How important is your TV?

Last night our TV went fuzzy around 5:30. It wouldn't turn off until we unplugged it and now it won't turn on. My boys thought the world was over! "What can we do now Mom?" said Logan. I told him we could do lots of things: play games, listen to music or read books together. They all got so so excited. First we listened to some old country tapes Kirk has and then we ate dinner at the table (we usually do) but we weren't rushed to get done a certain time. We hung out upstairs, studied our scriptures as a family and everyone found something to do. The boys made a fun fort in Dallins room with blankets and flashlights. By 7:30 the boys got ready for bed and they were in bed by 8:00. I went to Mervyns to check out their one day sale (awesome clearance prices!) and got home around 9:00. Kirk and I just talked and snuggled and were in bed before 10:00! No news, no favorite shows and yet my world still is turning. I think this "crisis" will be a blessing in disguise and I don't think I will push getting a new TV anytime soon. This morning the boys did miss watching Arthur before school, but we also were ready way before time to leave and even sat down to breakfast instead of eating something in the car. It made me think about how people are in such a hurry and never think they have enough time to do everything on their "list". How much time would we actually have if we "broke" our TV's for even a week? How much closer as families would we be? How many more books would we read? How much more sleep would we get? Sometimes I find myself irritated when I miss my favorite shows, but come on, how important is it for me to see one more murder solved? Anyway, it's been nice and hard at the same time. Dallin my two year old was crying and crying for Scooby Doo this morning (sad I know, he's only TWO!) so I did get out our portable DVD player we have for long car trips and let him watch a little. I didn't realize what a habit we've formed in our family. I need to get creative and do things with the boys instead of depending on the TV to entertain them. We'll see how long we can last!!! I was so looking forward to the Medium two hour premiere on Wednesday. I'm pretty sure I'll survive though!
Beth