Catching Up on the Present

As a mother and child care giver I have had to catch up on many things over the years. One particular conversation came up with my husband when I was knee deep into our own 4 children and countless other child care children through out the week. He asked did you here about (I can't even remember what it was now). My reply was sure in between changing diapers, music time, feeding the children, free play, and doing hands on activities with the children I sat down and had that discussion with the children. He laughed and of course filled me in.

That isn't the first time I have had to play catch up and I am sure it won't be the last. When I was younger our family did away with all music in our home unless it was Religious music. I tell you when I was finally able to listen to other music when I was about 14 or 15 I had to catch up on everything. I am still finding music I hadn't heard of from the time I was away from worldly music.

When I was a child I missed many days of school because my immune system was so weak I would catch anything that came my way. I was one of those kids who had chicken pox 3 times. Needless to say at my worse I only went to school 30/180 days of school. No tutors, lots of homework, and I still kept an A except for gym, they give you a 65 when you can't play enough to pass but not enough to keep your grades up.

I always felt older then the my peers because most of the time I was alone. I had friends growing up but I never had a ton of friends, and still don't go out with friends because I felt I never really fit in. It comes with missing out on so much of the world. You fall behind.

Another example of me catching up on my past was during the year and half that I had gotten bit by a tick and contracted Ehrlichiosis and then when that was just getting better 35 cases of strep, ending with my tonsils being taken out, and a even more weak immune system then I already had. I was so sick that my father and husband took care of my child care while I rested.

My husband would daily bring home movies from Hollywood Video for me to watch. Funny thing is even years later we are re-watching those movies because I don't remember seeing any of them. It was a very rough patch.

As a mother I have been able to see my six children and the children I gave care too, experience things I have never been able to. I see through their eyes, rejoicing in their accomplishments, which fulfills things in me that I was not able to do because of my health. They all bring me much joy in life and keep me current.

Along the way I made my own path, I never fit in with what everyone else was doing. I think I am stronger for it. I don't give up, love life, learning new things, and am always ready for a challenge. Life is not always easy but you have to be able to adapt to change while still moving forward, or the world will eat you up.

Now that you have heard about me catching up on the present lets take a look at a new show on Netflix Streaming called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. I was able to have early access to see this show before it aired, and boy was I taken in from the first episode. If the first episode does not pull me in I rarely watch a second episode.

You can find out more about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt below and how she is catching up on life after 15  years of being in a Bunker away from Society.

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 #KimmySchmidt

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service, early access to shows,  and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.

Create Your Own Destiny

When I think of creating your own destiny I am reminded lately of my older children making their way in the world, with their own lives, spouses, children, and for my next oldest making plans to go to college. Something she has to decide for herself no matter how hard the choice is. 

She is finding that being an adult although sometimes fun can also come with lots of decisions she is not sure she is ready for. She isn't sure she wants to be what she has wanted to be for the rest of her life. Mind you with this particular daughter has always done things the way she would like things to be, she isn't like every other teenager out there. 

She wants to change the world, she loves listening to music from the 60's, putting together her own wardrobe by borrowing from mine and hers to make her own style. She loves to sing, act, make food, try new things, and is always willing to learn something new. 

She was asked for college who her role model was and her answer was that she does not have one, she paves her own path, she wants everyone to know they can be who they are all of the time and being like someone else is just holding yourself back from being the best you, you can really be. 

This reminds me a lot of my essays for college. I am very proud of her and a little more then excited to see what my children will create for their own destinies. 

Create Your Own Destiny.

MarksvilleandMe are making are way through all three of the titles below. 

1. Ever After High (2/6) 2. Mako Mermaids (2/13) 3. Richie Rich (2/20) Personally I have not watched any of the below titles but my girls or my grand daughter might have on their account. Someday, I will... For your little kids: 1. Build and fix things: Handy Manny 2. Make a discovery: Sid the Science Kid 3. Walk on the moon: Justin Time: Blast off!: S1E13 4. Explore the ocean: Octonauts Below you will find some movies suggested by Netflix but again I have not sen any of them but I am interested in FameHigh, I am assuming it is something like the movie or show Fame.  For your big kids: 1. Make sweet treats: Cupcake Wars 2. Get into show biz: Fame High 3. Represent Team USA: The Gabby Douglas Story 4. Master the kitchen: Chopped Except for Wahlburgers I haven't seen any of the movies or show below.  And for teens and parents: 1. Get the corner office: Undercover Boss 2. Travel the world: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown 3. Walk the red carpet: Liz & Dick 4. Run my own restaurant: Wahlburgers I love the fun idea that Netflix has this month, one which I have never made but very interested in doing in the near future. A Vision Board, should be interesting to see what the kids come up with compared to us adults. Vision Board To keep the kids chasing their dreams, map out those big ideas on a DIY vision board. Cut inspirational words out of magazines, print photos of favorite characters or add your own knick-knacks and trinkets. Learn how to make your own here. Now when I think of movies about creating your own destiny I think about Back to the Future, The Philadelphia Experiment, The Time Machine (1953), Butterfly Effect, The Terminator, Looper, or pretty much any other time movie you can think of because I think everyone at some time in their lives would like to go back and change at least one thing in their lives which would change if not re-create their destiny.  #StreamTeam Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.

Streaming Cats & Dogs

My Netflix report of the month starts with letting my readers know about a new Series on Netflix Streaming called The Adventures of Puss and Boots. The Adventures of Puss and Boots started on January 16th and as of today's date has 5 Episodes.

Most families including ours love to watch movies with little furry animals in them. Below is a list of great movies and shows that your family may like to check out. I have personally only seen five from the first two lists.

While you are checking out the lists below or watching the Adventures of Puss and Boots, you might want to sit back and enjoy some homemade hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. You can find the recipe for the Marshmallows here.

Four-Legged Stars to Stream on Netflix For your little kids:

1. Pet Party 2. Clifford's Puppy Days 3. Littlest Pet Shop 4. The Adventures of Milo and Otis 5. Snow Buddies 6. Sabrina, The Animated Series

For your big kids:

1. The Adventures of Puss in Boots 2. Annie 3. Step Dogs 4. Jumanji 5. Hachi: A Dog's Tale 6. Air Bud 7. Monkey Trouble

I was saying above that I have only seen 5 of the shows, but below I have only seen two being Anchorman 2 not sure where the animal comes in and Family Guy only in passing as in when my husband is watching a episode, other then that the list is brand new to me.

And for teens and parents:

1. Anchorman 2 2. Frasier 3. Family Guy 4. Friends 5. Red Dog 6. Wilfred

Craft of the the month Kitty Bank. To find out how to make one of your own check out the post here.

Some of our favorite furry animal shows are of course the Beethoven series after our beloved Princess Goliath shown below.

Old Yeller after my beloved Blondo.

Cujo for those who like a bit of a scare to go with their furry animal movie.

Homeward Bound

The Cat from Outer Space 

Garfield

The Shaggy D.A.

& 

Scooby Doo

#StreamTeam

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.

How will you be ringing in the New Year?

Our family is going to be Partying with King Julien. If you haven't already found All Hail King Julien which started on December 19th, then check it out they have five episodes on Netflix streaming which you can find here. 

If you need something to keep your little ones busy and awake until Party Time why not watch some more shows starring King Julien's friends. I know I haven't watched any of these shows except for the first movie so I am going to be in for a treat while enjoying time with my girls.

If you would like to count down to New Years Eve with King Julie with your little ones you can do it anytime. 34% of parents say they trick their kids and have the party early. We let our kids stay up but not everyone does this so you have the choice of when you would like to count down. Just click the link below and let the Party Begin.

Count Down with King Julien

Make sure you check back for pictures of our party on the 1st. or catch them on my facebook fanpage as they happen on New Years Eve. 

Here is to a great start to 2015! Happy New Years from MarksvilleandMe and Netflix. 

#KingJulien

 #StreamTeam.

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.

Netflix, Friends, Family, & being Thankful

Being thankful in our family is a huge deal, God is a big part of our life and being able to see a new Veggie Tales movie is just what we needed. Veggie Tales in the House streams November 26th. I apologize for being so very late with this post but I have been battling being sick on and off all month. Right now the antibiotics that seemed to be working seem to be making me sick in a whole new way, if I am not better soon another trip to see the Dr. will be needed.  Even with being sick there isn't a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the time I have with my friends and family. 

Below you can see what  you can do for a craft with your children to go with the Veggie Tale Theme.

 Check out how to make your own veggie stamps here.

A nice veggie treat recipe is below.

Cucumber Rolls with Veggie (Tales) Cream Cheese  

Ingredients

• ¼ cup roughly chopped roasted red peppers
• ¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 6 baby carrots or 1 small carrot
• 1 stalk celery
• Pinch salt and pepper
• 1 (8-ounce) package regular cream cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• A few cucumbers, either English cucumbers or medium garden cucumbers

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, add all the vegetables plus salt and pepper. Pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the cream cheese into the food processor, and continue to blend until cream cheese is incorporated with the vegetables, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed.
2. Now for the cucumbers: There are two ways to achieve cucumber slices. You can use a mandolin to make the thin, lengthwise cucumber strands. Or, you can do as I did and use a vegetable peeler to also make lengthwise strands. With either one, you want to stop once you reach the seeds of a cucumber, switching to use the other side of it. (Save any remaining cucumber parts to toss into a future salad.)
3. Then, place 1 or 2 cucumber strips on a cutting board (2 cucumber strips on top of each other allow for a sturdier vessel). Spread a thin layer of the veggie cream cheese down the cucumber strip. Starting on the smaller end of the cucumber, roll it up. Continue with remaining cucumber strips, making as many rolls as needed. Note: There will be leftover veggie cream cheese—all the better to slather on things like bagels, crackers, cherry tomatoes, and more.

Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber are the perfect pairing. Did you know though that Netflix has a ton of other shows that offer perfect pairs? Check out the list below which also includes Veggie Tales in the House!

20 Dynamic Duos Available on Netflix

For the Little Kids

1. Bob and Larry: VeggieTales in the House
2. Bert and Ernie: Sesame Street: Elmo and Friends
3. Bo and Dezzy: Bo on the Go!
4. Justin and Olive: Justin Time
5. Tod and Copper: The Fox and the Hound 2
6. Clifford and Elizabeth: Clifford

For the Big Kids

1. Phineas and Ferb
2. Shaggy and Scooby: Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
3. Vada and Thomas: My Girl
4. Martin and Chris: Wild Kratts
5. Finn and Jake: Adventure Time
6. Mario and Luigi: The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
7. Charlotte and Wilbur: Charlotte’s Web

For Mom and Dad

1. Rory and Lorelai: Gilmore Girls
2. Schmidt and Nick: New Girl
3. Ted and Barney: How I Met Your Mother
4. Liz and Jack: 30 Rock
5. Walter and Jesse: Breaking Bad
6. Mulder and Scully: The X-Files
7. Wayne and Garth: Wayne's World

Here in Marksville we enjoy our own medley of family favorites this month such as Dutch, Funny Farm, and new to us Free Birds. Of course Christmas is right around the corner so we have been watching plenty of movies to get into the spirit such as, Christmas with the Kranks, Heart of Christmas, Frosty the Snowman...etc.

To do with the friend theme I would like to add The Baby Sitters Club, Beaches, Steel Magnolias, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Stand by Me, as well as Now and Then.

Some of our favorite finds this month were Season 2 of WolfBlood, as well as watching Deep Space Nine. Our family is diverse in what we watch but we always have time for movie night which can happen at the drop of a hat, and since I have been sick the girls and I have had plenty of downtime to do just that. 

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.