From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

We've had a busy day in DD1's uni town. There is a lovely river walk, so while DD1 was settling into her new abode, I took the other DDs and the toddler on a walk. There are few horse chestnut trees where we live, so the children were very excited to discover conkers everywhere! The river walk was beautiful and invigorating, even though we did get quite damp from the rain.

The older children wanted to visit Pr1mark which was helpful as I found slippers for the toddler for £4, socks and leggings for DD5 and DD1 was able to pick up packs of coat hangers which she needed for her room. We did have a huge breakfast which stood us in good stead for much of the day ( part of the premier inn ) and had eggs and chips in DD1's kitchen for our evening meal, , so tried to keep costs lower today.

Honeysucklelou2

I drove home and got back by early afternoon. DD2, now being 18, had stayed at home with DS1 and I strongly suspect the ex stayed over in my absence . I found every plate, dish, cup, spoon, knife and fork waiting for me, all stacked up by the sink, so it took an hour or so just to clean up the kitchen. I was able to get a load of washing on the line and it dried:T, so I was very thankful for that. After hoovering, cleaning and sorting out, I needed to get out so took the children and puppies on a circular walk. The wind was just right, bracing and refreshing without being cold!

I had to get some groceries on the way back, as I hadn't done any of my usual weekend jobs. We've had a roast dinner followed by apple amber, using apples from the tree in the garden. I'm glad we took DD1 to uni and could see the house in which she is living this year. I feel I've had a proper break this weekend but am now trying to play catch up to get everything ready for tomorrow. Thankfully there are enough mini muffins to fill tomorrow's packed lunches, so
I won't need to bake until tomorrow night.

Treadingonplaymobil

How annoying about the house/ex situation when you arrived home, but it sounds like you had a lovely weekend, and I hope that didn't tarnish it too much.

I need to get on top of packed lunch prep and baking snacks this week too, as DH is away soooo much in the coming weeks. Any good suggestions for lunchboxes? I feel like I'm baking the same things on loop.

Honeysucklelou2

I tend to do muffin/cupcake/biscuit type snacks rather than slices of cake which have the potential to mush up at the bottom of the lunch box. Pear and ginger muffins are an autumnal alternative as are spiced apple. I do buy yogurt sticks and freeze them, so that they serve a dual purpose of keeping the lunch box cook initially and defrost in time for lunch. Rice cakes have also been an unexpected hit here.

Honeysucklelou2

Busy day at work, I'm starting to feel behind already. On the plus side it has been an absolutely stunning day and my 3rd NSD of this month. I know that's shocking given that it's the 24th but am trying to get back into the discipline of getting at least 10 NSDs a month. I'm being strict and only counting days when not a penny leaves my purse or bank account.

Pasta for tea for the children. I've made some pear and ginger muffins and some chocolate ones. I've made a note to make sure the tins are filled up next Sunday night to avoid DS1 eating everything in sight on his day off on Monday. If the tins are full, it will be his first port of call and may save other food being demolished!

Spendless

Words fail me if ex did stay - think you need to sort out your move when you can

Washing up not good either - that used to drive me nuts when DS did it whilst I was out (and on one occasion asleep and he'd cooked overnight when I'd tidied up!). I'd have thought with DD2 on a catering course she'd have realised that washing up is part of cooking a meal. Can you put any locks on the cupboards and just leave them with 1 set each of plates, cutlery etc?

How is DS1 liking his college course?

crazy_cat_lady

I'm so angry that your ex is still treating that place like it's his own. :mad: The sooner you can get that sorted out the better.
But really pleased that you had a good weekend.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Spendless and CCL - you are both right, I need to get clarity and boundaries here fast. I got home today to find his dog in the kitchen, albeit she was in a crate, but looks like she had been left here while he worked :mad:

DS1 seems ok so far...he prefers the practical outside lessons and isn't so keen on the English and Maths resist classes, but he only needs to pull it up by 1 grade so am hoping he can work hard to do this.

Yes you would think DD2 would be more familiar with washing up but am starting to think that they all believe in the washing g up fairy:rotfl:.

Spendless

Honeysucklelou2 wrote: »

Thank you Spendless and CCL - you are both right, I need to get clarity and boundaries here fast. I got home today to find his dog in the kitchen, albeit she was in a crate, but looks like she had been left here while he worked :mad:- Definately and one with a lock that ex doesn't have a key too.

DS1 seems ok so far...he prefers the practical outside lessons and isn't so keen on the English and Maths resist classes, but he only needs to pull it up by 1 grade so am hoping he can work hard to do this. - The college my friend's DS has gone to said they'll re-assess him end of this month and if they think he's ready put in for Nov re-sit. Any chance of them doing that for your DS, since he's only 1 grade below. If they do, would that be encouragement for him to study and it be out of the way.

Yes you would think DD2 would be more familiar with washing up but am starting to think that they all believe in the washing g up fairy:rotfl:.

Lol. I told my 18yo as we set off for Uni 'You do know the tidy up fairy isn't coming with you don't you?'

Honeysucklelou2

Didn't know that November resits were possible, thank you Spendless, I'll look into that. Wow, your DS has gone to uni now. That seems to have come quickly. Hope he settles in well.