Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Face Forward

(30 minute self portrait. No, those are not worms in my hair, they are supposed to be curls. Curls are as hard to draw as they are to style.)
My sister once told me a story about a mother who spent so much time on the computer that one day her little son brought her a picture he drew of her and it only showed her back, because that was all he saw. I have been noticing a lot lately (ok, for awhile now), that whenever my kids talk to me I have to turn around. I have to turn around because I'm usually facing the computer. This is not something I like about myself. It was because of my time on the computer that my kids got stuck watching too much TV. It was because of my time on the computer that I ended up addicted to online TV watching. I have managed to cut both of those things out of my life but yet I still find myself showing only my back to my children all too often. Lent starts tomorrow and is, in my opinion, a perfect time to make yet another change around here. Starting tomorrow I will no longer let my children see me on the computer for the next 40 days. This means that all computer activities must be done before they wake up, while they nap (IF they nap), or after they have gone to bed. Wowy, this is a big one for me. Luckily I got rid of TV before this so it won't be completely cold turkey. Wish me luck, and forgive me if I don't comment as often as I'd like on your blogs.

14 comments:

An Ordinary Mom said...

I am actually super impressed with your artistic abilities. My skills remain in the drawing ability remain right above Cory's :) !!

Misty said...

You are an IMPRESSIVE one, dear.

You'll do it, if any one can.

And, I have some thing for you on my blog. Come get it! (when you have time)

xo Misty

cindy kay said...

What a commitment. I do wish you luck and success!

Sea Star said...

My daughter is always telling my husband that I am on the computer all day. I am not but I do often get on to just check one more thing.

Maybe this is a good rule. No computer in front of the kids. I don't know if I could do it but it sounds great!

Good Luck!

Scribbit said...

I LOVE the cartoon--you should have that put on notecards or something!

Anonymous said...

That sounds hard!! I like the idea, though. I have been thinking a lot lately, about how much (little) real attention my kids get from me. I have energy again, in this second trimester, I should use it for good and not.... well not as good!

Good Luck!!

Family Adventure said...

Good luck. You'll be missed...but the kids will love it, I'm sure!

Heidi

Lisa said...

I love that cartoon, too!! Such talent. There are so many ways that I can relate to this. I think when the kids are young it is so easy to be in front of the computer. However, when they are older, it's easy to wish to turn back time to redo. You are doing the right thing. I worked from home and was always on the computer. I am so thankful to have given up that job, but it's hard to make up that time. Good luck. Lots of prayers for you!!

Becky Frame said...

So convicting!

Sonja said...

I also think you are a terrific artist! Good luck with Lent. I totally understand.

Packer Family said...

I'm going to do it too! Just reading your blog I realized that I have been on the computer with Caden awake way too much! I'm starting today!

Anonymous said...

I needed to read this and oh boy, do I need to work on this one too! I actually have a really funny story about this, I think I'll blog about it soon. I'm trying though, I use Google reader for about 30 blogs and I don't comment nearly so much, though I miss that interaction. I love all the good ideas I find, but forget that if I don't get up off this chair I don't have a chance to use them all. Anyway, thanks for this.

just jamie said...

What a good Mommy you are (and artist, too). I can empathize. My daughter said to me the other day, "Mommy when are you going to be all-done with your computer?"

Kind of makes me wince.

(They're still sleeping right now.)

Unknown said...

I think this is a really great idea. I have thought often that I need to do this as well. Good luck with sticking to it. I know you can.

Loved your self portrait, you have some hidden talent there.

Kim @ TheBitterBall