Modified Media Fast- Day 20

I spent most of the morning and into the afternoon reading Little Lord Fauntleroy. It is a very good book that I'd never read before. The main character is a little too perfect, but other than that I like it.

We went hiking at Whitney Mesa Recreation Area. We hiked a different part than last time. It was fun, but because of the terrain the trails didn't really connect and just seemed to be dead ends. The kids wanted to leave the hiking area and go to the nearby play ground.

We stopped at Stephanie Lynn Craig Park for a little while. The kids got to play and burn some energy.

 

 

Frank got to witness to someone.

When Frank left for a men's discipleship class he dropped the kids and me off at the store. We stopped at several stores in the shopping center. Then we walked home.

 

 

I thought Sabrina looked adorable in this sweater dress. She grumpily declared, "I look like a knight!" I guess it does sort of look like a tunic. Needless to say, we didn't get it.

 

Frank beat us home and came looking for us when we were almost home.

 

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 19

I am not a morning person never have been and never claimed to be. Yet for some strange reason the kids love to come snuggle in bed with me while I'm semiconscious. The pets would to, if I let them. I don't let them on the bed so they put their paws on the bed and beg for attention. Why they'd want to be with the grumpy, grouchy Mommie is beyond me.

I had a small group in my class today. We learned about several heroes of faith including Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Deborah... It is sometimes hard to know how much these kids are learning. The younger girls weren't really paying attention and were a bit disruptive.

After church we had friends over for lunch. We really enjoy it. We also invited some first time visitors. I think this is a great way to get to know people and make new friends.

The kids enjoyed playing in the back yard with Chloe. They are giving the dog more attention than the cat. Frank and I have made a point of giving Mr. Cow more attention. The kids will come around after the newness wears off.

After the evening service we had another fellowship. I don't think we have ever had two fellowships at our house in one day, but we had so much food leftover from the party and this morning's fellowship that I suggested to Frank that we invite someone over. The kids were happy that the family we invited also have kids. Alex pulled out a bunch of games and they had fun with those, (the boys are playing battleship in the picture). Sabrina fell asleep at church and she went back to sleep while our guests were still here.

 

As you can tell, today was busy, but happy.

 

Marie-Anne

 

Modified Media Fast- Day 18

Frank took the kids to their classes. I stayed home. I planned to read, but I only read a few pages then took some cold meds and went back to sleep.

Our neighbor is giving us a dog. She dropped Chloe off right before Frank left for outreach. I wasn't sure how Mr. Cow would react, but he is cautious and curious. He hasn't hissed or anything and he follows Chloe around the house checking her out. The kids are super excited. We spent most of the day getting to know Chloe. The only time Mr. Cow scratched her was when she went for his food.

 

 

Alex, Sabrina, and Chloe spent some time playing in the back yard.

I feel like I live in a comedy skit. As Alex was getting the fruit tray from the fridge he dumped it all over the floor. He picked it up and tossed the container on the over flowing trash can. While Alex was still cleaning up the floor, Sabrina bumped the trash can and dumped the fruit again. While Alex was getting the trash bag out to take out the trash I saw it was about to dump again. Before I could finish my sentence the fruit spilled for the third time. It is almost funny now, but at the time it was just annoying.

The kids played games tonight. They played really well together. I am so glad that they are much better about entertaining themselves than when we started this month.

 

 

The kids also spent some time enjoying some library books.

 

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 17

Happy 12th anniversary to us! Hard to believe we have been married for 12 years. I am so blessed to be able to honestly say that Frank is still my best friend. I love him sooo much!

This morning Sabrina and I went shopping for the party. It was hard shopping for a party when I had no idea how many guests would come. Alex and Frank stayed home and cleaned. After shopping I prepared some of the food.

We had a few errands to run including the library and grocery store to pick up a forgotten ingredient.

We also had lunch at Joe's Crab Shack. It was our first time eating there and I admit being a little apprehensive about the lack of customers. The food was delicious! It also would be difficult to eat there on a lunch break- so I'm sure they are much busier in the evenings and on weekends. I got the Orleans steampot- my parents must have gotten mild crawfish all these years! It was so spicy that my lips were burning! It was also so good!

Joe's Crab Shack has a play ground so we let the kids play for a few minutes.

After we got home it was back to work for us. I made brownies, fudge, rice krispy treats (not pictured)... We cleaned and set up. We decorated with some wall stickers and decorations I picked up at the Dollar Tree. Frank and I spent some time in prayer for our party and the relationships we want to develop with our neighbors. Then we waited for guests to arrive.

We continued to wait. The kids were literally sitting in their windows watching for guests who didn't come. Finally thirty minutes after the start time we decided that we would have the best family night ever! Of course, we were disappointed, but the kids were depending on us to make it right. The girls watched the boys play table tennis. Well, we watched Alex smack the ball into Frank without hitting the table at all. Then we played with the kids in their rooms.

Then there was a knock on the door. Our next door neighbor and her son arrived. We haven't really got to talk to her too much, except hi and bye. It was nice to get to chat with her and get to know her a little bit. She wasn't able to stay too long, but she came. A little while later two of Frank's co-workers came. One of them brought her spouse.

After chatting for a bit they played some games. The kids were begging me to play with them. It was tough because I wanted to be with the adults, but since the only other kid left and they were so excited about tonight I did play with them. We moved into the room where the other adults were and I listened in on the conversation while trying to still play with the kids.

No, things did not work out as we planned. We spent days introducing ourselves and inviting our neighbors. We spent hours cleaning. I did way too much baking and spent way too much for the amount of people we had. Yet, we did enjoy our time with those who came. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but all in all it's been a good day. It's also been a tiring day, I'm going to bed.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 16

We spent yesterday preparing for our party. I baked several kinds of cookies. We also cleaned up.

The kids got to play in the back yard, which made them happy and kept them out of the way.

Marie-Anne

Developing a community- right where you are.

My grandmothers sharing a laugh. It was the people of their generation who taught me the true value of community.

When God first gave me the idea of us developing a sense of community right here, in our neighborhood, I didn't believe I was up to the job. Me, Lord??? This is me, Marie-Anne. I'm kinda quiet, keep to myself.... excuse after excuse after excuse....

Well, now that we are actually doing it, I can see the beauty of this plan. I probably know more about living in a community than most of my neighbors. I grew up in a real community. In a way I even made my own community as a kid. I was related to almost everyone on my road, but I was the one who went to visit my great aunts and uncles. I often showed up with no warning, but they always made me feel welcomed and loved. So I kept coming back and often stayed for hours.

We have already opened up our home to people from church. We often have guests, including new people, for lunch on Sundays. Before we moved we even had a weekly Bible Study that was for our neighbors and fellow church members. Now it is time to reach out to our new neighbors.

We have made a point of getting out and meeting our neighbors. Pretty much everybody we have introduced ourselves to has been very nice. A lot of them said they'd try to make it to our party tomorrow. I hope they do- I pray that they do. Tomorrow, we will invite those who come to the weekly Bible Studies that we'll be starting back up and to a monthly ladies fellowship I will be hosting.

I may not be living in the country any more, but this neighborhood can become a real community-if I am willing to get out of my comfort zone and meet people and develop friendships.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Halfway

We've reached about the halfway point in our modified media fast. I figure it's a good time for an update. It has been easier than I thought it would be.

Neither, of the kids, have even asked to be on the computer much at all. The few times that they were allowed to watch an educational DVD there were no complaints when I said to turn it off. Sabrina is much better at entertaining herself. Alex said he's actually glad that we are doing the modified media fast.

The first few days were the hardest for me. I had gotten into the habit of putting on a DVD for Sabrina and just letting her watch with no time restraints; especially when I needed a break, (she can be very clingy at times). I was also in the habit of reading blogs when I was bored. Now there are days when the only time I use the computer is to update the blog. Other days I do use it more, but when I do I am more focused.

Frank is fine with this month, discovering that people led full lives before "media". Go figure.

To be honest, I think this modified media fast has been a real blessing to our family. I don't foresee too many changes when this month ends.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 15

Alex bumped his eye and got a small cut on his lower eyelid. I gave him some pain reliever and a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a wash cloth to stop the swelling. He's such a boy- he wants a black eye. I'm afraid the peas might have stopped that- at least the swelling's gone down.

 

I spent an hour or more cleaning Sabrina's room. We are having a party here in two days. I don't really know anybody who is coming- I don't want the kids' things damaged. Sabrina has also been helping herself to things that were stored in the garage; no wonder her room was such a mess. I am only planning on leaving out stuffed animals, play kitchen stuff, and maybe My Little Ponies.

 

Next up was Alex's room. It needed work, but he was much better at helping, and besides his Legos have already been removed. It didn't take too long to get his room ready.

My wonderful husband helped finish cleaning Alex's room. Then he watched the kids while I took a nap. Frank also made dinner! (I have an awesome husband!)

Sabrina fell asleep during church. She woke up, but was drowsy. We had our family Bible time almost as soon as we got home so she could go to bed early.

 

Alex and I spent a few minutes looking at one of his Lego books. Maybe it's because he's grounded, but he's been wanting to spend more time with me lately. I'll take it, whatever his reason!

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 14

This morning I got to sleep in! My Shadow did crawl into bed with me, but she fell back asleep.

 

With the exception of the early hours, long commute, 20+ kids, and bullies; I tried to make today more like a “regular” school day for Alex. He has never experienced a “regular” school day. In picture books they almost always make school sound so appealing. I told the kids that there isn't a teacher in the world like Mrs. Frizzle. He isn't liking the time limit for breakfast, having to stay seated, raising his hand to speak, not getting to choose the order of his work, being told to sit still, and homework.... Alex did like having a set time for lunch with time to play if he chose. (I like that he didn't take forever eating like he normally does.)

 

 

He also liked being able to play in the back yard. Dirt seems to be the best toy in the whole world.

Alex took an on-line reading assessment and scored the highest level of 8^th grade. The test only went to 8^th grade. Maybe I can find one for high school.

Sabrina was also busy with puzzles, cutting, lacing cards, using tongs with marbles, coloring, lacing buttons, matching worksheets...

 

 

Sabrina picked a bouquet for me from the backyard. Isn't she sweet!

 

Sabrina and I went to Target to pick up a few things. I narrowly adverted disaster- Sabrina saw someone with, “mad scientist hair” and kept talking about him. We ended up on the same aisle with a teen who had an Afro. I literally covered Sabrina's mouth as I put the cart into hyper-drive so that she wouldn't hear about the mad scientist hair.

 

When I got back from Target John was there to help Frank fix the plumbing. They were able to get our shower fixed. Yippee! Now all the water will come from the shower not half from the shower and half from the tub spout.

Mr. Cow did not like the noise of the saw one bit. He also gets nervous when we have guests.

This evening I spent some time reading to Sabrina.

 

 

Alex also wanted me to read to him. So after Sabrina was in bed I did just that. We are in the middle of a chapter book that is way above Sabrina's level.

As you look at the pictures from today you'll notice an interesting phenomenon; Sabrina's multiple outfits. Sometimes that girl changes five or six times a day.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 13

This morning I tried in vain to sleep in. The kids refused to let me. Finally I had to get up to stop their childish squabbles. I got the kids started with the independent portions of school while I cleaned. My house is a science experiment; I skip a few days of maintenance and it tries to prove the second law of thermodynamics. I felt like crawling back in bed.

I read a bunch of books to Sabrina. Right now the kids and I are working our way through the age appropriate Caldecott Award and Geisel Award books. Alex is also working his way through age appropriate Newberry Award books.

I pretty much spent the day cleaning, reading, parenting, and preparing homeschool lessons.

Frank surprised the kids with candy- brought back memories of Dad doing that same thing. Frank and Sabrina invited a few more neighbors to our party.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 12

This morning I taught my Sunday School class about Queen Esther. I wanted to get a picture, but I was simply too busy. Our morning service had a guest preacher. He preached about keeping your faith going. After service we came home and relaxed.

This evening's service also had a guest preacher- a missionary who got saved in our congregation. It was good to see him and his family again. They are serving in Bolivia. He preached a very good message about building your life with the right things.

After church we came home and relaxed. The kids and I are enjoying our Bible time using the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook and The Right Choices Bible. Frank also has a time of family devotion. We have really enjoyed these special times together.

Marie-Anne

Modified Media Fast- Day 11

Today was a Family Day. Though most of the pictures are of the kids, all four of us were together all day long. It has been a very busy, very good day.

The kids' classes resumed today. Sabrina was thrilled to have a few new girls in her class. Alex's class has shrunk greatly, or perhaps there was just a bunch of absences. Either way, he got one-on-one instruction with Master Ashley for his first class.

During Alex's second class, Sabrina and I went for a walk on the trails behind the rec center. We stopped at the exercise stations along the way. It was hard to do squats on the balance board, but fun.

We came back in for the last half of Alex's second class. Sabrina was bored so we played the Whac-a-Mole card game. We played slow and I let her win- she hasn't quite figured this game out yet.

After lunch we spent a little time walking in our neighborhood meeting new neighbors and inviting them to our party. We finally met another little girl! Though she's a couple of years younger than Sabrina they didn't care they had so much fun that we hated to leave. (P.S. That's our house.)

We all went to the outreach. I had a few people who said they'd like to come to church, some who weren't interested, and one who threatened to shoot me.

She said she wasn't interested. I said, "Have a nice day," and turned to leave. When I knocked on her neighbor's door she came back to the door yelling at me to, "GIT!" I informed her that her neighbor could decide if they wanted me to leave or not. Next thing I knew she was pointing her finger at me like a gun and threatening to get her gun and call the cops. I admit to being nervous- I had no idea if she had a gun in her house or not. I was happy to leave a flier on her neighbor's door and "Git."

Alex and Sabrina were very happy when I told them we could stop at the apartment's play ground. There was a bunch of children there for them to play with. We didn't stay long, but they had a real good time.

Today was Frank's turn to clean the church. We all pitched in; though I didn't help as much as I could have. I started playing around with the microphone and I had an appreciative audience who begged me to keep singing- yeah, it's all the kids' fault...

We also stopped by the library and swung through a drive-thru. Then we spent a relaxing evening at home with the adults reading while the kids played and listened to an audiobook.

Marie-Anne