kids and tv

i've noticed that no one (including myself) ever talks about their kids and tv. if you were to judge strictly off pictures, you would be led to believe that every child out there is spending their time crafting, exploring outdoors, playing with dolls or reading and NEVER sitting in front of the tv. as much as i wish that was the case for my family, it just isn't. my children do watch tv. we don't have live tv, but we do have netflix through the Xbox. this is pretty ideal because there are no commercials and commercials are by far my least favorite aspect of television. since balance and moderation are my goal for all aspects of life, i won't be taking a sledgehammer to the screen any time soon like i have fantasies of doing. instead i'd like to share with you some of our favorite children's tv shows.

1. Maurice Sendak's Little Bear- by far my favorite! all my kids have loved this show. little bear is polite and respectful and goes on all sorts of adventures with his animal friends. it's slow paced and has nice, calm music. i can't recommend it enough!

2. Maisy Mouse- again, all my children enjoyed this show. it too is slow paced, colorful and you won't find any bratty characters trying to teach your 4 year old some lame lesson. that is my #1 complaint about kids shows, they show a character acting horribly through the entire episode, then at the very end they learn some lesson about sharing or manners and a little child is suppose to be mature enough to think, "oh, i see! i shouldn't behave the way so and so just did for the last 20 minutes!" yeah right! i think a lot of those shows actually teach children bad behavior. what do you think?

3. Blue's Clues- great show. and i prefer steve, i was sad when he was replaced :D

4.Kipper The Dog- who doesn't love a little british dog? he is one of shane's favorites and i remember max loving the show as well.

5. Yo Gabba Gabba- this is not my favorite (for reasons listed in #2) but boy does marianne love it! the second the episode starts she is dancing until the end. actually, all the kids will watch this. since i have such a wide range of ages (an almost 14 year old down to a 1 and 1/2 year old) the older kids have to watch things they are too old for but since this show is funny and has current bands featured it will somewhat keep the older two entertained.

6. School House Rock- the best! from the awesome animation to the super catchy, educational songs it's a home run all the way! we have the DVD set and everyone loves it.
  
what are your thoughts about kids and tv? do you allow your children to watch it and if so what are your favorite shows?   

♥anne

the wonder years

i was so stoked to find out yesterday, that the wonder years is FINALLY available on netflix. i've been waiting years to re watch one of my all time favorite tv shows ever! the music, the wardrobe, kevin and winnie...what more could you ask for!? i'm squealing with delight as i'm typing this. ok. gotta go watch the first episode!

♥ anne

Spectacles and T- Shirts

I'm not much of a television watcher, but Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... is seriously worth checking out. We just discovered it and have been watching past episodes for the last few nights. I'm not going to go on and on about how much I love Elvis because he deserves a post of his own. But, what I will say is, head on over to the Sundance channel and watch this show (or you can watch it online).
Another recent discovery of mine is Worn Free T- shirts. They are all remakes of famous tee's worn by musicians and such. I really want The Flying Burrito Bros. one! I never really wear t-shirts, but if I had this one I would. Anyway, if this type of thing interests you, definitely check out their shop.



Friday is here y'all! Hope the weekend treats you good.
♥ anne

Top That!!!

I saw a few bloggers out there talk about this video. I just had to post it. This scene from Teen Witch has always been a favorite and to see it redone is so rad! My sister and I use to reenact this together. You have to watch it!

I especially love it because Alia Shawkat is in it. Ruben just gave me the whole Arrested Development series on DVD. I have to say, I think it may be the funniest t.v. show ever. Maybe even funnier than Seinfeld. Don't quote me on that :) I have a really hard time saying something is the best or my favorite. For some reason I feel like it will be written in stone and I can never change my mind. Weird, I know.

Here's to 2010 topping 2009! I hope you all have fun tonight.
♥ anne