Today we celebrate 8 years of marriage. It’s actually really hard for me to believe it’s been that long and really we’ve only still just begun. My parents just celebrated their 35th last year and Justin’s parents are celebrating their anniversary today also… 42 years! I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic this last week… maybe it was my chat session with Erika about my career at the Florida DMV but I keep thinking about our early years of marriage. They were so different than these years. We are so very tied up with little ones and little did we know or understand the freedom that we once had. Sometimes we wish for a quiet evening and sometimes we laugh our heads off at our children and wonder what on earth we did before they were around. There’s no doubt our lives are richer and deeper because of children but also busier and a little more chaotic.
We spent the first couple years of our married lives at 1110 Pine Street, it was a smaller 2 bedroom house without a dishwasher and only 4 cabinets but we loved it and our neighborhood and our neighbors! Justin was in grad school at FSU and I worked long hours at the Florida DMV and have many stories to share for another time. Life seemed simpler then but life seems richer now and I wouldn’t change anything along the way. I love my husband, being married to him isn’t always easy and I know he’d say that about me too. I’m almost convinced that being married in general is hard. But I am thankful that he is who the Lord had for me and for our children. He’s a wonderful husband and a wonderful father!! And I love him with all my heart.
This our dog, Eufaby, she’s been with us since the very beginning…
And we both hope she’s with us for many more, even if she does sneak food from the table, open the “Simple Human” trash can with her paw and pull everything out.
In other news, Spring is peeking through the dreary days of winter and we’ve been outside a lot… getting dirty.
I want share this little man’s recent antics…
He cries at night… a lot.
He cries at night until we get him out of his bed.
I try to let him cry it out until I think I might lose my mind.
Then we console him and bring him to our room and lay him down between us.
Then he giggles uncontrollably for about 5 minutes.
While we shake our heads and try to decide if he’s thinking, “I love my mom and dad so much I can’t contain myself” or if it’s more of, “They’re such suckers they fell for me again!”.
Either way his uncontrollable giggles absolutely crack us up, even at 2:45 am BUT I do hope that it is short lived.
And last but not least. I hate television. My children don’t hate television but really don’t watch that much {which is relative, I’m sure} but when they do this is how I find them… zoned and oblivious to the world around them.
I’m thinking of having a completely “unplugged” summer. Anybody want to join me? I’m not willing to give up DVDs and movies but daily cartoons {even educational ones}… yes. Because minutes can quickly turn to hours and they never want to turn it off. Anyway, I’m thinking about it and have almost convinced myself that we will be almost completely TV-free this summer.
nameisgrace
March 9, 2010 at 5:22 pmhappy anniversary!!!! your house on pine street was adorable! but not as cute as little rover.
Kristen
March 9, 2010 at 5:23 pmHappy Anniversary! I love the wedding picture you posted, you look absolutely radiant! And of course Justin looks very handsome too. I was wondering if Eufaby was still around, never seem to hear too much about her! Anyway, love reading your posts, as always.
Lauren
March 9, 2010 at 5:26 pmHappy Anniversary!! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and I just have to say how much I enjoy how “real” you are in your post. We are really enjoying the spring weather here in Arkansas too!! I love being ourdoors and my kids and I might just join you in that TV-free summer. My little girl is only 18 months and is already “addicted” to the TV. We don’t have cable or satellite but she watches way to many DVD’s. This is my fault I know but it is something that I’m ready to remedy. Thanks for the encouragment!!
E @ Oh! Apostrophe
March 9, 2010 at 5:29 pmHappy happy anniversary! You two were (and are!) so cute. An unplugged summer would be fabulous… good luck!
Love This Life
March 9, 2010 at 5:30 pmCongrats on 8 Years! I love your post and honesty about your reaction to your daughter on Sunday. You know it sometimes so hard to take a moment and calm down. It actually made me cry because it reminds me that sometimes I too overreact to situations and we all do.
I read your blog often. I love your honesty and you have such a cute family!
Katie
March 9, 2010 at 5:31 pmHappy anniversary, love birds! Congratulations on 8 years.
Danielle
March 9, 2010 at 5:33 pmWe live one street over from Pine on Colonial and I adore the neighborhood! An unplugged summer would be fantastic. We don’t even have a TV in our living room right now, just one in our bedroom for movies and I love it! Today we built a fort out of boxes, so much more fun than zoning out.
Daily Classic
March 9, 2010 at 5:35 pmHappy Anniversary! I decided to give up tv for lent, and although it has been hard, I am loving it! Good luck to the unplugged summer! I love your blog!
Jennifer
March 9, 2010 at 5:51 pmAn unplugged Summer sounds, in theory, awesome! I’m gonna try it. 🙂 My kiddos love their morning cartoons but I’m thinkin that they can find something else that they love even more. 🙂
Rhonda
March 9, 2010 at 5:59 pmHappy Anniversary!! (to all your family!)
I *finally!* convinced my husband to turn off the cable! (I have been campaigning for YEARS!….now my girls (5 and 7) do get to watch a video while waking up and eating breakfast in the morning, but they know the TV goes off at a certain time each morning. Life has been much more peaceful around our house since we cut the cable! I love it! (I never watched it anyway- too busy!) I vote YES! (course, we may have to get it again when auburn football starts back up!)
And about your last post…I too, often find myself apologizing to my children. My heart broke for you, because I often find its the moms that have a harder time forgiving ourselves than the children do! If I can, I would just like to encourage you- you are not the only mom to react before you restrained your tongue. I so often find myself in the same position. If anything, motherhood has definitely been the “refining fire” to show all my faults and weaknesses…Hang in there. Its the day that you refuse to apologize that you have truly failed, not the day that you do…
Katie
March 9, 2010 at 6:08 pmAlthough I read your blog every day, I’ve never commented before (yes, I’m a stalker), but I can’t pass up the chance to share with you how blessed we’ve been by not having tv. It’s just nice not to have the distraction…and the extra monthly bill. We do watch movies, etc though and have found that any shows we want to watch are posted online anyway. So, go for it, Darby! You won’t regret it.
PS. Happy Anniversary! Eight years- that seems like a long time 🙂 But we’re going on three so I’m sure the next five will pass quickly.
Sarah@Clover Lane
March 9, 2010 at 6:19 pmWe did TV free last summer and it was awesome…withdrawl at first, and then heaven. They find things to do and it sets a nice pace.
Congratulations on your anniversary, I always get nostalgic for those first years too…things were so simple back then, although in the midst of it it didn’t seem that way!
Beautiful wedding pic.
Lillian - Domestic Simplicity
March 9, 2010 at 6:23 pmHappy Anniversary! We just bought our first house last year – two bedrooms, on Pine St and we just adore our neighborhood and neighbors, even if we know we can’t stay here forever, so your sweet house with the flowers hits a special spot in m heart:) Love your tv idea for summertime – I’m in the process of convincing my husband that we need to get he tv up and out of the way somewhere other than where it is(WAY too prominent!).
Megan Ayers
March 9, 2010 at 6:32 pmLet that sweet boy climb in bed with you. I worried and beat myself up about that until I just got over it and embraced it. It doesn’t last forever, and won’t cause any permanent damage. And I vote to give up the TV. You will fill that time with better things. Happy Anniversary!
jessia
March 9, 2010 at 6:35 pmIm SO with you on the unplugged summer. DVDs only! Happy anniversary! I often have the same thoughts about how ordinary days before kids were so boring (and restful) but now even the most minute detail is a big deal to my 4 year old. I love that and know that it is fleeting (hence the laundry at midnight because this time is just too precious to waste)!
Kelly
March 9, 2010 at 6:36 pmHappy Anniversary! Eight is great and we’re about to celebrate nine. I love the “unplugged” summer idea and have been pondering making my 7 year old earn his t.v. time… so for every hour of reading you earn an hour of t.v., but this unfortunately only works on the bigger kids. As far as the little rover not sleeping… that just plain stinks! Man, my Reef better not start doing that… gotta have my sleep!
~Kelly
sloan
March 9, 2010 at 6:38 pmwishing you and justin a very happy anniversary, darby!
Holly
March 9, 2010 at 6:38 pmI’m there on the unplugged summer. We’ve been 5 years without any tv in our home … I never miss it. I haven’t even been to the movie theaters in that time. I hope that your example will inspire many to be free from it! EVen if only for a season.
xoxo
amy
March 9, 2010 at 6:39 pmhappy anniversary!!! Hope you guys have a wonderful day!
We don’t have TV…only a monitor and a DVD player, the kids watch videos, and we rent an occasional video, but it makes life sooo much quieter, simplier and just plain cleaner. When we got married my husband and I deceided to not pay for cable, and it was the best decision we ever made. I highly vote for an unplugged summer…and I’m already doing it with you! hehe. 🙂
xoxo
Melanie
March 9, 2010 at 6:58 pmHey there! First time to comment, but have been reading/lurking for a while:) Just as a point of reference – we did not make “the switch” to digital tv last year. We were expecting our 4th at the time and couldn’t justify the extra expense of some fancy digital antenna and/or buying our service from a cable co. etc. So, we’ve been tvless and honestly haven’t missed it. We do watch movies, but the kids do not during the week, only Fri-Sun. From a former tv junkie, I think this speaks volumes as to what I was willing to sit in front of, simply without thinking. There are some shows that I “miss” and so we rent them from the library or netflix – yes we’re a season behind, but somehow, we survive:) Happy Anniversary and thanks for sharing your life with all of us!
Melissa (melissab74)
March 9, 2010 at 7:03 pmHappy Anniversary! Would love to see more of your wedding pics! So many thoughts on today’s posts. Luke wakes up at night crying sometimes too. I have tried letting him cry it out, but it gets to me too…breaks my heart, plus I need the sleep! So our solution is to get him and put him in his swing. Yes, at 2 he still fits in and loves his swing. Goes right back to sleep. If for some reason it doesn’t work, then we’ll put him in the bed with us. It’s not like he’ll be sleeping with us when he’s 12, so I’m enjoying the snuggling while I can! Your post about Morgan just about made me cry, because I’ve done that so many times myself, and of course, afterwards I feel just like you did. I’m definitely a work in progress as a mom, but I think we all are!
Emma
March 9, 2010 at 7:05 pmHappy ever after!! Congratulations on 8 years. Although the photo looks like it was taken yesterday … eight years of togetherness and family life has kept you both so youthful!
Your last post mirrored my day yesterday and I was left with similarly pained and remorseful feelings. You wrote so beautifully.
You’ve eased my aching heart. Helped me wipe away the tears. Thank you Darby.
Bridget Corbin
March 9, 2010 at 7:18 pmYES! A TV free summer- sounds terrific! I’m up for the challenge, but how do I get my hubby on board? 🙂 Cheers to your Anniversary!
Jackie
March 9, 2010 at 7:20 pmWhat a beautiful bride and groom. Marriage is definitely a growing thing! My husband and I celebrated 30 years this past September and we are still growing and learning. Once you are in the empty nest it can be a little lonesome at times, missing all those special moments with the little ones. I think unplugging is a fabulous idea! We did it several years ago when my daughter had to move home because of being sick, my son was in his sr yr of high school, and we took a vote. It seemed like it was just being left on at times for noise, and the kids were the ones that thought it was a great idea. We have not regretted it one bit, and we spent so much more quality time together. We like just getting the occasional movie and sitting down together and watching, but if you unplug for a while and then go back and watch, it became a shock when I realized some of the ridiculous things we had watched. Thanks for sharing all of your random things. Jackie
Katie Tuttle
March 9, 2010 at 7:35 pmCongrats on 8 years!! I also wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and continue to be inspired by you. From crafts, the dozen recipes I’ve taken from you (some of which have become family favs I make all the time!), photography, and your grace & love of Christ. On your post about over reacting to your little girl my eyes filled up with tears and I thought about how many times I’ve probably reacted the same way without even thinking!! Thank you for inspiring me and reminding me to take a moment and breath.
Melanie Malone
March 9, 2010 at 7:48 pmMy boys are 8, 5, and 3. We have been without for almost a year. We do use the computer dvd , which they don’t seem to zone out as bad in front of. We are not totally electronic free. The winter has been kind of rough and they have made numerous comments about wishing they had a tv and of course ,a Wii. All in all, we have gotten used to it and can’t remember how we had the time to watch anything anyway.
Happy Anniversary, by the way.
katherine
March 9, 2010 at 7:51 pmCongratulations on your anniversary…but even more impressive than 8 years of marriage is that last photograph! The lighting is amazing. It looks like you pulled it straight from a magazine!
The Starr Family
March 9, 2010 at 7:52 pmHappy Happy Anniversary! Those early years FLY by! Praise the Lord for husbands that stand by, stand up, and stand firmly in their families!
Lora
March 9, 2010 at 7:58 pmI like the idea of unplugging for the summer. I’ll think about it…..It would be easier if I lived near a lake….. 🙂
Jen
March 9, 2010 at 8:02 pmDarby,
I 100% agree with you about the marriage thing. Its not easy and everyday is new, thank the good Lord for that. We just had our first baby and those all nighters really put a strain on our conversations. Things look a lot differently at 3:00 AM, your a new parents and you can’t get your baby to stop screaming. I think I am talking to my husband when in reality I am yelling and blaming him for every little thing. I love your honesty and your brokeness because as much as some people don’t like to admit it, we are all really broken and a complete mess.
Congratulations on your 8 years of marriage. It’s so nice to see a family serving the Lord. Meeting our weaknesses head on in the morning!
Ramsey
March 9, 2010 at 8:15 pmCongratulations! Didn’t know you lived in Tallahassee…love it here. It’s always funny to realize that someone you only know of in blogland is from the same place you are. Go Noles!
Happy aniversary! You guys seem so sweet.
Lots of love,
Ramsey
Cath
March 9, 2010 at 8:17 pmHappy Anniversary to you both! Marriage is still great after 32 years, we are blessed.
Darby, I saw a great sign on my drive home this evening, “Example is a language understood by all”. It reminded me of something all three of our adult children have said to us at one time or another; Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you and dad have taught us. That tells me that more important than the harsh words we may have used, our children remember foregiveness more.
Laurin Maddux
March 9, 2010 at 8:21 pmHappy Anniversary! I so remember that day! I think I have some pictures floating around my closet from that day…I will look and send them to you if I can find them. They are much more meaningful to you guys that to my closet! Sounds like we will get to see eachother this summer at the beach. I’m excited!
Sarah
March 9, 2010 at 8:32 pmHappy Anniversary!!!! I’ve been feeling pretty nostalgic this week as well- I’m turning 30 in a few days and we celebrate our 8th anniversary this summer. Life has definitely not turned out as I expected but God is faithful to complete this work he began in me:) I’m in love with your blog and your honesty has truly been refreshing. And I’m totally game for a summer free of TV! I always say my kids don’t watch that much but then just tonight my 3 year old daughter told me she wants a baby woopsie(?) like the one she saw on tv. Yeah to much tv around here. Love your pics.
Amy Sims
March 9, 2010 at 8:37 pmHappy Anniversary! Y’all are a sweet couple!!!
jessica
March 9, 2010 at 8:46 pmHello Darby,
Why did you turn off the comments to the last post about forgiveness? I am just curious – I wish I could have called you and told you how the Lord is working in me about disciplining the children I take care of (I’ve been their nanny for three years and they are like mine). Everything you said I have felt and it encouraged me to keep looking to Him. Anyways there is a verse He gave me. But I don’t know if you want anyone to share with you about the last post? Take care and may the Lord draw us closer to Him every day! “I am the Lords! O Joy beyond expression!”
Tara
March 9, 2010 at 8:48 pmDarby…Happy Anniversary! I’ve been visiting you for a while…really love all that you have to say and I can relate to you on so many levels.
Marriage is hard but how wonderful it truly is to have someone that you can choose to love and that also chooses to love you…such a sweet similarity to our walk with Jesus…
life is busy with children..we have 3 also…very, very busy. rich and blessed with lots of laughter…and days like you posted about today where grace and forgiveness must overflow. By the way, a big thank you for being REAL about those kind of days with your kids…so hard to ask for forgiveness and admit to our many flaws but what a great way for our kids to learn the grace of God and the real way to do relationships! You’re a great mom!
And, can I just say how much I love that picture of little boy rover on the tricycle…..look at those dirty little knees and hands…precious. you won’t regret capturing those dirty moments in that little boy’s life. absolutely precious.
lastly, would LOVE to unplug from the TV with my kids…can I do it???? We homeschool so there isn’t a ton of tv for them…but boy, when they get it…we lose them to the “zone.”
I think I can…I think I can…
Lisa @ lists in my pocket
March 9, 2010 at 8:50 pmHappy anniversary Darby and Justin! I enjoyed hearing about how you started – I think humble beginnings are so sweet and so necessary. 🙂
Karen
March 9, 2010 at 8:53 pmHappy Anniversary! And I couldn’t even begin to count the number of times I have had to apologize to my children…not for correcting them, but for the manner in which I did. It is so hard to reconcile – how on earth could I be mean to these most precious gifts? But how grateful I am that His mercies are new every morning and that a broken and contrite heart He will not despise. Thank you for sharing with us your journey of faith.
P.S. Wow. I think an unplugged summer would be amazing.
Jenna
March 9, 2010 at 8:56 pmHappy anniversary! Time flies, no?
I say – go for the unplugged summer! My boys watch zero TV and very, very few DVDs (and are glued just like Rover when they have the opportunity) and I do NOT miss it. Growing up my family didn’t watch TV, but we got to rent a movie for Friday nights, and that was the best and so special. You do so many fun things with your children as it is, I bet you guys would have a blast without TV!
Ashley
March 9, 2010 at 8:56 pmDarby, Happy Anniversary! I totally agree with what you said about marriage. Since Kate was born, we have seen some of the hardest moments, but we have also seen some of the brightest. I am just always reminded of what a testimony our relationship is to the faithfulness of our Lord – He continues to provide for us and reveal more about Himself through our marriage. I am always thankful for one huge aspect of my marriage – the comfort that no matter how bad it gets (or how bad I am!!!), A will never leave me. He’s committed. And that goes a long way 🙂 I can’t believe how big Rover his. Such a cutie. And, I might just go TV-free with you. Summer is easier for adults since the shows aren’t new anyway….anyway…do it!
amanda
March 9, 2010 at 9:02 pmWe were unplugged last Summer (except for the occasional Family movie night or visit to the theater on a rainy day…) and it went really well for the most part – b/c I have some ZONERS!…Happy Anniversary and embrace the JM snuggle fest, it wont last I bet – hope he gives you and Justin the night off to celebrate!!!!
Amy King
March 9, 2010 at 9:04 pmYou have mentioned a few times about your Monday night bible study group. I have a quick question… where do your kids go during that time? I have been wanting to start a similar group but all of the couples have at least two children or more and childcare has become the biggest issue. Just wondering what you do. Happy Anniversary! May the Lord continue to bless your marriage and your family!
Amy King:)
Jennifer
March 9, 2010 at 9:12 pmHappy Anniversary!! Time flies, doesn’t it? I had 5 married years to Erick before Ryan was born, and it was so precious, but I can’t imagine life without my little ones now!
Jack is 3 and climbs into bed with us every night, sometimes midnight and sometimes at 3 am. But I treasure it…he won’t be doing that forever… (*sigh*)
I’m all for an unplugged summer. TV drives me crazy too; if Erick didn’t mind losing ESPN I’d just throw the whole thing out the window!
Joanna
March 9, 2010 at 9:18 pmFWIW – Murphy’s Oil Soap gets out dry erase marker without ruining fabric. It takes a little elbow grease, but it can be done. My daughter was a little messy with her DE markers and ruined my favorite shirt of hers…bleach, hot water, cold water, soaking, scrubbing did nothing to fade the stain 🙁 Three years later, my younger daughter was of the size to wear the shirt and I read on the www that MOS took it out, and SURE ‘NUF!!! it did! Just thought I’d share…
natalie @ our old southern house
March 9, 2010 at 9:22 pmgreat photographs–i love the one with jm in front of the tv. in the one of him outside what is he holding next to his mouth?? i can’t figure it out.
happy 8th anniversary. hope you two have a lifetime of happiness. 🙂
Katie
March 9, 2010 at 9:33 pmHappy Anniversary! I hope y’all had a special day! Love the photos. Thank goodness for spring and sunshine! Let’s hope it sticks around! I agree about TV. I relied on it a lot when I nannied. The AAP recommends TV/video games/computer under 2 hours a day. That still seems like a lot!
Christine
March 9, 2010 at 9:38 pmHappy Anniversary! I love your blog more and more each time I read. Thank you for being so real. And I vote for an unplugged summer, too. I think its a GREAT IDEA!
Annie
March 9, 2010 at 9:40 pmHappy Anniversary! I’ve long loved reading your blog and just had to comment today after reading about your little home on Pine Street. My husband is about to graduate from law school at FSU, and our first teeny-tiny apartment was on Ingleside Avenue, right near Pine. What happy memories! Marriage certainly isn’t easy (and thank you, thank you for acknowledging that!), but it’s also a huge blessing. Thanks for sharing your stories with us!
tiffany
March 9, 2010 at 9:45 pmYes to the unplugged summer!! I hate TV too! We turn our cable off after football season and turn it on just before. I have found that I am the one who abuses the TV at our house – not becuase I watch it, but because it is too easy to tell the kids to get out of the kitchen and go watch TV.
Lisa
March 9, 2010 at 9:53 pmDarby, happy anniversary to you and your husband – may you have many more wonderful, busy years ahead together. Don’t stress about the wee visitor to your bed…the years go by so quickly and the next thing you know, he’ll be locking the door to his room for privacy. Enjoy these fleeting moments!
Jennifer
March 9, 2010 at 10:09 pmHappy Anniversary! What a beautiful family. I am new to your blog. We have the same camera but your pictures are soooooo much better!
Christy
March 9, 2010 at 10:15 pmHappy Anniversary! I wish we lived closer because I know we would be great friends! Our lives are so parallel to each other (which I already knew) but we just have so much in common! We are celebrating our 8th anniversary next month (4/6) and we also have three little ones, 5, 3 and 1…..crazy.
I just mailed the March contract to you today…I can’t figure out why I have such a hard time getting that in the mail!! But at least I’ve paid! Have a good week!
lucy
March 9, 2010 at 11:09 pmhappy anniversary!!! you are so right! marriage is hard…. BUT it is also so rewarding. There are so many blessings in marriage and in parenting, but both also take a lot of work. I thought you explained that so well. In fact, I read it out loud to my husband and said, “this is how I feel!” Thanks for putting my thoughts into words. 🙂
anna
March 9, 2010 at 11:10 pmDarby,
Honestly I don’t know how I came across your blog but it has captured me. Everything from your photography, to your recipes (I made your frosted bananna bars last week–Amazing!)to your gift of writing, to your kids antics and adventures. But I have to say I love the way you bravely allow your faith to seep through it all. Thank you for your realness, for your honesty, for allowing us to see you and your family in your everyday stages of life. Your words on forgiveness and faith were unbelievably encouraging to me. I am right there with you as I raise my two little ones. It is quite humbling when you find yourself asking forgiveness from a three year old. I needed to hear that others are walking this hard journey with me because it is exhausting at time! Thanks for sharing life and sharing the Gospel in such a sweet and gentle way.
Becky
March 9, 2010 at 11:28 pmHappy Anniversary!! Definitely unplug! We have been for 3 years and we love it. We do get a movie now and then.
Julie
March 10, 2010 at 12:02 amI wanted to reply to your post about forgiveness & grace. Thank you! I can not find the words to express what that post meant to me, but thank you for sharing your heart. Your words have touched my soul. Thank you again.
mandy
March 10, 2010 at 7:01 amHey…so happy for y’all! Precious pictures…Unplugged summer? I might think about that…we don’t watch much…but…hmmmm…I might try to do like a week or month of unplugged and see how it goes..good idea! Enjoy your day…Mandy
Abby Maddox
March 10, 2010 at 7:13 amOH I LOVE that first picture of y’all! It’s funny because I’ve been really nostalgic lately as well. Today is Jeremiah’s birthday, and I wrote him a letter filled with memories of when we were first married (maybe it’s the communal living that’s got us thinking the same :)).
I also am with you/convicted about the TV. Since Pace hasn’t been feeling good, it’s been especially bad lately. I FEEL SO GUILTY! Maybe you’re right about truly unplugging it. Let me know if you make the plunge and I just might do it too…It’s just that sometimes, you want there to be an hour when you DONT hear an extreme mess being RE MADE in the next room, ya know?
Tara Verdigets
March 10, 2010 at 7:32 amI was at that wedding and it was beautiful! Justin looks like a baby in that wedding picture! Congratulations on 8 big ones!
Jennifer M
March 10, 2010 at 7:50 amHappy Anniversary! My husband and I just celebrated our 10th on March 3rd and my parents had their 40th back in October. I know what you mean about the nostalgia and sentimentality of it all!
kristy
March 10, 2010 at 7:54 amhappy anniversary! here’s to many many more! 🙂
allison
March 10, 2010 at 8:04 amDarby, your post on forgivness really touched me. You always seem to be able to convey your thoughts and feelings so honestly and beautifully. I admire that so much.
Allison
PS…Happy Anniversary!!
Margaret
March 10, 2010 at 8:06 amHappy Anniversary! I’m with you on the no (or very limited) television. We have an iMac in the living room that we can only watch dvds or shows or movies online (netflix took over our lives when my husband and I both had two weeks off for Christmas). We don’t have a tv with cable because a. we aren’t crazy about our son watching tons of tv, b. we aren’t crazy about our soon falling in love with annoying characters and wanting character-themed everything, c. any shows we watch are posted on that network’s website the day after they air (usually) and we can watch them after our son goes to bed, and d. we found we get alot more done and lots more family without tv, and e. we realized how ridiculously expensive our cable/satellite bill was and figured it was definitely an extra cost that we could cut out without feeling any real pain missing it. Try it out for the summer…I think you’ll find you won’t miss it much.
Lexi
March 10, 2010 at 8:27 amOh Darby, thank you for being so real and sharing that last post with us. You inspire me to be a better Mama! As for bringing Rover into bed with you, I can totally relate. I truly think boys need that that nightime closeness more than girls! I have 2 boys, ages 4 1/2 and two, and we would let the oldest into our bed everynight. We literally had him with us until very recently when his little brother graduated from the crib. After many, many sleepless nights they are now sharing a bed. Getting our big boy to sleep in his own room has been the toughest part of raising him (so far). At 2:45 AM you just want to sleep, so I feel your pain!
Katie
March 10, 2010 at 8:44 amI always love looking at wedding pictures! :o) Happy Anniversary to y’all!
Ugh – I have been feeling the same way about TV. My babies look just like your’s in front of the TV. I’m so tempted to join you in an unplugged summer. Mike and I have been teetering on that decision for a while… (But I can’t give up my Mad Men!) Summertime ought to be easy to give up TV with the babies!! Kinda exciting – 🙂
Rachel Ridd
March 10, 2010 at 8:52 amConrats on your anniversary. I hope that you guys get a chance to do something fun and maybe even kid-free. My husband and I have been married for a little over three years. I feel like things can be busy now, so hearing your words helped me to remember how precious this time is. I know that we want to have children someday, not exactly sure when, but when the day comes, I know that it will change everything. If you ever get the opportunity, I would love for you to post about your decision to stop working and stay at home with the children.
ashley
March 10, 2010 at 9:05 amCongrats on 8 years! Your old residence is in my hood. Also, I loved your post on forgiveness. I do not have kids but I think I learn a lot about parenting through your blog.(Or maybe what can be expected) Thanks for continuing to share the “real/hard” aspects of your life.
Jenna
March 10, 2010 at 9:06 amWe lived without TV for four years….it was GREAT!! We were so much more productive, my child read, used her imagination! We now have TV and she does watch it everyonce in awhile but not like other childern she is around do. I’m so glad we cut TV the first 4 years of her life. I highly suggest you save the money and get rid of your cable for the summer! 🙂
Happy Anniversary!
Bailey
March 10, 2010 at 9:13 amOh my goodness! Congratulations! You and Justin look like BABIES!! Sweet, happy, beautiful babies. Now I know what Pete’s mom keeps saying when looking at Pete and I throughout this wedding process, not condescendingly, just with wonder that we are ready for such a commitment at this young age…”You two are are babies! I’m so proud of my little people”.
Ohhh Rover…I am sure it is a bit of both…that cute little stinker!
Beki - TheRustedChain
March 10, 2010 at 9:20 amHappy Anniversary!
We do 1 Uplug It day a week in the summer.
https://pamperingbeki.blogspot.com/2009/03/unplug-it-challenge.html
It’s amazing what you can fit into a day when there is no technology involved.
We always grumble and complain about it, but it’s such a great thing for the entire family.
Jaye Lynne Rooney
March 10, 2010 at 9:25 am“Crying it out” didn’t work four our now three year old. She would cry herself hoarse. We had to find another way that worked for us, despite the advice we were given many, many times. And you, too, will find your own way through this phase. Perhaps one day those late night giggles will be one of your sweetest memories.
SUSAN
March 10, 2010 at 9:27 amWishing you a very Happy Anniversary! I remember well those sweet and precious times when our children joined us in the middle of the night. Enjoy those moments. They pass too quickly. Wonderful idea about unplugging.
Sarah
March 10, 2010 at 9:34 amSweet Darby, You have made me laugh and cry and very deeply think about my own life. Thank you for sharing all the things you share. I look forward to each new post. Happy Anniversary!
Andrea Young
March 10, 2010 at 9:34 amOh girrrrlll! We turned our tv off a long time ago. Just a few cartoons and I can sense a different attitude in my kids expectations, patience and how they even treat one another. Unplugged summer? Unplugged childhood! Stinks that our culture is so dependent on the tube for entertaining our kids verses engaging WITH them. I have to be careful not to get on my soapbox on that one!!!
iman
March 10, 2010 at 9:54 amCongratulations!!! It’s amazing how time flies. Husband and I will celebrate 12 years this summer!
I’m with you on the tv thing. I don’t let my kids watch any during the week. Saturday mornings they are allowed to watch while I sleep in, and that’s it. They don’t really miss it, ok I’m lying they whine all the time. But eventually they find something else to do. Puzzles have become a big thing at our house.
Cousin
March 10, 2010 at 10:03 amHappy Anniversary! Sweet picture of the Rover! Hopefully I’ll come see you before too long!
Becky
March 10, 2010 at 10:09 amIs that JM on the Miss Princess scooter? ADORABLE!
Wondering if you’re ever going to explain where the crazy dog name came from???
Jessica
March 10, 2010 at 10:36 amCongratulations + happy 8 year anniversary! I think your kids will thank you if you ban TV all summer!
Dianne
March 10, 2010 at 10:55 amOh that wedding picture is full of such joy! Happy Anniversary to a very special couple. May you always be so happy. As an empty nester we have come full circle and now have much free time. I miss the busy days and the chaos in the house. Relish every minute of it.
Still asking for your prayers Darby… my husband is having a very hard time with his health as you know. Love you! Dianne
Hope
March 10, 2010 at 11:02 amI will never forget the year my dad accidentally chopped the cable line while planting a tree and my parents decided to just let it be through the summer. We (my 3 siblings and I) played outside more than ever and learned how to enjoy each other’s company, even as little kids. Unplugging is a fantastic idea!
Ruth
March 10, 2010 at 11:20 amwe’ve been unplugged for 13 years & only started watching dvd’s the last 4 on a monitor…..my father keeps trying to buy a tv for my son who will soon be 12….lol. Dad feels that grandson in being deprived with no tv or game console, so as a consolation he has set up a room with tv & console game for him to use when we visit…ok with me but I tell him ‘you know if he did not have that room here, he would be he would be right here with us chatting & would have probably learned spanish by now’. What I have noticed is that my son seems to get withdrawals symptoms after we leave – attitude, antsy, anger – all this fades within a few hours but wow it blows my mind how much it affects him.
On a final note, we too apologize to our son when we respond in anger and frustation, I believe it is all in the learning, we are not perfect parents & we don’t expect him to be perfect either but we do expect him to recognize his errors just like we do ours. By the way, my sister & I had the same type of episode when we where young almost to a ‘T’ except she used a red lipstick….we both got beating over the whole incident…now we laugh about it & I still hold it against her that it was my first & only beating as a child….lol
jan
March 10, 2010 at 11:30 amHappy Anniversary! Congrats!
Tara McClendon
March 10, 2010 at 11:37 amCongratulations to you both! I remember your wedding like it was yesterday…and I just couldn’t believe that at the time we were old enough to actually be getting married! I so vividly remember the days of emailing back when we were working women…you from the Florida DMV and me from my cubicle at AmSouth. And what was the name of the guy you worked with that provided hours upon hours of hysterical stories?? I can picture him, just can’t think of his name! I missed this yesterday, but I hope you had a WONDERFUL anniversary! Love you both!
Janna
March 10, 2010 at 11:38 amI love your dog!
(and everything else – your first house is adorable and your children are beautiful and your wedding picture is gorgeous and this is one of my favorite blogs to read:)
Tara
March 10, 2010 at 11:49 amWe were tv-less for our first three years of marriage then my parents bought us a tv-still have it 8 yrs later and finally bought a flat screen last year. Now we are renovating our third house there has not been much time to watch anything, we think we only bought the new tv for it’s looks. We tried Cable for a few months Mostly, we don’t like the noise from a Tv, I would rather hear the my boy playing his drums or kids fighting over toys. So I will definitely join in the un-plugged Summer!
Mary Frances
March 10, 2010 at 11:56 amWe definitely were a tv family! We watched Reading Rainbow every afternoon, and The Gnome and of course HeMan and Thundercats…but we also went to the park, and the zoo every Friday, and read Dr. Seuss and the morning paper together. My kids are now 23 and 25…and I miss watching them sleep…in their beds…but I don’t regret showing them what anger looked like. My daughter recalls how frightening it was the first time she saw Mama and Daddy REALLY mad…and how it convinced her she never wanted to provoke that in us again! She said she knew right from wrong, but always counted on my “weakness” for hurting their feelings…until the one day she went too far…it taught her never to rely on someone’s love to forgive a premeditated offense again…she realized anger, envy and jealousy can lead to impulsive acts and words that apologies can’t erase…for either parent or child. My son, a Marine, said he learned even children must take responsibility for doing wrong when they know better…and said more kids would behave better if they knew there would be “medicine” to be given! From the mouths of grown up babes!! Marriage is hard, but time does fly…my love and I pray for another 30 years of it now…savor every moment! Praying for you daily…Mary Frances
eringianni
March 10, 2010 at 12:28 pmi am in for a group effort at little to no tv!!! that pic of jm dazed and fixated looks eerily like diego. i’ve found that not only is that part of tv awful, but if i really sit down and watch it with them, it’s utter and complete junk! no bog news to any other mother, but the older they get, the faster their childhood speeds by, the more i want to preserve them, their innocence, their sense of wonder. that is simply not possible when being overwhelmed by cruddy tv that is really just dumbing us all down. i recently made a household rule that they could not watch any tv (unless sick) during the week and it’s going great so far. more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS on 8 years!!! Here’s to many more 🙂
Paula
March 10, 2010 at 12:50 pmHappy Anniversary! Many more happy ones. Don’t beat yourself up over your dd, read the book; how to talk to kids so kids will listen and kids will talk to you…or something like that. I’ll look it up if you need…then delete that post. You’re normal & that was not a nice thing she did. Maybe try hot, hot water and dove dishwashing liquid to get it out…that or dreft. The dove dishwashing liquid works miracles. If all else fails…I used rit color remover with a load of whites that accidently went thru the dryer with a black crayon in the pocket. Things happen. Don’t stress. It’s gonna be allright! (thinking of that song…wrong words, sorry).
Good day, eh?
Lois Molony
March 10, 2010 at 12:59 pmTo get a good nights sleep, try this. Put your kids to bed as usual. When you go to bed take John Martin and put him in a bed with one or both of the girls (if there is room). He might sleep all night as long as he has a warm body with him.
Meg
March 10, 2010 at 1:14 pmDarby,
When I was growing up, I spent every summer in a drafty old Victorian house by the beach with my cousins. We had one television that had only one functioning channel, so we virtually never watched TV at all. It was the best thing my parents ever did for us. Instead of being glued to a screen, we read mountains of books, played outside every day till it was dark, put on “plays” and had a blast in general. If you can pull it off, I say no TV all the way! 🙂
Meghan
Amanda
March 10, 2010 at 1:59 pmMy Mom used to unplug our TV in the summer. She claims we thought it didn’t work during the day BUT according to my memory, I thought is was a no-no until Dad got home for the news.
It is a great idea! 🙂
Amanda
Alison
March 10, 2010 at 2:07 pmThe picture of your son in front of the tv is too much. I just got strange looks from coworkers (yes….I’m reading blogs whilst at work!) because I burst out laughing. Love it!
Jen
March 10, 2010 at 2:13 pmYour littles are still really young, which I think makes it hard(er) to unplug at any time of the year, so you’ll hear no judgement from me! That said, the last couple of years we have had accidentally unplugged summers simply because we spend so much time outside/at the pool/playing games that we forget that it is there. Forgetting the tube is so much fun, and when the summer does end I feel like we had such a good time (as opposed to just passing the time).
Love that wedding pic!
jenn
March 10, 2010 at 3:25 pmHappy 8th year!!! Congrats!!! How I can identify with life being simpler in those earlier years, but somehow so much richer in these later, much more chaotic years!
And regarding the TV, we’ve been “unplugged” for six years…we don’t even have the ability to pick up local stations. Now, we do use the TV for dvds, but that’s it. And it is wonderful. So very wonderful! I hope you take the plunge. I know you won’t regret it. 🙂
christi
March 10, 2010 at 3:52 pmhappy anniversary darby!
daniel and i have been tv free, almost, (except for movies) for over a year. we have on tv in our two bedroom house — it’s in the bedroom. i don’t watch it. period. daniel watches sports center during football season (and i’m long asleep at that point!) and texas tech games are on during season. we watch about a movie a week together. it’s nice because we spend the time we used to watch tv still together, just reading, talking or doing projects.
we are moving at the end of the year and just last night, daniel said, “i think we’ll get a tv for the family room in the new house but i wonder if we can only get espn.” i laughed because really, that is all that will be used for (and movies).
try it with your kids! you are so hands on already. growing up we never watched tv (my younger siblings were a different story!) but had quiet play time instead!
Kristy Dorminy
March 10, 2010 at 4:02 pmHappy Anniversary! Such fun.
We don’t have cable…haven’t had it for about nine months. IT IS THE BEST THING EVER. The kids watch LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and a few other dvds, but I cannot tell you how I LOVE that we don’t have cable. I could go on and on about it, but I won’t. I would just say that you won’t be alone if you choose an unplugged summer. Fun! Oh, and don’t start with Season 3 if by chance you are interested in purchasing Little House videos. It is an intense season, to say the least. 🙂
Emily
March 10, 2010 at 4:19 pmHappiest anniversary wishes to you and your soul mate. I love your blog because it’s beautiful and honest. Your life together is inspirational. I love that you share stories of the two of you as a couple as well as a family with your children. So often, the “two of you” gets lost when the children come along. Marriage is hard… and it is wonderful and one of the most fulfilling struggles in life (mine is at least). Two people will always have some different ideas and hopes and dreams but as long as they work together toward common goals, love can overcome those differences. Love is work and sometimes it is painful – but it’s always worth it. Thank you for your honesty.
A TV free summer sounds great! I don’t have children but I’m sure you can plan lots of wonderful adventures for yours this summer! Except during rainy stretches maybe… then you can have a movie marathon or something. Or a read-a-thon – we used to do that on rainy summer days when I was little. Good Luck!
Kristen
March 10, 2010 at 4:53 pmthank you for your post on forgiveness. i needed to read that and it reminded me of so many days with my daughter and how i feel entitled to act bad some days when i am really supposed to be the adult. forgiveness is key in any relationship.
i love your blog and the real feelings you put out there.
more wedding pics please!
Molly House
March 10, 2010 at 5:43 pmI grew up with no TV and just got married in November and me and my husband are TV-less. We do watch DVD’s but with out TV we spend more time together, read, and get a lot done around our house. We love projects! Go for no TV!
Kate
March 10, 2010 at 7:32 pmHappy Anniversary! We share a special day as it is my bday. My husband and I met for lunch today at the restaurant where we had our first date and walked around the town that we spent our first few years of marriage – including taking a peak at our first apartment. A perfect day – and so springlike which is wonderful up here in the northeast. Funny how life manages to get a bit crazy —ah but how blessed to share the craziness w/ the man you love. Many happy returns!
(I so enjoyed your previous entry…my daughter is 10 and a dream, but I too find myself apologizing for my own childish behavior when I become frustrated and lose my temper. I pray each and everytime that the next time I will remember that I’m the grown-up. I’m not there yet, but I’m so grateful for her forgiveness and the Lord’s. God Bless and thanks for sharing.
Kristi
March 10, 2010 at 7:42 pmHappy Anniversary!!!! We will be celebrating our 11th in August and it truly gets better as time marches on! I originally came here today to tell you that I was googling “brick with board and batten shutters” and guess what comes up? LOL! Your exterior is beautiful. We are building and cannot make up our minds on the exterior to save our lives. Inside is all set, but this outside is making us nuts!
On the no tv front, well I can totally sympathize with you! My twins who just turned 9 LOVED tv and still do, however when it’s nice out they would rather be outside (thank GOD). I always was very selective about what they watched (and still am) mostly either approved stations (old cartoons, Boomerang if you have it)or DVD’s. On the flip side, my daughter who is 19 months will NOT watch anything. I mean absolutely.nothing.at.all.!!! While I should be happy and I am, it would be nice if she liked SOMETHING. When I turn on something she walks over and closes the doors to the armoire, LOL!!
I agree on the unplugged summer!! Last summer my kids went 3 weeks STRAIGHT without watching anything at all. I thought that was great! And when they did finally watch something (I was keeping track and watching closely) they were bored with it quickly and went to play legos, LOL! 🙂
Kristi
Kristi
March 10, 2010 at 7:46 pmps- I forgot to say that I hate tv as well. I don’t follow or watch anything. I used to watch hgtv years ago, but they got a little wonky too, lol. Too many of the same style shows! The extent of my tv watching is Nancy Grace once in a blue moon, LOL.
My husband is a History channel addict. I wish you could buy JUST the stations you watch!!!! that would be great!!! 🙂
Jill S.
March 10, 2010 at 8:48 pmHope you had a wonderful anniversary. My husband and I will also be celebrating our eighth anniversary this year. Your note on forgiveness from your daughter really hit home with me. I too am the mother of three young ones (four year old twin sons and a one year old daughter). I can’t tell you how many times a day I pray for patience because I fall short a lot of the time and end up acting like the child instead of the adult. You are very encouraging and your words really meant a lot.
Angela
March 10, 2010 at 10:38 pmHappy anniversary! My husband and I will have our 8th this year, too. I agree with all of your comments. Each stage of life has its sweetness. And for the record, unplugged is the only way to go! We’ve never had a TV in our married life (although for the record we keep inching closer). As of right now our kiddo watches maybe 2 shows per month (except at Grandma’s – lots more there) and we watch a few shows a week on the computer plus a movie or two a month. I read more books, get more done, and just feel more relaxed. One word of advice, though….it’s hard at first, and the first six months to a year is the worst (especially in the winter up north here). Once you get past that, the tv free life is addictive!
Karen Jo Moseley
March 10, 2010 at 11:27 pmJust the thought of the “middle of the night” giggle made me smile. But, then I got to the picture of your Lil’ Rover standing in front of the TV and I really GIGGLED! So darn CUTE!! Happy Anniversary! You are a lovely couple with THE cutest lil munchkins in the world!
Becca~TimeWellSpent
March 10, 2010 at 11:44 pmHappy Belated Anniversary. It certainly flies by. We had 6 years before we had kids and I look back now and wonder what I did?
Your kids are so cute, love the frog! My little boy would LOVE that!
Had to make a quick comment here about your prior post. Boy oh boy, have I been there too. There have been many times I’ve said “I’m sorry” to my children. While it’s never a fun thing and I always feel so incredibly terrible about the things I’ve said I am always so amazed at their easy forgiveness. I feel I could have written that post myself and I know that sick feeling of having hurt the very little ones I love more than life itself. I always take comfort after talking to my mom. She relays to stories of her parenting days with my sister and I and how often she felt the same way!
Lindsay
March 11, 2010 at 8:10 ami am so glad to know that i am not the only one who seems to fail at the whole cry it out thing. i have a one year old little boy and every night he wakes up and is in bed with us. Too cute and funny that he laughs in bed with yall!!! what sweet tiring moments! love your blog. I have to say that i stalk it! : ) thanks for all the encouragement!
lindsay
elizabeth
March 11, 2010 at 9:39 amhappy anniversary!
im all about no tv. i confess i used wonderpets and dora to “babysit” sometimes while i clean house or cook dinner. how do you get everything done with kids at your ankles and demanding your time?
Katherine @ Grass Stains
March 11, 2010 at 10:14 amHappy anniversary! Our version of Rover (almost the same age) was in the Director’s office when my husband got to daycare last night. He was “in trouble” for hitting the littler kids in his class. With two older brothers (7 and 5), it’s no mystery where he picked up that kind of behavior. 😉 Still, embarrassing! I love your and Erika’s blogs and read every single post. Thanks for the fun glimpse back at how your marriage began!
Emily Morrice
March 11, 2010 at 10:20 amHi Darby, happy anniversary!
So you’ve have been married 8 years and your oldest (i think) is about 5, meaning you got pregnant after 2 years of marriage (give or take).
I’m asking because I’m pregnant, after about one (short but glorious!) year of marriage and am hoping to read somewhere in the blogosphere about having kids early within marriage from a Christian prospective. Any thoughts?
Denise
March 11, 2010 at 10:44 amHappy Anniversary! You two are a beautiful couple with beautiful children!
andi
March 11, 2010 at 2:08 pmCongrats!!!!! We are thankful for you two and how God is using you to encourage us and so thankful for your friendship! Thanks for your precious post about grace, I am so with you!!!! Hope you all had a great anniversary!
Brandi
March 11, 2010 at 3:04 pmHappy Anniversary. Congratulations!!!
I don’t know what I would do with an ‘unplugged’ summer. I think I would go crazy, sad, but true. I have a 13 yr. old that would be lost I think! However, I admire your ambition.
Your children will always remember how thoughtful and caring you are after your reproof. The positive always outweighs the negative.
You have a beautiful spirit. Thank you for being so honest.
Angie
March 11, 2010 at 3:44 pmHappy Anniversary! I understand (completely) the thoughts you’ve expressed on marriage. Re: going unplugged…our choice to do w/o cable in our home wasn’t fully intentional. At 2 weeks after our move, when the cable company still hadn’t “confirmed our address” (new subdivision), I called them and cancelled after getting my hubby on board w/the idea. I figured we’d lasted 2 weeks…why not try to be w/o the lackluster viewing options and save the money(?).
It is a tad like “withdrawal” initially, but after seeing the way our kids interact and get creative w/their play, I realize that the free library dvd’s and free Redbox movie codes work just fine in conjunction w/our own dvd collection. We’re in a better place financially, but now I can’t imagine spending so much time in front of another mindless reality show. I do miss things like the Olympics, elections, and HGtv/food network/A&E. We treat the kids to an overnight at a hotel every now and again for pool time, eating out, and tv time…that seems to satisfy everyone’s cable “need” until the next visit.
Take care!
Sarah
March 11, 2010 at 3:59 pmjust wanted to say congratulations on your anniversary! what a classic bridal look–you look gorgeous and your hair/dress/makeup/veil are not at all dated, even 8 years later!!
Cassity @ Remodelaholic
March 11, 2010 at 10:00 pmCongratulations! We are just working on our ninth year and I still love it! I am thankful to have a good marriage experience!
As for the unplugged summer, I am all for it! Once Lost is over I will be officially un-hooked on any show… thank heaven!
cait
March 11, 2010 at 10:55 pmhappy anniversary! 🙂 two years have flown by for us..i’m sure it just keeps flying by faster as the years pass. we have both been so consumed with work and school that we have had the tv off so much in the evenings. I have absolutely loved it. it’s so refreshing. I could totally go for an “unplugged” summer…too many wonderful things to get into outside.
HappyCamper
March 12, 2010 at 9:50 amthis talk of unplugged in many lives television is a common thread. granted we are speaking in terms of young children for the unplugged but all things in moderation. The straight A high school student piano playing math whiz probably watches little if any television but then they would not do well in Cash Cab. and they no doubt are the truly profoundly intelligent by academic standards and the PHDs of tomorrow researching the world’s ills. But they were taught at an early age to play the violin as music is known to make those brain neurons and synapses to connect more easily, quickly– helps to fuse them . birds of a feather flock together this is so true Diversity makes the world go round If any of you have never heard of Gilmore Girls I think it speaks to the cultural threads that weave through the lives of the multi- media generation. is that a good thing bad thing who is to say –It was a wildly popular show that dealt with issues at the time were current and I argue the point still today. If you can rent the DVD becareful it is like reading a blog only it is a audio visual thing — on the topic of children hitting someone — does this occur out of the watchful eye of an adult or does this kind of behavior occur when moms are aware of the interactions? I ask. as believe it or not children want to be the center of attention and as tiresome as that may be even when you think oh how nice they play together do not ignore do not hover but why not interact to some degree — a kindergarten teacher drill Sargent does not like repeating themselves to maintain order one must know and recognize when their child is on sensory overload and well too much stimulation is well too much stimulation –My point little Jimmy may be able to cope with an hour at the play ground where as little betty may be only able to deal with 20 minutes. Alright enough of my thoughts as I know the comment section may not be the place to encourage a free market place of ideas but comment I did.
Jenni
March 12, 2010 at 8:14 pmWe are TV free and I love it. I only have a one year old, but after the hussle, bustle, and noise of his day care and my job, it is wonderful to come home to peace and quiet. I am sure we will have TV one day, but that day is not today.
Dana Shawver
March 13, 2010 at 6:07 pmDarby! This is so incredibly random but my husband and I met you guys on your honeymoon in St. Lucia….
Through a weird series of coincidences you keep popping up in my life and I just wanted to say hey! First we meet in St. Lucia, then I find out that you are a sorority sister of my friend Megan Shropshire’s now I randomly get introduced to your blog through one of my great friends here in Carlsbad, CA of all places!!! I am a complete dinosaur when it comes to blogging so I had no idea you were into this so big time! Your family is beautiful…
I would love to catch up! I am sitting her looking at a picture of the four of us out to dinner in St. Lucia!!! I never would have put it together that this was your blog if not for the wedding photo that you just posted—since we just had our anniversaries!!! Congrats on 8 years!!! We just had our second boy in August and our first, Will, will be two this coming Saturday 🙂 It is so great to see that you guys are doing so well! XXXOOOO
Dana and Jay Shawver
pijika Mr. panyawat
March 14, 2010 at 4:36 amThe Bananagrams game has won several awards and has received high reviews from everyone from toy stores to schools. There’s even a Facebook application for the game. It’s also a really great game for travel since it’s so portable and small. If you’re looking for some addicting fun for the whole family or just a little stress relief from your busy life, then go do yourself a favor and invest in a Bananagram for instant entertainment!
Stephanie
March 14, 2010 at 3:12 pmHappy Anniversary! I have been reading your blog of a couple of months and guess what – I live on Colonial Dr. just around the corner from where you used to live. How weird to find that out and so neat! Unplugged Summer sounds like a great idea. I’m in grad school at FSU and I think it would give me a lot of time back that I don’t even realize I’ve lost.
Best,
Stephanie
Amanda Kuzak
March 14, 2010 at 8:26 pmGive up the TV, you won’t miss it! My husband and I moved from Chicago to California 5 months ago and we didn’t bring our TV with us and I haven’t missed it at all. If we want to watch a movie or a show on hulu we get out our flat panel computer and it is just as nice.
Ashley
March 15, 2010 at 10:59 amFirst, Congrats on your anniversary!! I love the old house with the window boxes makes me miss my old house when I had window boxes too! The unplugged summer sounds like a good idea!
Jenn
March 15, 2010 at 11:30 amWhat a great post, Darby! Just what I needed. I love the old house, too. I live there now. 😉 What a fun Web surprise I had yesterday seeing that picture. Hope all is well over your way. xo
Mrs. R
March 17, 2010 at 10:37 amLove your blog and congrats on your anniversary! Unplug the TV!! We do not watch TV at all and only have one downstairs for guests and one in the guest room. You really will find that you do not miss it. Too much fun stuff to do in the world. My husband always say “live your life vs watch other ppl live their life” .
Erin Joy
March 25, 2010 at 2:39 pmMy friend at work e-mailed me the name of your blog, and I must say it is just causing the time to fly by in between phone calls. 🙂 I am really encouraged to hear that you are/were considering having a unplugged period in your lives. I have nothing against TV itself, although a lot of what is on is of little value anymore these days…I just hate how it can sap hour after hour and when you finally blink and stir and try to sit up, you realize just how much time has passed and feel like a slob for sitting around. (Or maybe that’s just me?).
My husband & I (married for a year & a half) made the choice before we were married to have a TV without any kind of service on it – it’s only for DVD’s & our Wii. People look at us like we’re from SPACE or something when we tell them, but honestly we have never missed it. Recently we were visiting some friends our ours who were just hanging out, watching TV – so we sat down with them and zonked out for 2 hours. Again – nothing inherently wrong with that, but at the end of our visit, we didn’t know our friends any better & the shows weren’t even that great. I’m a HUGE fan and say it absolutely can be done! It might be a bit of an adjustment at first, but I think if you try it out you’ll love how much time you have. 🙂 Now if I could just train myself to avoid facebook…
Lauren
April 1, 2010 at 3:03 pmI’m all for it! We canceled our cable and have never looked back. I LOVE not being so attached to that stupid box!