Media Fast - Day 3

Observations for Day 3:

1. Creativity and Research - My daughter wanted to know what a crow and nightingale look like (they were referenced in a story she was reading). We printed out a picture of each and she drew them in her sketchbook.

2. My little guy was sick with a fever last night and went to sleep at 7 PM. My 12 year old son said, "Doesn't it feel lonely without him here?" I said, "Why don't you go check on him?" He quickly replied, "I already did...I was hoping he'd wake up and play with me." Thoughtfulness!


3. This one doesn't like reading very much. Wow - glad to see it happening...and such a big book, too!

4. Fun, pretend, play time. I love these super heroes!

5. Playing games in the evening together...patience for the little ones, too.

6. Superman doesn't usually play with toys very much. He got out the blocks and made a telescope.

7. By accident, I cheated. My brother posted a video on our www.MyFamily.com site and I clicked on it without thinking. I saw a bit of "The Dance of Joy" and then closed it. It takes practice and vigilance to train yourself to "shut down" or "power off". 


8. Progress on school work! My daughter accomplished more last night than she has in quite a while!


9. A cleaner house! Everyone has more time to finish their chores!!


Tips for success:
- Unplug the equipment. We don't have TV - just the ability to watch movies. We unplugged the TV AND disconnected the Roku and DVD player from it so the little people cannot turn anything on themselves. They haven't even asked to watch a movie in the last three days.
- Come up with an alternative. My daughter enjoys listening to CD's in her boom box. We found her some church/religious CD's that she can play instead and she's been plenty happy with them.
- Think about the things you want your children to spend time doing, but never seem to get there. Encourage working on some of those projects. 


More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

A Butterfly Birthday

I think I will always be amazed at how simply one can put together a fun birthday party with little stress and little money. My sweetie pie turned seven last week and we had a "family" party. She was insistent that we still have a theme, even though it wasn't a "friend" birthday party. Butterflies. That was her theme of choice. What could be more perfect for a cold, cold January birthday?

She designed her cake on a piece of paper. With a few candies from the store and some bright food coloring gel, we pulled this off...

- Used my favorite program, Print Shop, to design a quick banner...

- Wrapped presents with Costco's reversible and colorful wrapping paper...

and printed out dozens of butterflies to decorate the house (as seen in the various pictures).

- Invited the cousins over and played the candy bar game - a favorite. This time we used snack size candy bars - less expensive and more to go around.

Most importantly: Lots of love!

 

Don't forget the princesses:

Happy Birthday to my little princess. I hope your day was filled with butterflies to last you all year long! Loves!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Media Fast - Day 2

Observations for day 2 of the Media Fast:

1. The kids are really trying. Our stalwart Jazz Fan was dying to know the score of the game last night. He realized the only way to find out was to call a friend of his, but it was too late. He had to wait until this morning to hear the outcome. Also, last night, our four oldest children went to a youth activity. They were in other people's cars who turned on the radio. Two of my four kids told me that they politely asked for the music to be turned off. They had the opportunity to talk about the media fast. They promptly replaced the music with religious music.

2. My daughter sang a church song all morning as she was getting ready for school. Usually, I hear a "popular" tune. Love it!

3. Do you have any children that tend to clash? We have a pair...12 year old boy/17 year old girl. This morning I found them on the same couch together, half asleep/half awake. When they realized I was taking their picture, she quickly covered up. I don't know if this kind of togetherness has ever happened before...

4. When Buster Brown wakes up, he likes to veg in front of "All About Cars & Trucks" or "Veggie Tales". This morning, I found him doing this...

Wow, a book. What a concept! We don't need to watch Larry Boy to be entertained.

5. My nine year old son got all of his homework and chores finished by dinner time. Awesome!! He wanted to play a game with me...Life. That doesn't work very well with a 2,4 and 6 year old so I gave him a rain check.

6. When the kids found out that I ALWAYS turn off the radio when I'm driving in the car by myself, they were shocked. "It's one of my few moments of quiet", was my response. No music while driving in the car hasn't affected me. However, I have noticed more conversation in the car because of it.

Good Stuff!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Media Fast - Day 1

Since we're in the middle of a sugar fast, why not a media fast while we're at it? Actually, I will give the credit to my son's sixth grade teacher. The entire class is having a month long media fast from Feb. 1 - Mar. 1. 

"...there is a downside to the modern media because of the great volume of it pouring into our lives. We are in an era when the information superhighway will have the capacity to cut a wide path into our homes. As we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the promising potential of superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious about...the impact of media upon our lives. "

M. Russell Ballard

We decided, as a family, to support our son and his efforts by participating in the media fast, too. Here are the rules:

1. Music: Listen to classical or Sunday/church music only

2. Cell Phones: No texting or games. If someone sends you a text, call them back. Cell phones can be used to make calls but please don't make one when you're having a conversation with someone else. (Exception: you may communicate by text with a parent/child)

3. Television/Video/DVD: You may watch ONE sporting even each week. You may watch TWO movies for the month. These need to be done with at least one other family member.

4. Computers: You may do homework and research, but no games, social networking, instant messaging, etc. You may spend up to 15 minutes per day checking and sending email.

5. Video Games: None

We had a family council on Sunday night where we discussed the media fast. Each member of the family committed to it. Some were not too thrilled about it, but they did commit. I'm very proud of them for their willingness to do a hard thing. Instead of focusing on all of the things they're missing out on, we tried to bring out the positive about having more time to focus on things that matter most...family, sleep, extracurricular activities, homework, service, opportunity to make money, etc. Also, the class is going to have a celebration at the end of the month, so our family is, too.

Yesterday was Day 1. I didn't think I would notice very much after just one day, but I was surprised. Here are some of the positive things I witnessed...

1.  My little people played together all day. They played dress up, puzzles, games, tea party, and more dress up. The arguing was diminished.

2. My first grader had more desire to do her school work. She is a movie watcher...it was nice to see her more interested in playing and working.

3. When my five older children came home from school, they gather around me and we talked for at least an hour. It was fabulous! They talked with each other, laughed and had a great time. No fighting!

4. Two of our sons enjoy teasing their little sister. When she purchased a FurReal with her Christmas and birthday money, they spent time helping her figure it out.

5. My son hasn't practiced the piano for a few months (he no longer takes lessons). He sat down and practiced for a half an hour, rather than checking out www.nba.com.

6. Another son spent time dancing and playing to the piano music.

7. My little cub scout gathered the children around the table for a "tea party" while I was fixing dinner. They played happily, and I didn't have any whining or fussing to deal with.

 

8. My oldest daughter randomly gave her sister a hug.

9. This guy spent time learning the ins and outs of a graphing calculator.

10. I felt more peaceful and patient.

I'm enjoying this media fast. I know it's harder for my teenagers since they are the ones that listen to music, text and browse the internet, but if Day 1 is any indication of the rest of the month, I'm Sticking-to-it!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!