Reading Log 2023 for MarksvilleandMe

 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here. 

Finally getting back into my reading mode and have gotten a few read already with a few I am working on right now. In case you are just tuning in, I am working on one of my bucket list items which would be to read the whole original Nancy Drew Series. I read quite a few when I was younger but I wanted to read them all in order. I was lucky to find a great deal and add them to my new collection of books. To be honest most of my books are now digital but I still love an actual book where I can feel the page being turned and see the progress of how far I am in by looking at the binding and where my bookmark is. I would love to hear what you are reading right now. 

This Christmas is very different

 This Christmas is very different, and at first, I felt horrible. Then I kept seeing post after post about others who were late putting up their trees, hadn't started shopping, lost a loved one, didn't feel in the Christmas Spirit, posts from families looking for help this Christmas season, etc. and I realized we weren't alone. 

Prices are higher everywhere, and people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, keep food on the table, and clothe their families, there is war and turmoil throughout the world, overdoses, suicide, genocide, crime, you name it. I am sure you or someone close to you is having a rough time too.

Our family is falling apart, we have had our share of bumps this year that have turned our world upside down. Have we given up? Most certainly not, we just need to regroup and trudge forward. In the end, we will come out stronger and wiser. 

Life is a never-ending path of feeling hopeless and accomplished, feeling clueless and learning, falling and picking oneself up, going without and helping others, feeling idol, and then growing by leaps and bounds. 

This year my faith has been tested more times than I can count. My heart has been broken in so many ways it felt like I was going to die. People have said many awful things to me and about me, all I can do is keep praying and know that we are not alone, others are struggling just like our family. 

I am thankful to have friends who have been there for me through it all, checking up on me, listening to me, cheering me on, giving me advice, and trying to cheer me up by posting funny memes, words of wisdom, or verses from the Bible, as well as praying for our family. Most of all I am glad I have Jesus because even when I feel most alone I am reminded that he never leaves my side.

So for those who are struggling this year with Christmas or any of the Holidays know you are not alone. 

Bentkey Kids Streaming Service + Giveaway

 This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Bentkey

Bentkey is a kid's entertainment streaming service that includes original and licensed content and characters that families will love, and parents can trust. Bentkey is dedicated to creating the next generation of timeless stories that transport kids into a world of adventure, imagination, and joy.

Bentkey’s new app is available now with over 150 episodes of 16 shows — including four Bentkey originals. Over the last year, Bentkey has produced four original series called Bentkey Adventures. New episodes will arrive every Saturday morning, and new series will be added to Bentkey on an ongoing basis.

Bentkey's dedicated team curates content from around the world that they would trust their kids with. They watch every minute of every show to ensure they are great for kids while never insulting your values.

Download the app to watch free episodes and get to know the characters. To access the full library, become a Bentkey subscriber and unlock:

• Exclusive new Bentkey Adventures
• Hundreds, and soon to be thousands, of hand-curated episodes for kids and family viewing
• New episodes every Saturday
• Access across multiple devices so you can watch your favorites on mobile, tablets, and TV apps
• Entirely ad-free platform

Check out Mabel Maclay here

 

ABOUT A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay:

“A Wonderful Day With Mabel Maclay” is a happy, wholesome children’s show that celebrates creativity and inspires viewers to think, feel, connect, and create. Mabel and her dog, Jasper, make neat gadgets, complete fun projects, visit with interesting friends, sing sweet songs, and read charming books. With imaginative details everywhere you look, the show encourages kids in this increasingly loud, busy, fast-paced world to slow down and take the time to wonder. 

CAST:  Katy Chase as ‘Mabel,’ Ryan Chase as ‘Find-It Fred,’ and Rickey Boyd as ‘Jasper’

Check out Cip Chilla here

ABOUT Chip Chilla:

“Chip Chilla” invites you to join the adventures of a close-knit family of homeschooled chinchillas: Chum Chum (Rob Schneider), Chinny (Laura Osnes), Charla, Chip, Chubbly, and their pet, Bug. In each episode, Mom and Dad create a world of wonder and excitement where the kids get to discover everything from world history to classic books and, most importantly, how to care for others. At its heart, “Chip Chilla” is a celebration of a family that deeply loves each other and has a blast while learning lessons that will last a lifetime. 

CAST: Josiah Hidalgo as ‘Chip,’ Lucy Capri as ‘Charla, ’Deacon Branscum as ‘Chubbly,' Laura Osnes as ‘Chinny’ and Rob Schneider as ‘Chum Chum.’

SOCIAL: #Bentkey

• Bentkey on TikTok
• Bentkey on YouTube
• Bentkey on Instagram
• Bentkey on FaceBook
• Bentkey Website

Apps

• Bentkey on Apple
• Bentkey on Android 

Bentkey Kids Streaming Service GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a subscription to Bentley Kids Streaming Service (RV $99). Open to U.S. residents of the United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 11.10.23. See below for terms and conditions.

I like what I am hearing about this new set of programs and look forward to enjoying new family movies and shows I can with my children, spouse, and grandchildren. MarkvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

Can't see entry form? Click here 

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Entrants who have created social accounts to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. MarksvilleandMe and other participating bloggers are not responsible for the prize shipment.

I can't believe how easy it was.

 

Every year we buy a few loaves of Irish Soda Bread even though I have heard how easy it is to make. This year we needed to cut a few corners so we decided to try making one ourselves. I was supposed to help but rest is what I am getting so my husband took over the process and it came out fantastic. The recipe was for one loaf and this loaf is about the size of 4 loaves you get from the store. The taste is terrific and even Dennis said it tastes better than what we get from the store.We followed the recipe found here.

Finally Have the Go-ahead

During the last few weeks, I have had some medical testing done with scans, blood tests, and ultrasounds. My ultrasounds are still showing a thick uterine wall, so my Gynecologist will be monitoring it by having me continue to get testing done. My scans and blood tests for Cancer all came back clear, so I have been given the OK to have my operation to remove my Port. Even though I will still be seeing my oncologist every three months, my scans have been moved out to every six months.

It feels good to feel better. Keep the prayers coming. I still have pins and needles 24/7 in both my feet and hands. It makes it hard for me to do things or get around. Even though I have more energy and can do some things for longer periods of time, I still have a long way to go. God is good I am so thankful for every day I have with my family and friends. Hugs.