Turning Off the TV

I always wanted to be one of those moms that never turned on the TV, but early on I realized I could get shit done with a half hour here or there!  Sometimes we watch a lot, some days we don't even think about turning it on.  Some days we just get lazy and tired and only want to lay on the couch and veg.  Usually I don't pay attention, they all seem to balance out and we never have problems with turning it off and switching to something else.  Once the credits come on, one of the kids pops up and turns off the TV. 

However...this week has been rainy and Otis got hand foot and mouth disease so we were quarantined at our house so we wouldn't infect anyone else.  I have a show coming up July 7 and I've been trying to finish up the last few things I have to get ready.  The house seems like it's constantly sticky and hairy from the humidity and the dog, laundry piles up.  Excuses, I know.  But the TV was on a lot the past few days.  And there was tons of whining and fighting between the kids about who gets to watch what show, and then kicking each other on the couch or stealing pillows.  it was INSANE.  Get off each other and just sit there while I get the bathroom cleaned!  Please!

Two days ago I don't know what started it, but I did not turn on the TV.  Instead we did a puzzle together.  We read library books.  We colored.  We played outside a bit between bouts of rain.  I had the best time!  I was happy, not yelling, the kids were so good together, not whining or fighting.  The day was just so awesome, I finally remembered how great it is to be a stay at home mom.  Some days I forget why the hell I do this, like how great it would be to get a job and let the kids go to school and a babysitters and just be around adults all day.  Go to the bathroom by myself, eat a whole meal, shower DAILY! 

Yesterday we ran errands all morning.  Kids slept in the car a bit so when we got home I was exhausted and wanted to sit.  I put on the TV and immediately (immediately, ugh.) they started fighting over what show to watch.  Ingrid just lost it because I let Otis get his way for once.  Huge tears, stomping feet, kicking things.  It was the shittiest afternoon, I just could not turn it around.

So today I said no more TV in the day!  We've got so many fun things to do around here, let's play!  Ingrid has been working on these little stuffed hearts she's been sewing from my scraps and she wanted to work on those.  We painted.  More puzzles, more time outside before the rain came.  Another wonderful morning!  Just so much fun and everyone was in great moods.  The afternoon was naptime and more playing, this time with neighbors outside when it cleared up.  Everyone was in good moods until bedtime, I mean for real, that never happens! 

I know it just takes more effort on my part, and honestly, I don't get much done during the day.  I did get some things done but not nearly as much as if I'd ignored my children, haha!  I guess that I just have to do what I can, and do the rest after bedtime.  I'd much rather have happy kids than 30 more bibs done, right?  They'll both be in school next fall so I should enjoy this summer as much as I can!