SHEs Organized

How old were your other two daughters at adoption, L.Ann?
lauralind, for me it's the same - loads of time, then suddenly panic, basically get everything done in two weeks, and then hopefully enjoy the season... or not, depending on work.
Bamallama, I am sure a Czech auntie would definitely be making vanilla crescents! And decorated gingerbread cookies and Linzer cookies (which is two shortbread shapes, the upper one with a hole, held together by red jam)

My body is being rebellous today! I said "go" and it went "no!" So I had to do a 10 minute power nap while dinner was cooking.

TaDas
- afternoon routine
- load of darks flipped to dryer
- fold laundry from dryer
- start dinner

ToDos
- DBD's speech therapy
- evening routine
- clean DBD's room
- clean kitchen
- have kids started on homework
- pay school bill & reply to school email
- order presents for DBD
- order presents for DS?
- 15 on laundry
- bake gingerbread cookies
- bake maroccan cookies

Popping in for a few... need to get shower soon as I have another appointment this afternoon.

(((hugs & prayers to all)) ~ it's rare for someone to escape the traumas of life. But, we are a resilient bunch.

Foster care: Ours wasn't your typical foster care placement as the kids all knew us before they came. The older ones and their mom had actually lived with us for a few months when we lived in Florida. But, it wasn't without its challenges. The oldest (13) was high functioning special needs. The next in line (10) acted like a firstborn since the oldest had cognitive challenges. We butted heads a lot. I couldn't get her to go to school for the first week. The next (9) got into trouble most of the time because she followed (10). The only boy (4) was a gem. He and ds/M acted like brothers - doing everything together. And sweet (3), who was confused by all the chaos. She screamed and cried for the first 3 days. But.. things smoothed out. We were prepared to keep them for the long haul, but dsis got her act together. To be honest, I was relieved when they went home. It was a lot.

Dragged myself to the gym. Didn't want to go.... but I did. Go, me!
Stopped by Farm & Fleet to pick up a snow shovel because G whined for a whole week that he couldn't figure out what happened to "his" shovel. I was a little worried I threw it away last year (and forgot about it) because I was annoyed that it left rust marks on the garage floor. Decided to clear off the last 6 inch hump of ice straddled across the end of the drive when I got home. Temps are supposed to drop - and more snow coming. Went to grab the spade in the garage to break it up. Pulled back a huge piece of white board to access it - what do I find? The shovel.

Okies.. gotta go.
Need to spiffy up the house & shower.

Good afternoon!

Next:
-Check email
-Update Toodledo
-Check bank accts/Amex
-Gather dirty laundry/sort
-Laundry #1 to washer

Extras:
-Login & prep forms - Dr B
-Tasks - (unload dishes)
-Declutter/organize/clean - 10 min
-Files/Med Info/Papers/Emails - 10 min

Routine:
-Laundry #1 to dryer
-Laundry #1 hang/fold
-Put away laundry

-Foyer Bath - pupa/restock
-Cat - brush/food/water/litter
-Vacuum something
-6pm Eat
-Close blinds
-Open & sort mail/file
-Prep for next day (clothes/calendar)

Done:
-Bedroom - pupa
-Dress/ready
-Fresh food for kitty
-Open blinds/get water
-Medicine/vitamins
-Grocery order
-This & that

Hello, everyone!

Trissie, I usually make a shoebox for a teenage girl/ young woman. Whenever I buy my toiletries online, I'm usually sent free samples (often full size) so I save them all yet, and those go in the box. I was also sent a No7 makeup compact, which I'll add (I dont wear makeup dies to my allergies). I also add items such as toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, torch, gloves, maybe a scarf.

Smilelee, that was a lot of kids to take on! WTG finding the shovel!

L.Ann, those were very wise words!

Helia, I can understand being reticent about adoption, especially with an older child, and also especially if the support and back up available is uncertain!

(((Bama))) you'll get through this!

Laura, Christmas does have that habit of suddenly sneaking up!

Dogged, I'm sure Germane will look even more beautiful after her visit to the groomers.

I had a very good session in my garden today, which meant a shorter walk, but it was all good. The house is tidy and Ive cleaned the kitchen. DH brought home lasagne for supper, and Matilda is now on my lap.

Hi, Peaches!

To do:

Appointments:
Wednesday: DH to office
At home for me
Laxapet for Jude and Matilda
9 pm Final touches to Waitrose order
Thursday: DH WFH
10.30 am church followed by coffee and chat
2pm weight loss clinic - Jude
2.30 - 3.30 pm A Man is coming to hopefully.fir spring on dining table
Hoover car first thing? ( Weather permitting!)
Bring blue crates up from garage
6-7 pm Waitrose delivery
Laxapet -Jude and Matilda if not yesterday
Friday: DH WFH
At home. for.me
Saturday:
*Text DF E re coffee tomorrow*
Sunday:
Church 9.30 am
Coffee with DF E?
Laxapet Jude and Matilda
Set up new Waitrose delivery

Future dates to note:
15/12 order HRT
6/1 Freddie - Solensia 8.30 am
11/12 Jude weight check 2 pm

Outstanding deliveries:

Extras:
Reply to DF CW's WhatsApp
Order meds / food for cats from vet
Put pictures back WIP
Order new orthotics - wait until ankle settles
Can I do 15 minutes of decluttering in the bedroom each day?
Digital decluttering- Google Photos for 2024 and 2025
Pick up my footprints
House tasks: Replace the bit of mortar that's fallen out of the edge of the roof (I think its called the verge? Can this wait until next year when we get the house painted when a roof ladder will be in place?) I need for it to stop raining before I ask anyone to come and look!
Verge and ridge tiles on garage roof
Sort out cabinet that wobbles - does the back need some sort of bracing ?
Take up and hem those thick winter curtains for the kitchen
Book eye test for me
Sort prints and put in albums (this will probably be an activity to do on wet days!) WIP I am now working on 2024
Think about setting up Guardianship for F,J and M - looked on Cats' Protection, I need their microchip numbers, approximate DOB, colour and markings and useful information about them. Bookmark link with local recommended solicitors (also ask DF CW?)
Change health centres to the one nearest us? On hold ATM , but I'll leave it on my list so I don't forget.

To do:
Early morning:
Cuddles and treats on the bed with Matilda, Jude and Freddie
Cup of tea
QT
Lightbox session
Make bed
Shower / wash hair/ moisturiser and sunblock/ clean and floss teeth
DH launched
Physio exercises and back exercises
Proprioceptors exercises X1 x2 x3
S/S bathroom
Get dressed
Breakfast and meds / supplements - me
DRINK WATER #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8
Check bank account
Go for my walk

Garden:
15 minutes in tiny front garden
120 minutes in back garden

Cats:
Cats’ breakfast and meds / supplements
Fresh water in cat bowls
Scoop cat trays
Check Jude’s bowl
Check Matilda's bowl
Walk Freddie
Lap time with Jude, Freddie and Matilda
Play with Jude, Freddie and Matilda
Head rubs with Jude, Freddie and Matilda
Cats' supper

House:
Rubbish down to wheelie bins
Kitchen clean up
Unload DW
Reload DW
Run DW when full
Unload DW
PUPA downstairs
Quick dust sitting room
Quick hoover downstairs
PUPA upstairs
Quick dust bedrooms
Quick hoover upstairs
Lunch
Supper
Lay out clothes for tomorrow
Journal three things I am thankful for today
Hand cream

Extra house tasks:

Monday:
Clean bathroom
Clean spare room
Clean bedroom

Tuesday:
Clean hall
Clean sitting room
Clean stairs
Empty hoover before starting work
Wheelie bins back when dustmen have been
Filing paperwork for 15 minutes

Wednesday:
Clean kitchen

Garden extras:
Water pots
Feed pots weekly

Financial:
More work on budget
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Oh, my goodness! I loved reading your stories!
I was always convinced during my 19-20 yrs (!) with SHEs that it's a special group of people. Either taking care of other people, animals, adopting kids, trying to help in the community... VERY busy group who have difficulties trying to stay on top of it all...

Gma - keep those prayers coming please We can all use them. And, thank you for doing so. I lost a good friend whose prayers were comforting during the toughest times...

Took my pup to a couple of big stores. Marvelled at how well she behaved during shopping, something, I could not have done with her 6 months ago.
She stayed put for people greeting her:) - another thing I would not have imagined a little while ago.
Then, poor pup got really startled when I knocked over some shopping baskets and acted fearfully from then on . I supplied enough treats to make it up to her.
I ate (finally) and fed pup.
Now,
off to laundry
take up wrapping papers
start wrapping presents.

First I adopted an 18 month old, then a 9 year old and last a 3 year old, Trissie.

1-diet site
2-FACE
3-figure out what I need to recall the investment company about the missing letter

Menus
Wednesday-left overs/DD32 out
Thursday-pesto chicken salad wraps(DD32 out at party)
Friday-out on way home
Saturday-Little Bit spending the night, pizza?..
Sunday-eat out at party

Events
Wednesday-Little Bit 7:40-5, Little Bit to school 9:15-3,lunch withbfriends@12
Thursday-Little Bit 7:40-5, Little Bit to school 9:15-3, DD32 dinner Christmas Party 3-6
Friday-Little Bit 7:40-9:15, Hopkins
Saturday-Little Bit spending the night, Hospice open house with Clydesdales, tuba Christmas@1
Sunday-barn Christmas party with DD32’s group, brunch with Santa@10

Weekly House Blessing-
Detail cleaning of dining room-scrub floor
Extra stuff-waiting for paper for lawyer


Accomplishments
-stretching and knee exercises
-breakfast for dog and me
-diet site
-dress and pick up bedroom
-meds and temp for DD32
-walk inside
-pick up Little Bit
-breakfast for Little Bit
-load recycling into the car
-take Little Bit to school
-recycling to dump
-start laundry
-walk
-read
-walk
-out to lunch
-figure out angel kid gift and order
-read
-pick up Little Bit
-library with Little Bit
-look at gingerbread figures in small town
-ice cream
-take Little Bit home
-reboot laundry
-snack, kitchen clean up, set up coffee

kit ~ that's right. We're cool, and I'm not going to forget it!
kitty ~bringing home lasagna?! umm! wow, I haven't had that in a LONG time.
L.Ann ~ You have been such a great mom to all your kids. I'm not sure I ever would've had the courage to adopt. Takes a special something.

Back home and I'm ready for some down time. I've got some cauliflower steaming.. what spice? curry? cumin? Italian? or just plain ol' salt & pepper & butter?

Well I guess I didn't get back here. And I'm having a hard time with personal responses. At least it helps me keep tabs on my list. I did hear from my music team so that is as prepped as can be. Practice after supper tomorrow night so that will help. Might have to do something for sound testing in the basement. Got mom home. Thankful for a good day today.

Now I need to actually decide if I'm going to bake something tonight. And supper..

Getting ds when he calls and then

Priority list

Basic routines
Kitchen clean
H at 1030 ( she's doing counseling sessions for me)
Decide cookies and how many and shopping list
Browse the stores and see what is here
Bake one kind?
Practice some music see i I have something I can do with flute
Message dog kennel lady
Ask someone familiar with food I told dd I would bring turkey(s)??? 1 or 2 for 15 to 20 people depending who comes
Pick up mom
Plan Christmas with dad

Today's tada list

Take meat out for supper
Check out cookie recipe closer
Bake something .. anything
Supper

Break for a bit and make new coffee for us
Visit with h
Work on music prep
Grocery store for forgotten things
Pick up mom wait for her to finish her snack
Bring her home and wait for train a bit


Shower
S&s both baths and reboot laundry
Tidy laundry room and master bedroom some
Go through baking stuff
Straighten fridge check supplies
Empty and reload dw
Finish tidying kitchen all the way
School run
Grocery store and put it away

What a day, what a day! I actually locked the car keys, my purse, my cane, and Germane in the car while it was running. I have never done that before. Actually, I've never locked myself out of the car before.

Wednesday
Cleaned up after dog X 2
Breakfast for Germane
Put on a pot of coffee
Checked flyers
Put away dry laundry
Folded down one side of laundry rack
Wiped/put away breadmaker
Benedryl for Germane
Spiffed self
Brought dog and granny cart to car
Kept Germane tucked under my arm while I brushed snow off car
Settled Germane in her crate in the car
Absentmindedly locked the door and shut it.
Realized a second later that the keys were inside the car, my purse was inside the car, the dog was inside the car, and the car was running. Went straight into panic.
Called the groomer to explain what happened
Went to a groundskeeper who was shovelling to ask for help. He suggested that I go to the office to have them let me back into my apartment to get the spare car key. He told me to check on the dog and that he would let me in and then disappeared.
Checked on the dog.
Groundskeeper did not reappear. Communication breakdown.
Panicked further.
Spotted the super’s wife, then the super himself.
Super let me into the building
Went to the apartment office and explained my emergency
One of the front office people let me into my apartment.
Grabbed everything that looked like a car key.
First key I tried worked. Great success. Much rejoicing. Dog did not die of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Drove Germane to groomers. They were very gracious about the delay.
Went to gas station, as we had used up a lot of the gas in this adventure.
Played What’s That Smell and cleaned out Germane’s crate. I can’t blame her this time.
Topped up gas.
Got lost in side streets.
Turned on Google Maps.
Google Maps told me to drive northeast. I had no idea which way was north because I was lost, which was the whole reason I turned on Google Maps.
Started driving.
Google Maps corrected, and sent me to the main street in the snow at rush hour.
Realized that it sent me to an intersection with no traffic light, so I would have to drive in the wrong direction, right to the main north/south intersection where there is an abundance of congestion and accidents.
Managed to turn around in a driveway and headed back into residential streets.
Google Maps sent me back to the main road, but with an intersection with a light so that I could go in the direction that I actually wanted to go.
Picked up order of dog food from the pet food store
Bought gift bags and tissue paper from dollar store
Went to pharmacy where I was delighted to find that the thing I was looking for still exists. I last bought it thirty or forty years ago, so I wasn’t sure.
Went to grocery store and shopped the sales
Groomer called as I was going through the cash
Brushed off car
Picked up Germane from groomer
The groomer actually managed to shave off the mat near her eye that she hasn’t let me get near, and took a fun Christmas photo of her which I will post after. I do love her groomers.
Brought Germane home.
Saw the snowplough arrive in the parking lot as we trudged up the path, which means that it can’t plough out my spot as my car is now in it. I was hoping.
Treats for Germane
Put supper in the oven
Scrubbed out sink and basin
Washed a couple of basinsful of dishes