You don't own a television?!

The short answer is no. The longer answer is October 7 marks our one year anniversary without a television in our home. In case you had forgotten, or started reading after that date, you can read Joel's thoughts from last year or mine.

Let me clarify a few things. We still occasionally watch DVDs on our laptops. We've also watched some television shows on-line so we are not completely disconnected from the world of mindless entertainment. My children periodically watch DVDs on the computers as well.

Those first couple of weeks were an adjustment period for all of us. I had fallen into a habit of letting the t.v. babysit my kids while I cooked supper or "needed a break." Now I can't imagine going back to that. That's not to say difficult and rainy days won't find a DVD playing on the computer but those days are few and far between. Not the difficult and rainy days, just the ones where I let the DVD babysit my children.

I have seen many benefits from us not having a television in the house. The creativity of my children has grown, as has their ability to entertain themselves. When the weather is nice they play outside constantly so they are healthier and more agile. They have learned to play together amazingly well, even Ellie has started joining their imaginary play.

I never thought I'd be one of "those" people who didn't own a television. But here I am one year later and thrilled about the decision. Right now, I never want to go back. For me, personally, I realize how much time I wasted watching t.v. shows (blogging has taken over some of that). Also, when I do watch something on-line I realize I am more sensitive to what I am viewing. I can more readily discern worldly thinking than I could a year ago. I guess you should say I'm more offended by it than I used to be. Shouldn't we be offended by the world?

So, I highly recommend you do the same thing. You may not feel you can pitch out the t.v. but what if you limited yourself (and children) to viewing only 30 minutes a day? What kind of difference would that make in the lives of your family? Or you could be really brave and unplug it for a month! Anyone up for the challenge?

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Having said all of that. Here's a photo from our recent trip to Connecticut/Massachusetts. Due to pouring down rain we spent all Friday holed up in our hotel suite.

The kids, especially Will, indulged in more Disney channel than anyone ought to view in a lifetime! Meanwhile, I relaxed on the king bed in the other room and watched "What not to wear," "Jon and Kate, Plus 8" and assorted other TLC/Discovery Channel shows. We all enjoyed a change of pace and scenery. But I have to say I'm growing weary of hearing about what Will watched!