All This And Heaven: Need TV Watching Advice (Please offer a comment)

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Need TV Watching Advice (Please offer a comment)

So how much TV do you watch? How much are you willing to pay for it? Do you watch it live? Do you record and catch up? Do you stream?

This is how we were feeling. We have always felt very attached to our shows. We thought it was a must. TV is an essential, right? I know that sounds silly but we thought so. The idea of letting go never crossed our minds. We are not one of "those" families that hates all things of the world. I do not believe that TV is evil. Our family has bonded over our love of certain shows. J and I have found it to be a crucial part of our parenting. We have watched TV with our kids. When things come up in the show we talk. We have always had a world full of lessons on had as we start our evening family time.

There have been a couple of things that happened lately within the shows that we love that pushed me into cutting the cord. I see it as a new adventure and the rest of the family sees it as a punishment. I really am not sure if we will make it. I do admit that calling and canceling our service was fun. Our budget will enjoy the changes I am sure. I am embarrassed to say that we have been spending about $130 a month for the convenience of turning on the TV and having a show there all ready.

I am writing this after one day of switching. Dad was out of town last night and texted me about a cool show he watched from his hotel room last night. Ouch, we don't how to use this new thing yet and he was rubbing it in.

Roku, we went this method but I am not sure why. I am beginning to wonder if a disk player with the streaming options would have worked just as well. This is where you come in. Do you stream? How do you do it? What channels or apps do you think it is important to pay for? Give me a list of great shows that you have enjoyed as a family.

This little box (about the size of two hockey pucks stacked) has a lot ridding on it. (It was a great deal for the one time purchase of $79 so I am still ahead for the first month if we can make this work!) So this might be the right decision. We might still be able to have TV without the high costs and crazy shows that we don't want to support but we are not opposed to TV? Where does that leave us?

I was lost last night trying to decide what to watch and how to watch it. We have Netflicks ($7.95 a month) and have enjoyed that for years, it is wonderful for older shows and movies. We are also Amazon Prime ($79 yearly) members so that gave us more options. Honestly we joined Prime because of the free shipping for Amazon. I was amazed at all the shows that does open up to us.

BUT, neither are great for the latest TV shows and we discovered that many of the channels are subscription only. So what do you watch, how do you watch it? We love all kinds of shows from SciFi to Period Pieces to the latest Disney. So I need recommendations to search out. I would also love to know what channels or apps you subscribe to. (Is Hulu Plus worth the minimal costs?)

This picture might show all that is possible but to win my family over I am going to need some help. I don't want to be so old that I refuse to learn new ways of doing things, but help! I feel lost when it comes to TV. How do you watch sports? How do you catch up on the news? I know this is all possible, but I am lost.

After you stop laughing at me - go ahead I deserve it - please leave me a comment and help me out or at least recommend your favorite movies or shows!

4 comments:

StephanieFebruary 5, 2014 at 12:55 PM
We ditched cable 3 years ago. We have "rabbit ears" antenna (although it's more modern looking than the rabbit ears of olden days) and we are able to pick up 4 of the major networks. You are closer to the big city than us so you might get more than we do! We are able to watch one of those channels live if there's a show/game we want to watch. We also have the ability to connect our laptop to our tv so if I want to watch something online (free Hulu shows, EWTN through their website, or an Aggie football game on ESPN), it's just a few cords and we can watch it on TV. Our tv is a "smart" tv, so if we chose to subscribe to Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Hulu, we could choose shows through aps on the tv. It's pretty cool, but we haven't done that as of yet. We considered Roku but this system works for us for now. There are SO many ways to watch tv these days- once you figure it out you won't miss the cable- or the bill!
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MeganFebruary 6, 2014 at 7:57 AM
We haven't had cable for several years. We have Roku with Amazon prime. We also subscribe to netflix and hulu (less than $9/mo each). I honestly do not miss cable at all. I keep up with all my current TV shows via Hulu (they are available the next morning). The kids watch movies and shows on netflix. We rent movies via Amazon Prime. I watch Downton Abbey via the PBS app on Roku. We also have a Mohu leaf antenna that we only use to watch sports events that are on the major networks. I haven't missed cable at all, and I love that the kids don't get bombarded with commercials. I can always tell when they have watched TV elsewhere because they come home wanting things they saw on TV. George does miss some of the sports events (things on ESPN and fox sports aren't available through Roku), but not enough to go back to cable.
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ValerieFebruary 6, 2014 at 1:57 PM
We have cable. I hate it…b/c even though I try to set limits it is so easy to just "give in" and "turn on". I'm so impressed with families like yours that cut the cable cord!!! Good for you. And I agree with your above commenters that there are so many TV viewing options these days that don't require cable. Sorry I can't be more help…we have Netflix, but that's it. With 1000 cable channels who needs more???!!! LOL I will say that we pretty much don't watch anything "live" anymore…I feel that we really need to monitor the commercial watching with our three…and I love the ability to fast-forward through those!

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Take a peek into our life as a big family in Houston, TX. Welcome to the electronic journal for the Texas T family. This blog was created to share some moments of our life with you. Often having 11 children (including twins), homeschooling, and being incredibly active in our Catholic faith we are asked “How do you do it?” We invite you to look around, sign up as a follower, and peek into the answer to that question. Remember we are not a perfect family; but I won't post the bad stuff.

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We believe (I believe) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man; was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by the Prophets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church you are also our Mother of Perpetual Help. With hearts full of love for you we consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart so that we may be your devoted children. Obtain for us true sorrow for our sins and fidelity to the promises of our Baptism. We consecrate our minds and hearts to you that we always do the Will of our heavenly Father. We consecrate our lives to you that we may love God better and live not for ourselves but for Christ, your Son and that we may see Him and serve Him in others. By this humble act of consecration dear Mother of Perpetual Help we pledge to model our lives on you, the perfect Christian. So that, consecrated to you in life and in death we may belong to your Divine Son for all eternity. Amen

St. Joseph ~ Pray For Us!

NINE-DAYS NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH (Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometime during the 16th century, it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it with them, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.) Say this prayer for nine days for anything you may desire. Then let go and let God. Trust that whatever is the outcome of your novena is truly what is best for you in accordance with the will of God.) O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote to a couple that had a miscarriage. In response to their question, “What is going to happen to my child? The child didn’t get baptized,” St. Bernard said, “Your faith spoke for this child. Baptism for this child was only delayed by time. Your faith suffices. The waters of your womb — were they not the waters of life for this child? Look at your tears. Are they not like the waters of baptism? Do not fear this. God’s ability to love is greater than our fears. Surrender everything to God.”

St. Jude ~ Pray For Us!

(Novena say this for 9 days) Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here)- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.

St. Anthony of Padua ~ Pray For Us!

Holy Saint Anthony, gentle and powerful in your help, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were always ready to request for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the Saint of miracles. Gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart is ever full of human sympathy, take my petition to the Infant Savior for whom you have such a great love, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Need TV Watching Advice (Please offer a comment)

4 comments:

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