nappy change, then tidy up.
13.00 – 15.00 Nap
15.00 – 15.30 TV Time, depending on the weather.
16.00 – 17.00 Messy/creative play – (play dough, painting or drawing)
17.00 – 17.30 Tidy up, then book time.

That said I don't think there's anything wrong with nurserys either, but I wouldn't swap :D If you want them to stay together I reckon a childminder may be the way to go Floops, often they do a reduced rate for the second child too.

I find this site useful http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/index.asp

I'd already investigated a childminder and there is one in the village and I'm sure she's fab - she sounded really on the ball, but I just the feeling that Gigi would be happier at a nursery, she's a very social being and she gets bored of being in the house all day.

Oh I dunno.

They're going for an afternoon trial session one day next week, so I guess I'll have to wait and see how they get on.

They have astrcutured day there too, Samm, and you get a report card every day telling you what they've done, what they've eaten, even how many times they've pooed :w00t: .

Maybe I'll go see the childminder too.

Hi Floops, I know re the poo count, my nephew is at nursery :D

I more meant that a childminder isn't that much different in that way IYSWIM?

Anyway I don't think there's much in it if you get a good nursery or a good childminder, I reckon kids will be happy in either one. I know my nephews grandmother was horrified at the thought of him going to a nusery - she's been a teacher for years and from what she knew they were all horrible uncaring places. But Sarah talked her into visiting a few and finally found one even she liked :D

I never even thought about sending Samuel to one, I need the flexibility of my childminder because I'm sooo disorganised :unsure:

Now, I never had either a childminder or a nursery for any of mine, however I am good friends with a couple of childminders and now work in a nursery school with a baby unit attached so I can see both sides of it.

Floops, let them do the trial afternoon at the nursery, are you absolutely sure that they don't mix at all through the day, cos at our baby unit they are all in the one big room that is divided up with shelving and babygates (not really described that too well) so that they can see each other. I also think that whilst Gigi will probably miss Eddie she will get so engrossed in what she is doing and mixing with the children of her own age, and Eddie will be fine too. I don't think you are being soft as I always (even at 13, 10 and 8) prefer mine to be together somewhere (safety in numbers) rather than apart if I can help it (it's more to do with me than them!)

Good Luck with making the descision..

are you absolutely sure that they don't mix at all through the day

yep, I asked especially. There's separate areas for under 2's, 2-3s, then pre-school, and the rooms all have security doors to stop people/kids going around willy nilly. Manily to stop the bigger kids rampaging through the baby bit and stomping on them, I think.

Gigi adores Eddie, and anytime we go anywhere she always makes sure that Eddie's coming too, checks he's got his shoes on & that I've got a bottle for him. She always share her toys with him, and her food, if I let her.

Maybe that just means she's very sociable and will love making friends with other children.

You never know Floops, this might be a good thing, ensure they don't only play with each other IYSWIM? Me and my brother were very close when we were little and used to gang up if a person offended one or the other of us, we tended not to do thinking for ourselves and that can't always be a good thing I don't think. At least this way they both get to make different friends but can then play with each other at home.

Right well, I've come to a decision. They're going to nursery for one afternoon on Friday with the instruction to staff that if either of them gets upset about anything, they're to take them to the other one to see if it calms them down. I'll be watching them both on cctv for the first hour anyhow, but they'll give a full report back to me at the end of the session.

Then, if it works well, they'll be going one day a week for the time being and if any of us are unhappy we'll rethink.

Sorted :nerd:

Sounds like a good plan to me Floops. I hope it all works out.

Do they start this coming Friday ?

Today's In-Tray

Make/drink coffee at regular intervals throughout day
Catch up on office gossip
Catch up on SO gossip (PMs welcome)/posts
Buy/eat lunch
Buy/send MIL's birthday card
Work blah, blah, blah
Go home

Compose riveting document on the benefits of using Composite Panel in buildings as opposed to regular roofing / cladding.

get mocha and a scone from deli next door.

get home by 12.45 as the mobile dog wash van thingie is coming to the house to sort my mutt Jordan out with a jolly good thrashing, eh, grooming....

eat sensible lunch [yeh right, bring on the carbos ..]

back to work blah blah blah [ty pats]

go rehearsing with brother's band [gig coming up next weekend, am sh 1tting myself as I haven't sung for yonks]

go to pub after rehearsal for band bonding session and copious cold beers

home to Eric by eleven

and so to bed...

go rehearsing with brother's band [gig coming up next weekend, am sh 1tting myself as I haven't sung for yonks]

Jealous now. Really, really jealous. :cry:

If you ever need a few backing doo-waps, I'm your girl :thumbsup:

lordy - I'd love another woman in the band. With the brass section it makes eight blokes and me...



[pats are ya REEELY jealous now, are ya? are ya? :devil:]

off topic a bit - need the lyrics to 'Im in Chains' - anyone know of any lyric sites to codge them off? fanks..

Get up when I wake up..... (have a cheeky splif)

Take my medication............

Lie in bed reading and listening to Radio 1 till its nearly time for Pa to come home for lunch.....(have a cheeky splif)

Get showered, dressed and put a bit of mascara and lippy on by the skin of me teeth before Pa walks through the door......(have a cheeky splif WHEN Pa has gone back to work)

Laze about doing **** all for pretty much most of the day, have a browse online and if Im lucky a visit (in the week) from a friend who may have the day off....(have perhaps a few cheeky splifs)

Take more medication......

Have dinner.....(followed by......yep you guessed it:laugh: )

Maybe see my bessie mate or other close friends - I dont like to "invade" the parents house with the whole gang :wink2: .....

Watch brain dead TV during the evening.....(have LOTS of cheeky ones)

Take more medication....

Fall asleep infront of the tv.....

Wake up about 2.30 turn the tv off and have a cheeky splif out the bedroom window....

Wake up at about 4.30 and do the same as above....

ROLL ON TOMORROW!!!!!!!:blink: :ninja:

lordy - I'd love another woman in the band. With the brass section it makes eight blokes and me...



[pats are ya REEELY jealous now, are ya? are ya? :devil:]

off topic a bit - need the lyrics to 'Im in Chains' - anyone know of any lyric sites to codge them off? fanks..

Im assuming this is the correct song. http://www.lyricsdomain.com/20/tina_arena/chains.html

You is an absolute star you is!! :thumbsup:

what a fabbo site. I remember having to buy the singles and write down the lyrics after numerous plays ..

or waiting for FAB208 or Smash Hits to cover my fave song :blush: