Would you join me?

Thanks to my MIL's gift card giving this year for Christmas, I was able to buy a few things I wanted to have and know I would use.

One item being a book (for under $8.00 mind you!) that has 500 questions in regards to the Bible, and answers of explanation.

It goes by Chronological order to coincide with the Bible's text order. So, I would post the question (word for word), and then the answer it gives (word for word).

Then underneath, I'd place (********) to indicate the end of the quotes from the book and give my PERSONAL view of how I view the answer's explanation.

I'm not a fanatical, Bible-wielding Christian who even goes to church. I'm just a simple believer who enjoys learning in her own way and own time of how the Bible pertains to me as an individual and question myself a bit. And I have my own interpretation of how I read and view the Bible.

If this sounds like something you would like to read and participate in, let me know. I'm planning to do the first post TOMORROW (Wednesday, Jan. 5th, 2011), and will do them each Wednesday and Sunday.

It would be WONDERFUL to make this fun, engaging and interactive.

I've even made a GRAB BUTTON for this... (now that I found out how to do them on my own)

<center><a href="http://pr0udmom0f3.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp218/mels_pics_album/cooltext493541244.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>" width="260" /></center>

Feel free to grab my button and spread the word about what I think will be a great series for all levels of believers (and non-believers) to discuss and learn from.

25 Days of Christmas (Day 17)

For the last 12 days of Christmas, I will be posts to "break down" the Christmas Carol, "Twelve Days Of Christmas" by focusing on what each line is speaking of (Partridge, Turtle Doves, etc.) and their meanings and/or what they truly are. Just little facts and trivia things.

*HINT* ... Each day, the verse of choice will be BOLDED and highlighted.


On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.


YAY!! We have *finally* moved on from the aviary portion of the song and on to something more along my taste. Well, actually, pretty much ANY woman's taste.

GOLD!! And not just any kind of gold. But five...count them, *FIVE* golden rings. Now that's my kind of man right there, ladies!

Being that this is honestly a hard one to explain and has tons of history, I decided to COPY/PASTE information from Google Timeline Chart about Gold

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860 AD
860 AD - The history of the tradition of a man proposing with gold rings can be traced way back as 860 AD. During that time, Pope Nicholas I stated that a man should give his bride a gold ring to show his personal financial sacrifice for her hand in marriage. Such tradition is still ...
From rujordanjODu047 - nike air max Wedding Rings Sets - Types And Materi - Related web pages
blog.foorti.com.bd/11hmh049892/136601 ...
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1477
1477 - Of course, the first engagement ring in recorded history also belonged to royalty; Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond and gold ring in 1477, and perhaps began a tradition of the diamond engagement ring.Another is the engagement ring set with a 12-carat emerald cut diamond that Prince Ranier gave to actress Grace Kelly. Queen Elizabeth's engagement to Prince Philip was also signified by a diamond ring, which carried precious pieces taken from a tiara that belonged to her mother. Of course, the first engagement ring in recorded history also belonged to royalty; Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg, Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond and gold ring in 1477, and perhaps ...
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From Celebrity Diamond Engagement Rings - Related web pages
www.engagement-rings-sale.com/celebrity ...
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1518
1518 - The smaller ring engagement registration was granted two years, Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, for their commitment to the French dauphin, son, son of King Francis I in 1518. The small gold ring, fitted to the finger, is set with a precious diamond.At an average age of marriage rings are more composed of colored gemstones. These colorful gems symbolize life. The smaller ring engagement registration was granted two years, Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, for their commitment to the French dauphin, son, son of King Francis I in 1518. The small gold ring, fitted to the finger, is set with a precious diamond. Historians are of the belief that the point of commitment has its origin not to the metal, but parts of the ...
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From Umie Aida | Engagement Rings 4u - Related web pages
www.engagementrings4u.co.cc/tag/umie-aida/
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1750
1750 - Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, Claddagh Ring: Est. in 1750 we are the original makers of the Irish Claddagh Ring. We are the only jewelry company who can stamp our rings original. Our clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Queen Victoria, & Princess ...Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, Claddagh Ring: Est. in 1750 we are the original makers of the Irish Claddagh Ring. We are the only jewelry company who can stamp our rings original. Our clients include John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Queen Victoria, & Princess Grace of Monaco. Shop online and purchase your irish claddagh ring. Thorntons Jewelers, Gold & Silver traditional irish Claddagh & celtic Jewelery Handcrafted in our workshop. Time Knitwear, Hand crafted knitwear made ...
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From Celtic Attic: Olde Worlds - All Celtic: Celtic Jewelry and Gifts - Related web pages
www.celticattic.com/olde_world ...
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1780
1780 - The following is a list of some female contributions in Virginia, made in aid of the war, probably in 1780. Mrs. Sarah Cary of Scolchtown a watch-chain, coat £7 sterling ; Mrs. Ambler fire gold rings: Mrs. Rebecca Ambler three gold rings; Mrs. Nicholas a ...The following is a list of some female contributions in Virginia, made in aid of the war, probably in 1780. Mrs. Sarah Cary of Scolchtown a watch-chain, coat £7 sterling ; Mrs. Ambler fire gold rings: Mrs. Rebecca Ambler three gold rings; Mrs. Nicholas a diamond drop; Mrs. Griffin, of Dover, ten hslf Joes; Mrs. Giliner five guinea* ; Mrs. Anne Ramsay, (for Fairfax.) one half Joe, three guineas, three pUtareens, one bit and upwards of 65000 dollars of paper money ...
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From Introduction to the History of the Colony and Ancient Dominion of Virginia - Related web pages
books.google.com/books?id=mz0VAAAAYAAJ&pg ...
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1852
1852 - 25 An example of the exceptionally large rings some- times made to commemorate special occasions, rather than for possible wear, is one donated to President Pierce by some Calif ornian admirers in 1852. This somewhat ambitious production scarcely answers the ...At Akkra, and in Liberia, there is quite a manufacture of gold rings, and, to a lesser extent, of silver rings also. 25 An example of the exceptionally large rings some- times made to commemorate special occasions, rather than for possible wear, is one donated to President Pierce by some Calif ornian admirers in 1852. This somewhat ambitious production scarcely answers the requirements of a high standard of art, but its decoration offers a great variety of appropriate designs ...
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From Full text of "Rings for the finger : from the earliest known times to the … - Related web pages
www.archive.org/stream ...
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1950
Jul 23, 1950 - The key contact in the ring involved in the current arrests was Harry Gold, Philadelphia research chemist, who had found in Communist associations an outlet for the frustrations of a lonely, poverty-ridden youth. On Thursday he pleaded guilty to serving as a courier between Dr. Klaus ...
From SOVIET SPIES IN ACTION: ONE RING'S CASE HISTORY; Indictments After ... - Related web pages
select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res ...
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1988
Aug 1988 - His most criticized purchase, however, was made in August 1988 when Alesi ordered seven $478 gold rings for the Port Everglades Commission. Just the kind of guy to reappoint to a county board.
From BOARD MEMBERS READY TO GIVE WHAT SCHOOL CHIEF WANTS - Related web pages
pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sun_sentinel/access ...
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1996
Apr 1996 - In a separate case, a Ruther Glen man said he asked Hayes to melt four of his gold rings into a single band in April 1996. Wesley Satterwhite said the rings carried a lot of sentimental value; they were his and his wife's wedding bands, a ring that ...In a separate case, a Ruther Glen man said he asked Hayes to melt four of his gold rings into a single band in April 1996. Wesley Satterwhite said the rings carried a lot of sentimental value; they were his and his wife's wedding bands, a ring that Satterwhite's mother wore for decades and another ring his mother gave him when he was a young man. Satterwhite testified that he paid Hayes $165. After he heard about Hayes' disappearance, he decided to get another jeweler's ...
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From CASE AGAINST JEWELER TO GO TO GRAND JURY HEARING IS … - Related web pages
pqasb.pqarchiver.com/timesdispatch/access ...
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2010
Jan 2010 - Minelab Safari/Garrett pro pointer. Started metal detecting in January 2010. Ytd clad over $150 6 gold rings. 4 silver rings and necklace, 1 silver earring.
From A little silver on the way home - Friendly Metal Detecting Forums - Related web pages
metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?p=541297


Told ya!! Lots of information.

Now, if you have not yet done so, I highly suggest you check out a WONDERFUL place where us Blogging peeps can come together and find new reads, promote our blogs and make some great new FRIENDS.

It's called For The Love Of Blogs.

And today, they are hosting Fab Friends Friday (every Friday!).


BUT!! Before you do that, be sure to also check out my newest blog pal, Donna over at Write Now, Write Later. She is super awesome and has a heart of gold (gee lookie there!) who writes from the heart and would practically give you the shirt off her back if she could.

Also...ONE LAST THING! Be sure to LINK UP with me (below) by posting a link to YOUR blog as to pimp it out. The only thing I will ask of you is that you don't be a "user/abuser" by doing a 'link and run'. I want to hear from my readers who link up. Makes it more fun this way.

Now, run along and visit Donna and Vic/Ashley. Go on now... See ya tomorrow. That is after you link up with me below. (=

Sunrise Sunday (Join in the positivity!)

Each week, I will have a picture of a different sunrise at the top of the page. Underneath, I will state the positives from the previous week, and the positives that are to come in the week ahead. NOTHING NEGATIVE will be allowed in the post.

If you wish to participate, find a sunrise picture and follow the directions. And be sure to link THIS POST with your post as well, for your readers to look at, and see how it all works as well. Each of my posts will include the "rules" and how to post a Sunday Sunrise.




For this week, I am looking forward to Hayley's birthday party (today). She turned 11 on Thursday, but I had to do the party today due to school schedule, my husband's work schedule, and a prior family obligation.


Also, I am once again pulling a full day at school on Wednesday. Between helping with Art Class, doing things for Friday stuff, seeing as we (the kids) have Friday off, and also helping with a Staff Luncheon (for Teacher Appreciation).


Then, Thanksgiving is just around the bend. Not even a week to go and I can already smell the rolls, pies, turkey and all the other goodies that will be slammed in to my mouth. YUMMMM...Round 2, here I come!

Sunrise Sunday

It's once more the beginning of a new week. At least according to my husband's company work-week schedule.

I'm hoping that this new meme/carnival I'm trying to start and establish will be welcomed with open arms, is followed, and has other bloggers participating.  I want more POSITIVITY. Not just in my blog, to see in other's blogs or on other pages. But also within my own life. So, I'm hoping that by doing Sunday Sunrise each week, that I will be able to clearly see the new beginnings of each week in a positive light and also see the positives in my life.

Each week, I will have a picture of a different sunrise at the top of the page. Underneath, I will state the positives from the previous week, and the positives that are to come in the week ahead. NOTHING NEGATIVE will be allowed in the post.

If you wish to participate, find a sunrise picture and follow the directions. And be sure to link THIS POST with your post as well, for your readers to look at, and see how it all works as well. Each of my posts will include the "rules" and how to post a Sunday Sunrise.

*If anyone can make blog buttons, PLEASE help me out and make one for me to include as a grab button...It would be greatly appreciated!*

Here goes the launch! (And the only one with the picture this far down the post.)

Last week, I had been able to clear up (once again) a misunderstanding for my son's SSI pay without wishing to take someone's head off.

Also, I felt good and proud of myself on Friday for the fact that I was able to get everything, but one example project, completed on my "to do" list in the Kindergarten class that I work in for volunteer time at school.

For this coming week, I look forward to one-on-one time with the two older of my children and being able to go on trips with them. One being Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. The other, another trip to Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg.

I'm also gearing up for the first of two birthday parties, that will be back-to-back in two separate weekends.

And I'm looking forward to a full week of seeing "my" kids at school for various upcoming functions. I'm helping with a Staff Breakfast for Teacher Appreciation Week, then also going on the trips, and am planning on helping in class on Thursday (seeing as I won't be there Friday).

*Want to spread some positivity? If you like this new meme/carnival, then LINK IT UP and share it with others and feel free to snowball the fun and positivity.*

Blog Mortality

Lately, I have been seriously thinking. Thinking of what to do, when it comes to the blogging world.

There are two blogs that I write. This one, which is my main posting area. Then, I also have a "sideline" blog for the topic of the Paranormal, aptly named ParanorMel.

For the most part as of late, I write, and I write, and I write. Yes, primarily for myself. Just to get out what I want to or that I need to. As for ParanorMel, it is for those wishing to know that they are not alone, can relate to others and feel free to share their stories without societal persecution.

But the more I think about it, the more I see and compare, I think that my blogging days are coming to a standstill.

I'm wondering what the use is, anymore. Is it the fact that I don't blog on practically a daily basis? Is it because I don't hop on to every single Blogging Carnival out there? Is it because I don't comment on EVERY page I read?

I don't do cliques of any kind. I will have a buddy's back in their hour of need. And I will stand up for the underdog. But I don't care to always do or have the 'in' thing, be in the 'in' crowd. I love doing my own thing. And that also comes in to play within the writing world.

My great-grandmother was a famous Chicago Christian-based playwright. I have Mae Questel in my lineage, whom provided the original voice of Betty Boop. I've also got Jean Harlow and President Theodore Roosevelt within my bloodlines. So what? I am certainly happy and proud of my heritage. But they do NOT make me who I am.

If blogging means keeping up with the Jones' in regards to Blog Carnivals and mass commenting to "get noticed" or read, then the TRUE meaning and art of blogging has gone to the wayside.

It should never be about who has the better blog posts, the better blog layout, and all the other hullabaloo I have witnessed in my time around here, since about November of last year.

I've seen where some say that they don't run in cliques and don't do 'one-sided' things when it comes to blogging. But I'm sorry to say, I noticed. And yes they are in these 'cliques', though I don't think their eyes are open enough to really see. But I and others do.

As for fighting between to 'adults' in the blogging world? I stay the hell away. I have my own problems. In the real world mind you. So what good does it do for me and my blood pressure to jump in the middle of a cat fight? Not any good at all. For all parties involved. I say let them two have at it, remain neutral and state that you REFUSE to get pulled in.

Now, seeing as I am pretty sure that this post to will get brushed under the rug (as in not even read), let alone even validated by another's words (I'm NOT talking about Angel or Alexes y'all), I'm coming to a point of where to go from here.

Is The (Not Always) Happy Homemaker Diary and ParanorMel going to survive and move on to the next post? Or should I cut my losses, and realize the fact that I put too much time and energy in to these two blogs, that they should just be killed off?

I'm more active at the school now, then before. My kids and my home take priority. As does my husband. Plus we have a trip and the holidays coming up.

Is it all really worth it anymore? This will be a hard decision, being that I *really* do enjoy writing. But at what cost?

5-Q. Friday! What will your answers be?

It is once again time for one of my favorite new (to me, anyways) carnivals.





Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them. Also provide the Link Button from fivecrookedhalos' blog page (found on the right side of the blog site).


1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper? I'm actually a neat sleeper. For the most part, I stay on my side of the bed and I go to sleep, as well as wake with the covers still on me.

2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________. I wish I was more organized.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about? That all three of my kids would have the kinds of medical problems that want to make you just pull your hair out. And at times, makes you go 'WTH is this happening for?!'.

4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market? Not a whole lot, honestly. Then again, we haven't done any garage sale shopping this year.

5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be? A Porterhouse Steak (boneless) that is medium rare, with Heinz 57 Sauce, loaded baked potato and California Mix steamed vegetables.

Pouring Your Heart Out w/Shell...Back To School Time.

Do you need to pour your heart out about something? Then click on the button above to Shell's post at Things I Can't Say, grab a button to put on your PYHO post, and begin pouring.


Please be mindful that everyone linking to Shell's PYHO post is pouring their hearts out and we should all be respectful in our comments. ;)


In our school, they teach (elementary level) Pre-K, through 5th. Last year was THE day for my youngest. She was almost 5 then (will be 6 in a few months). I, like many, counted down the days, made everything sound right in the world to her in regards to going to "big kid" school. And I made it like it was block-party time because Miss Skyler was *GOING TO SCHOOL!*.

When the day was FINALLY here, we got her in her uniform (yes, we are a uniform school..blech!), her big sissy and bro-bro helped her pack her back pack and then all of us (incl. dad who went in late to see this) waited for the inevitable. The first bus ride "alone" as a fully independent child. Not the dependent baby I raised to get to this stage of life.

As we stood there, I had flashbacks of all three kids run through my head. Of when they were babies and toddlers. And then I saw before my eyes, the wonderful children that they (at this point in their lives) have thus far grown up to be.


Sure, I smiled, laughed, made it all-out exciting and positive. But I was dying a little inside. It hurt to see my last baby go off. And seeing Skyler get on that bus did me in. Yes, I kept that slapped-on smile upon my face, and I waved to her as they started to pull off. But, as soon as they were out of eyesight, I lost it.

No longer could I hold back the hurt that my heart felt. The tears in their dam were no longer able to be kept at bay. Reality hit me square in the face, and in the heart.

Walking back in to the house, it was eerily quiet. I was so used to hearing Nick Jr. on the television and seeing Skyler munching on a morning goody (cereal mainly).

But on that day, it was just me and the cats. No "Mama!! I'm thirsty.", or "Mama! Where we go today?". Because, she was at "big kid" school.

This year, it will be a bit better. And Skyler is SO very excited to be going back to school. So is Bryce. Hayley on the other hand? She is 50/50 on the subject.

I get to do this again NEXT year with my oldest, who will be in Middle/Junior High School. It will (I'm sure) be riddled with many of the same fears as I had with them going off to Kindergarten (or Pre-K in Skyler's case) for the first time. Only this time, with MUCH more peer pressure and other "really big kid" things.

Even now, I can see Hayley (and yes, Bryce, too) as they were in the days of where Skyler is now. And all I can wonder at this point is...

God, where does the time fly off to? It all happens so quickly.

Post It Note Tuesday's With Supah... The disgruntled Edition.

Come play with us in the sandbox! I promise, we won't shove sand down your pants and give you a wedgie. Go HERE to make your stickies.

This week, I have a couple of things to get off of my chest. Yeah, I know, my chest ain't all THAT big. Hell, I have a real 'combo pack' going on. But we aren't here to talk boobs, are we?

Anywho, my two main pet-peeves this week is kids on Summer Vacation and Retail Shoppers. They both drive me insane. Only difference is in the environment and the situation. The kids are mine, so nothing much I can do there. But I used to work in Grocery Retail. My husband still does. Let's just say, it's not a job for the faint of heart, shall we?

Five Question Friday with Megan at The World As I See It.

After noticing Megan, over at The World As I See It do one of these, it looks like something I just had to try out.

So, here is my answers for Five Question Friday...

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it? Yep! I most certainly did. It was handmade by my great-aunt, Anne (from whom I received my middle name from).

2. Do you dream in color? Pretty much, all of the time. Though I do like black/white dreaming too. Makes you feel like you are in an old-time movie (like Casablanca).

3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller? I'm 5-foot-even. Technically, by DNA standards, I should be between 5 ft.,3 in. and 5 ft.,8 in. tall. But, thanks to the 50 LB. tumor my mother carried as my close next door neighbor within the womb, I was a little crunched for space to grow normally.

4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide on your GPS, who would it be? Do I really, honestly HAVE TO answer this one?? Because if you REALLY knew me, then the answer should be as plain as the nose on my face.

5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot? All of the time, do I return the cart to a corral, or even in to the store it's self, if I'm parked close enough. As a former retail employee of three different grocery chains, I hated having to fetch carts from between cars, or even from neighboring retailer's areas.