Some of you might not know, but we are doing an experiment in our family. We moved the TV out into the garage. It was a huge sacrifice for Brian since he is missing so many basketball games, but he must love me big time because he has not complained much. I know it pains him, though. He must just really trust me. He knows he'll get his TV back sometime.
Here is the reason why we did it. You know that commercial when the mom faces the huge, bloody, scary-looking gladiator and says matter-of-factly, "I'm sorry, I'm going to have to block you." Then he dejectedly bows and leaves the house. It's a commercial for the protective features of some cable service, I think, but it accurately describes what I am doing. Our TV watching has been getting out of hand and I can tell the kids would rather passively sit and be entertained than just about anything else. So, I'm sorry, but it had to go. It was getting in the way of what matters most to us.
It has been really interesting to see what the kids and Brian do instead. They have been actually really happy and easily find things to do. Josh has been a little lost, wandering around watching everyone else, but he'll get creative soon out of sheer boredom I think.
Brian has been playing piano every night and has been playing tonight, even arranging some of his own music. He is a brilliant musician and now we get to hear some of his creativity. Here he is reading to Zachie. Something he doesn't always get to do.
Brandon has been playing piano also, trying very hard to learn the piece of music he got from a youth fireside, something about being strong and courageous. He is really getting good at piano because he is determined to learn a song that is much harder than he can play. He has also been reading way more and really enjoying rereading his Childhood of Famous Americans series, in addition to some books that Grandma W. sent for Christmas.
Tonight Katelyn has been reading a ton and writing in her journal. She has also been playing with Josh and Amanda and Zach. She is such a good big sister.
Josh and Amanda listened to our family reading time, had dessert, brushed their teeth, got tucked into bed and then when we left started playing again. Here they are being cute so they won't get into trouble.
The best part of our evening was when we all gathered around so that I could read aloud. It sounds very "Little House on the Prairie" to do this, but it is so enjoyable--even the little ones beg me to do this. They all find something to do with their hands, then they listen and we all laugh and talk and think together. Sometimes we even cry. We have the most amazing discussions. Right now we are reading "Little Women" and "Man of the Family." We have a vote on which one we read first. Usually the two boys vote for "Man of the Family" and the two girls vote for "Little Women." Then we let Zach break the tie. Tonight he just pointed to me and said, "That one." We all laughed because it didn't really matter as long as Mommy read.
I hope you don't think we are anti-technology or trying to live in another century or something. We aren't either. We just want something better. It has made my family much happier and maybe that is why I am not afraid to give you a snapshot.
Brian just told me about the game he missed and that he can't wait to get a TV. These are his words, "I love you sweetheart, but we are putting the TV back soon." So, I'll keep going as long as we can...and I'll keep you posted on whether the gladiator gets to come back in.
1 comment:
We haven't taken out the TV, but since we usually just watch DVD's I unhooked the DVD player. Kind of peaceful. We have been trying to read more, too. Sydney took a turn at reading a story to the boys last night, and other than the boys getting a little restless, it went really well!
Post a Comment