Modified Meadia Fast- Day 10

This morning the kids and I walked to several stores. Even though we live so close it was our first time to walk to the stores. We had a good time.

First, we visited Barnes and Noble. We went there just to have fun, read some books, and play. However, I did end up getting each child a book.

After that we walked to Dollar Tree. Then we had lunch at McDonald's. The kids got to play for what seemed like a VERY LONG TIME. I was one bored Mommie, (Alex's spelling) but they had a blast.

We left McDonald's and walked to Chuck E Cheese.  We got a whole lot of tokens and I had to help them get tickets- so we all had a good time. Sabrina met a girl about her age who she had a great time with. We both hope that she lives in our neighborhood because we still haven't met any girls Sabrina's age here.

Frank was home so we jumped the wall. Then we walked through part of our neighborhood and met a few more neighbors. Pretty much everyone we met has said that they will try to make it to our party next week.

One of the kids' favorite things to do is ride their bikes- they want to ride every day.

After we got home Frank was called away to visit somebody in the hospital and pray and comfort the family. Besides that, we have spent a relaxing evening. It has been a good day.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 9

During the day the kids did school then I read a bunch of books to Sabrina. Alex also rode his bike.

 

After Frank got home we went to Whitney Mesa Park. The kids got to bring their bikes and play on the play ground. We enjoyed ourselves, but it was chilly so we didn't stay too long.

After supper we each did our own thing. Well, I tried to do my own thing, but the Shadow wouldn't let me. I really wanted to tell the Shadow to go away, but I prayed instead and read another Bible story. Right after that we had game night.

Our first game was Don't Rock the Boat.

Next up was the Berenstain Bears Learn to Share Game.

Now Frank has kid duty for the rest of the night.  I have locked myself in my room where I am going to exercise, pray, and read.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast – Day 8

This morning I spent quite a bit more one-on-one time with Sabrina than usual. First I read a lot of books to her, then I worked with her on some math in her workbook. She did really well, when she was paying attention.

I did spend over my 30 minute limit on the computer today, but most of that time was printing math worksheets for Alex. He got to a point in his math workbook where he needs more help from Frank, his math teacher.

Sabrina put on a very interesting puppet show. She used stick puppets that I made for the kids. I found some cute wooden cutouts at a craft store and glued them to Popsicle sticks. Sometimes I let the kids choose more from the craft section of WalMart. I plan to get some unpainted ones soon for them to design their own.

 

Alex couldn't resist joining in on the fun, but mean Mom that I am- I made him get back to his school work.

 

I did 25 minutes on the Gazelle. My exercise has been practically nonexistent since before we moved. We've been here almost two months- it's high time I started again.

 

When Frank got home we took a short walk around the neighborhood. We got to meet several neighbors and invite them to our neighborhood party that we are hosting next week.

 

 

Sabrina decided to give some of her dress-up clothes to her friend, Mya. I've never seen her so excited to give something away. She kept exclaiming, "Mya's going to be so excited and surprised!"

 

 

Pastor Jones is out of town for the Church Conference so Frank ran the service tonight. He was pretty busy before and after service.

 

 

Frank also played the guitar and led song service. I didn't take any pictures during service, but I did manage to get a few during the practice before service. After the song service the congregation surprised Frank by clapping for him- I don't think he realizes how much the other church members, (myself included) appreciate him and all that he does.

 

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 7

Today I had a bit of trouble keeping the kids focused on school. I even let them watch one episode of Magic School Bus; one episode and only once. They got motivated again when I said we could go around the neighborhood together.

The kids rode their bikes and I walked through the entire neighborhood. Alex introduced me to Liz. I expected her to be a kid, but she's a delightful little old lady who reminds me very much of my Nana. I am very glad that Alex made friends with her and introduced me to her as well. I look forward to getting to know her.

Frank had some errands to run so we went too. We stopped at a music store- Sabrina wants to play an instrument too. We were going to get her a recorder, but they didn't have any in stock. We also made a brief stop at the library.

All of us spent some time reading today. Sabrina is just starting to learn, but she loves to look at pictures and make up her own story.

Together, we worked on making the invitations to the neighborhood party we are having next week. It will be a great way to get to know some of our neighbors. Hopefully, we'll find some girls Sabrina can play with.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 6

Yesterday, during the day was hard for me. My house was clean. The kids were doing school. I didn't feel like reading another book. I wondered what people did before technology became such a big part of daily living. Then I realized I have no garden, no livestock, no clothes to make or even mend, no harvest to can... No wonder people today are so glued to screens!

Things got much better for me after Frank got home. We went to Target and Hobby Lobby to get a few things. We weren't gone long, but it was a nice change of pace.

The boys worked on Alex's bike. He just got his bike a week before Christmas, but the plastic piece holding his brake onto the handlebar broke.

I read a bunch of picture books to Sabrina. I read at least ten books, but she kept begging me to read more.

Frank introduced Alex to one of his long forgotten hobbies; painting army men. Alex is looking forward to making paper Mache scenery to go with them. Of course, he's also looking forward to re-enacting some battles.

Maybe it's time to recall some of my long forgotten hobbies too.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 5

This morning I taught about Hannah and Samuel in my Sunday School Class. I really enjoy teaching the younger kids. After church we had friends over for lunch. After the evening service Frank and I both read while the kids played. It was a pretty typical Sunday for us. It has been a good day.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 4

We spent the morning hiking at Red Springs. We absolutely love going to the meadow. We walked around the boardwalk taking time to listen to the wind, birds, and running water.

 

We hiked on the opposite side of the meadow from where we always have. It was a pretty steep walk, but so worth it! We were able to climb higher than we ever had before. We had almost made it back to the boardwalk when Alex tripped over a rock in the path and really banged up his knee. He's okay, but has a nasty bruise and a small cut.

On the way home we stopped at the library. Then we went through Wendy's drive thru. At home I took a nap. Frank read then left for Outreach, (going door-to-door telling people about Jesus and inviting them to church). The kids played together. When I got up I straightened the house.

I also played a few games with Sabrina while Alex was cleaning his room. We played Connect Four, Old McDonald Pop'n Match, and kids' Jenga.

When Frank returned, he and our friend, John worked on the plumbing. They also had to go to Lowes and Home Depot for parts. It took a lot longer than expected and they were only able to do part of what they wanted to.

 

 

 We spent the evening reading.

The day seems a lot longer since we've been on our modified media fast.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 3

I took the car today so the morning was spent grocery shopping. We came home for lunch and I took a nap while the kids played. When I woke up we stopped at ToysRUs then went to pick up Frank from work.

As we pulled up at Frank's work I thought it would be nice to take a walk. As I was thinking it Sabrina suggested it. We took a short walk in the desert. Sabrina exclaimed that we were, "walking on nature!" Both kids enjoyed throwing rocks into the deep drainage ditch next to the trail.

On the way home we stopped at Petco to get Sabrina her  promised fish. Although you cannot tell from the blurry picture, (and the pink wall in the background) her fish is a pretty greenish beta who she named Jared.

While I cooked, Frank napped, Alex read, and Sabrina painted. Then Frank left to go street preaching. Things got a little difficult for me as far as the media fast is concerned. Typically when Frank leaves on Friday night the kids and I watch a family friendly movie or cartoon. Tonight we didn't and I really didn't have a backup plan. Add to that the fact that I was tired and wanted to do nothing.

I ended up reading from the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook that I bought today. The kids really liked it and so did I. I like that this Bible Storybook brings out how the Bible stories are connected. I also like how the devotional is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the child. After that I kinda dozed on the couch while Alex practiced his trumpet and Sabrina played loudly in her room.

The kids played with the "educational" mega blocks. I put educational in quotes because there's nothing special about this set of blocks. I could easily do the same activities with any set of blocks. They really enjoyed them though.

While they were doing that I pulled out a few games to start a game night, though I didn't really feel like it. Once we got started I did enjoy myself so I'm glad we had game night.

Our first game was Zingo, which is a twist on Bingo. I really like the Thinkfun logic games. We have quite a few of their single player games, but only two of their multiplayer games.

S'Match is another Thinkfun game. It is a memory game that uses a spinner to tell you to match either by number, color, or category.

We also played the children's version of Jenga several times.

Frank came home in time to join us for our last game; All Around Town. Players try to collect items from each store and whoever fills their card first wins.

Truthfully, this modified media fast hasn't been too bad so far. There's been a few times that I was bored and wanted to just surf the net, but other than that I don't miss the computer. Alex has even said that he's thankful that we are doing the media fast. I did spend a few minutes earlier on the computer, but it was to read one blog post and check the news.

The kids are getting ready for bed. Frank is reading and I'm about to go join him. Have a good night.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 2

Today was a productive day for me. I organized the basket of toys for little visitors, did laundry, fed the pets, got the kids started with school, and cleaned my bedroom before noon.

The master bedroom becomes a dumping ground for things that nobody knows where they go. I am slowly putting the old saying, "a place for everything and everything in it's place," to practice. This works beautifully for the stuff that has a place. Finding homes for stuff is a process though.

The kids really focused on school this morning so that they could play outside. I was very pleased with both of them. After they finished most of their school for the day they went to the back yard. Again they got so dirty they needed showers before lunch.

This afternoon I put away things in the kitchen that didn't belong, organized the medicine cabinet, finished laundry, watered the plants and trimmed the dead leaves, emptied the litter box, vacuumed the dining area, wiped down cabinets and table, cleaned the microwave, took out the trash, swept the floor, and cooked lunch.

After lunch I took a well earned break while the kids played in the front yard with some friends. They didn't stay out long- the friends left. Then they played in their rooms while I cleaned the school room and vacuumed.

When Frank came home we both read for a while. When we finished our books, that we started yesterday, we worked together to take down the Christmas décor and clean the living room. Frank also set up the new modem and washed dishes. I got the kids' homeschool assignments ready and made a grocery list.

Sabrina wants to be with me all the time, (when she doesn't have friends to play with). She's sweet, but it drives me crazy. Today she got in trouble twice for whining and crying when I told her to do something- go play in her room and later clean her room. Tonight I needed a break from her so I was going to put on an educational DVD that we got from the library, but when I started to say, "Go to the schoolroom for a DVD.." she only heard, "GO". Once again she started whining and crying. She got sent to her room instead.

As you can see, a lot of what I did today was basic housework that would need to be done whether we were on a media fast or not. However, without the normal distractions I was much more efficient. Don't worry; I'm not going to go on and on about how much housework I do every day. I only did it today to make a point: when we say we don't have time to do something we are really saying that isn't a priority to us at that moment.

I am very tired. I'm not planning on doing much else tonight except check a few websites and put away the folded clothes. Frank is talking to the kids about homeschool stuff.

Marie-Anne