After much hemming and hawing, we’ve finally managed to kick TV programming to the curb. And here are just a few things we’ve done this week instead:
- Letters written to great-grandma who was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She has moved now to a safe, loving environment where she will be visited by family often - but sadly, not by us, as she now lives far away in another state. The move was quick and sudden, as was the disease progression. But all is not sad, as she is being well-loved and watched over. So… pictures were drawn. Some tears shed - not so much from sadness as my own awkwardness in trying to explain all this to my son.
- An extraordinary amount of birdwatching. This is where the kids and I end up immediately after waking - all cuddled up on the couch looking out the window trying to figure out where the quail will lay her eggs this year. Even before coffee. That’s how exciting it is. Well, for me, half the excitement is in watching them - so aware, so in tune with all the noises, movements and colors in the yard. We’ve been using the Burgess Bird Book for Children in our morning read-aloud time this week.
- And an inordinate amount of sewing. Purse-making for a friend, presents for our brand new little niece (!), pillows for us, various girly dresses (Using Japanese patterns as inspiration for Lauren’s summer wardrobe. Inspiration because the patterns are, indeed, in Japanese, and I can’t quite figure out all the steps without a translator!), and frequent arguments with my sewing machine over tension control for free-motion quiltiing!
- Increased our Netflix account to 5 instead of 3! The Inquiry is next.
Enter Exhibit A. and B and C and, well… too many. I can’t help myself.
The pattern book, on top of still unfinished quilt top…
For summer. In linen and fabric and jute.
Inside.
For a friend. Still trying to figure out the handles.
More linen.
A dress for the littlest one. From this:
The house isn’t any cleaner just because we canceled TV. But we sure are having fun.
I think that is great! TV can be such a time waster. I read once that the average 70 year old American has spent 10 years of their life watching TV. YIKES!
Like you, we homeschool and sometimes it can be tempting to turn the TV on just to get some time to get things done and keep the kids occupied, but there is so many other things that time can be filled w/that would be better. Not to say all TV is bad, but I’m sure you get my point.
BTW, I was wondering if you would consider making something for me? I’ve been searching for a kid’s chair pad/cushion, but can’t find anything small enough anywhere. It is for my daughter’s rocking chair. Anyway, if you could email me (sorry, I couldn’t find your email) I can give you more details. I wish I knew how to do things like that. Thanks so much!
Wendy, Thanks for your comment! I agree that not all TV is bad. The hard part is pulling out the good content from the bad… and all the advertisements! Scheesh. So for me, killing the TV was a way to discipline myself!
I might be able to make something for you (feeling incredibly flattered at the moment, thank you!), depending on how soon you need it. You can email me at dvre2@msn.com and tell me what you’re thinking about if you like? I can’t find an email for you either! (I’m sure it’s in my blog dashboard somewhere, but just get confused when I putter around in there). Dana
I have been wanting to do this too, mostly because I don’t really watch TV, but also because it would save us 80 bucks each month we could budget toward something more fufilling- like gas for a trip somewhere fun! But, I hate to say it, what in the world would my husband do with himself if he didn’t have ESPN?
Anyway, I love all your pictures and the way you’ve pieced the fabrics together in each ensemble!
~Kimma
Kimma… I’m with you on the $ savings part of the equation. Nice motivation there. The sports thing is tricky. My sweetie and I are trying to figure out how to get certain games on the computer, but as of yet we can’t seem to get NFL Sunday Ticket via our internet connection! But so far I think I’m benefiting the most… lots of reading and snuggles going on this week, and I am so not complaining! Thanks for the super sweet comments too. Dana
Look at all of those gorgeous creations! If I could crank that out I would be tempted to turn the TV off as well! Although, the lack of ESPN might make for a grumpy hubby.
what an inspiring blog, and your children are gorgeous!!
I love the bag you’re trying to figure out the handles on.
May I ask which book you got the pattern from?
Your quilts are so beautiful! My husband and I fasted from TV before Easter and I was amazed at what the Lord did in that week. For me, it makes me rather nervous and unhappy, but I didn’t realize that until I made myself turn it off. Thanks for the inspiration to keep at it. I think baseball will be the exception.
Wow, look at all these lovely comments! T.V. gives me the “worry” bugs too - especially the news (the part I’m missing the most). But the kids have a much calmer mom I think. The draft last weekend was difficult - luckily we were out of town and could watch part of it in a hotel room! My sweetie has been so so supportive, and I know he is the one who made the biggest sacrifice.
Joyce, as for the purse pattern, I drew that one up myself to fit the request of a friend. It isn’t complicated at all and I used the basic interior handle shape from “bend the rules” sewing charming bag, added a gusset, straightened out the sides and bottom and added some pockets and magnetic button. Well, that sounds way more complicated than it actually was. I may post a tutorial on it after I make the bigger version next week.
thanks! it didn’t sound complicated at all…i may have to pick up a copy of the book =)
Just FYI: The pattern for the bigger linen bag was inspired largely by the Charming bag from “Bend the Rules Sewing, also” It’s much bigger with a slightly different shape, and the handles are on the outside instead of the inside.