TV again and Flu Shots

So we did it. We went two weeks with out Television (well sort of). I feel like we did pretty well. I admit I watched it after the girls had gone to bed, and I’m pretty sure they snuck it in at their dad’s house… It was a good eye opener for all of us, and really confirmed the fact that we don’t need to have it on all the time. We’ve set the new mind Vegging TV watching rule to ONE hour a day. And that even seems to me more than necessary. I’ll also be much more selective on what they are watching. I think I prefer movies over the shows they were consistently watching. Megan spent her hour yesterday watching Taylor’s Underdog Cartoon movie.. That, I think is much better than Sponge Bob.
Oh, and for those of you wondering…
Yes, I did get my Flu shot.. And I lived to tell about it…now we just get to talk Taylor into getting his!

One Week down

So What do I think about TV now that its been off for a week?

• I thought that I needed it to distract my children so I could work. I learned that there are MANY other things to distract them.
• I was used to the background noise. I found that silence is golden.
• I thought that it was entertaining. My kids are funnier.
• I thought my Children would Hate me. They don't even miss it!
• I hoped it would encourage them to spend time together.... Ali was reading Megan a story when I peeked in on them tonight.

that single moment makes it all worth it.

One More week.

Or more?

I'll enjoy the silence.

Day Seven.....What's TV?

Mathew was SOOO wonderful for me at church today! He slept through Sunday school and snuggled in my arms through half of relief society.. I was in mommy heaven..
We did have a few more TV comments today than there has been. I think for all of us, it just sounded so good to sit back and watch a movie. I didn't cave though.. I'm holding strong..... And actually its getting a bit easier.. I'm realizing just how much we didn't watch it, but had it on in the background for no reason..
The Girls and I worked on art projects for the rest of the day, including a walk to the school for a few pictures ( I consider that my art project). The weather was Gorgeous but No one was in the mood to cooperate so I didn't get any really good shots with the three of them together. (its so much easier with other peoples kids!) I do love the one below where they're all distracted in their own little way. I think Megan was checking out a booger......
oh well. I have a few more weeks for Christmas cards!
Ali is entering this years "Reflections" contest at school, and did a really great job on a drawing of herself helping with Special Olympics. I'll take a picture of it when she's all done..

Day 6 Did I say Fabulous?

Today was great!

we had friends over to play and then spent an hour playing outside in the crisp fall air.

Ordered in Chinese and danced around the living room to YouTube videos of High school musical songs. (click for a little taste)

Another (Megan's favorite)

Meg has become addicted to my computer. I think that's fine.

Still No TV

Photo Shoot, and No TV day 5

Day 5 without TV.. I did so much better today.

Might have to do with the fact that I was pre-occupied doing a sibling photo shoot!

I had SO much fun doing this one. I have wanted to do these specific shots for awhile now, and I think they turned out Fabulous!(click to hear)

Ali and Meg are both at friends houses for the night, (which they are probably filling with as much free TV time as they can).

Here are some pictures from the shoot today.....

Check out my flickr to see more.........

Fall and No TV day 4?

Day 4 No TV.. No big deal. When I got home from work we went to my Parents to celebrate my Mom's birthday, then we came home and enjoyed dinner together with all 5 of us home (that doesn't happen often). We played games together before bed, and I got to catch Greys anatomy half way through.. Yeah!

Halloween continued..........

Our church does an annual Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot. They play music, serve donuts and hot chocolate, and everyone tricks out their trunks. Then the kids run amuck and you don't even have to worry about it because they're totally safe!

Good times!

Taylor was "Sherlock Holmes"

after the trunk or treat, we went over to my parents house to show off our costumes. The girls wanted to trick or treat around their neighborhood so we started walking. We walked FOREVER! I couldn't believe it, they were die hards! and I think I deserve a medal for trekking 5 blocks in leopard ballet flats!

Ali said this was the best Halloween she's ever had, and Megan totally agreed with her. (the first time they've agreed on anything in months) so I think It was worth it.

by the way, Day 3 No TV........easy for the girls. Hard for me....

I bought a bunch of paints for the girls to do crafts with.. Megan LOVES painting and that kept her busy for a good portion of the day.

I had a hard time not flipping it on while she was painting!

No TV day two

Day two.
I worked again today. I feel like I'm cheating.
I called to check in during lunch time and Taylor had caved! "only for a minute" he claimed, but I reprimanded him and they turned it off.

Ex came over and fixed my computer tonight (he's a computer specialist) . I called him last week and asked him to. I quite surprised myself when I did it, but was even more surprised when he agreed, and came happily to do it. He actually started working on it last Sunday after he dropped off the girls. Then when he brought the girls home tonight, he stayed.
it was the most cordial two hours we've spent in the same room in 5 years. If it could just stay like this for the next 20 years then we could raise these girls so much better. A combined effort from both sides works so much better than the friction and contention that's lived among us for so long. We had some interesting conversation, and he even sat in the same room as Taylor without incident.