For those of you who like to know my weekly menu, here it goes:

Monday: Ham dinner at Mom's house. I'm bringing a Vidalia Onion Casserole. A new recipe I haven't yet tried. (Which could be dangerous, of course!)

Tuesday: Panko Chicken Strips, Creamed Spinach

Wednesday: Mexican Meatball Soup, Cornbread

Thursday: Pot Roast, Corn Casserole, Rice (I may substitute potatoes.)

Friday: Barbecue Beef Pizza (using leftover pot roast), Preacher Cookies (looks like what we would call "no-bake cookies")

Jim says:

It is a Jimmy double take five! I decided to grab it one more week because it seems like it has been forever since I last did it. I took a quick look and it was like September even though Bill swears I have done it since then. I didn't care enough to look deeper. I had some ideas so here we go.

The MI-5

1. Tell us something funny about the place you live. (could be town, residence, street or whatever works)

I don't know if it's funny, but I think it's very cool that I live about 3 miles from the house in which I grew up, and less than 1 mile from my best friend (and technically, all three homes are on the same "street").

2. If your job (for whatever reason) was gone tomorrow and you had to seek employment what kind of work would you look for?

If money was going to be a determining factor, then I would pursue the same career (paralegal). That's what I know how to do, and what I could make the most money at. If money was not an issue, I would work in a jewelry store and play with diamonds all day.

3. Is there something you would have liked for Christmas you didn't get?

The Facts of Life Season 1 on DVD. It was on my list, and Dwane looked for it, but couldn't find it. I was given some money for Christmas, but I don't know if I really want it so bad that I'd spend the money on it myself. Actually, it's a pretty inexpensive set ($20 or so), and since I'm since a Lisa Whelchel "fan", I might just do it (if I can ever find it locally again).

4. Tell us something that happened to you in the past that was negative at the time but helped you grow as a person.

Several years ago, Dwane had an experience at MBNA that was quite scary for us. Everything worked out in our favor, but it was really nerve-wracking. I remember spending the afternoon listening to praise & worship music, crying, and praying. My faith in God grew SOOOO much that afternoon. I need to do that more often (not that I want anymore "tragedy" of course).

5. Tell us 5 things you think everyone as a part of growing up should have to experience.

A. Watch parents demonstrate a healthy, loving marriage (like I was able to do).
B. Watch parents demonstrate a healthy, loving marriage (like I was able to do).
C. Watch parents demonstrate a healthy, loving marriage (like I was able to do).
D. Watch parents demonstrate a healthy, loving marriage (like I was able to do).
E. Watch parents demonstrate a healthy, loving marriage (like I was able to do).

Maybe that's all a cop-out, but you know, as much as I miss my Dad as my Dad, what I miss even more is seeing my parents together. Demonstrating their love for each other. Being there for each other. While their love will continue forever, of course, seeing the end of that love story here on earth devastates me. I've had a very difficult time this week dealing with this

I watched The Devil Wears Prada this morning. I LOVED it!

I woke up at 5:20 AM, my nose stuffed up. Couldn't breathe. Couldn't go back to sleep. Decided to get up, take some echinacea, and sip some hot chocolate to see if I could get some "juices" flowing. Yuck! So, after doing my devotions (currently going through the Bible study Daniel, by Beth Moore), I popped in "Devil". Imagine. From Daniel to Devil in about 1/2 hour!

I think I have just become a huge fan of Anne Hathaway. I loved her in Princess Diaries, and she was great in this one too. She reminds me of a young Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I haven't yet seen Ella Enchanted, but I've got to put that next on my list.

Anyway, this movie had a little bit of romance, a tiny bit of comedy, and a lot about the fashion industry and dealing with a devil of a boss. I've definitely had a devil of a boss in my life, but a different type of a devil. My particular devil had a temper that could go off at any minute, and then be a sweatheart the next. If I didn't know better, I'd say my devil was a Gemini. (I'm not into astrology at all, but because I'm a Gemini myself, I do know about the twin personlity thing.) The Devil in Prada, however, always maintained her devil reputation. Only she chose to keep it very subdued and quiet. Oh, you knew when she was wound up on the inside, but she was so cool on the outside. Anyway--I'm rambling.

On another note, we had our little office Christmas party yesterday at China Coast. My current boss, (whom I would not characterize as a devil--at least not yet), insisted that Dwane and Caleb attend. She's absolutely infatuated with Dwane. (Who isn't??? Dwane is EVERYONE'S favorite!) One of the reasons she loves him is because he eats fortunate cookies the same way she does. Break of a piece of fortune cookie, then put a dollop of ice cream on the piece. Then eat it like an ice cream cone.

I'm not sure what is on the agenda for today. We don't have anything planned. We were going to go to Dwane's Dad's house for the Wight Christmas, but San wasn't going to be here, so we decided to do it next Saturday instead. Eben stayed home from school yesterday because he didn't feel well, but he woke up this morning, bounded down the hallway and announced that he was "cured"! "Completely cured! (Except my arm fell asleep.)" I'm so glad God still performs miracles. Anyway--we hadn't made plans because of his "illness". I imagine we'll brave Wal-Mart again today. Not sure why. Maybe because there's nothing else to do. We'll see.

Jim's Merry Christmas 5:

Jim Says: This week are questions that loosely center around Christmas and things that happen at Christmas.

1. Lots of people put their Christmas shopping on a credit card. I think most everyone has had at least one credit card even if they don't have one now. What is the best credit card company you have ever dealt with?

I guess I would have to say MBNA/Bank of America, and only because Dwane used to work there. Therefore, we get a really, really decent interest rate. Other than that, to me, a credit card company is a credit card company.

2. Illness is rampant this holiday season and the cold season is upon us. Tell us about the worst sickness or illness you ever had.

I remember being really sick with Mono. I was 19 I think. I was out of work for a week, and then I could only work for 1/2 days. My now-former boss wasn't happy. Dr. Fuller was really concerned about me, though. In fact, she called me on her day-off just to make sure I was ok. There was talk that I would have to be taken to the hospital to get an IV for fluids. So, my Dad took time of from work to stay with me and force me to drink. I would just get to sleep and he would wake me up again to take another drink. He made really, really good chocolate milk shakes. I remember joking with him about that when he was in the hospital the last time. The nurse had asked me to give Dad his pills. I had to wake him up to do it. I told him it was payback for when he didn't let me sleep when I had mono.

3. Christmas can be a time of secrets. Many of us know things others don't know for whatever reason. Tell us something you know that you feel most people don’t know?

I think I may have seen a question similar to this awhile ago. I wonder what I said that time. I don't think I'm really one to keep secrets. I guess I could tell the secret that I have about $20 in McDonald's gift certificates in my purse, just waiting for a time when we're broke. I've had them there for 2 years and haven't been broke enough to use them yet.

4. Some people love to just get out of town for Christmas. Tell us about an American city you have never visited that you would like to visit and why?

I think I want to go to Branson, MO. Not so much for the music, but because just outside of Branson is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. I want to go there before I die. I think I also want to go to Las Vegas. Not for the gambling. I just want to see what it is like. I also want to go somewhere so that I can experience a timechange. I actually want to see what jetlag is like, and Las Vegas would get me that, I would think.

5. It seems like lately that every Christmas season has to have some controversy around it due to the religion side of things. It depends on who you talk to. What constitutes a religious holiday to you as opposed to a secular one? Use examples of holidays in your answer.

I think every day can be a celebration of Christendom if you want it to be. To live every day like it's a celebration of Christ would be really something, huh? To narrow it down, I would definitely consider Christmas and Easter to be major "reglious holidays". Personally, I think the 4th of July definitely should have a Christian tone to it. (Freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion.) There are other holidays that are not necessarily Christian ones, but could be given Christian tones (New Year's for the new beginnings Christ gives us, Valentine's Day for Christ's love, Mother's & Father's Day, etc., etc.) I guess the only one I think of as not really being Christian would be Halloween. And that's my own personal opinion. I don't want to be judgmental toward others who like to celebrate Halloween, it's just not for me. Skeletons, monsters, ghosts, and witches just always seemed creepy to me as a kid, and now that I'm old enough to associate those things with the occult, well, it just kindda gives me the heebie jeebies.

A Christmas Bonus question...

What is your favorite part of Christmas? (if you have any)

Obviously, the celebration of Christ's birth should be the number one pick for all of us. Putting that aside, I don't think I could just pick one. I almost think I like the "anticipation" of Christmas more than the "actual" Christmas. I enjoy the shopping, the wrapping, the secrets, the excitement, the planning. Then, it's all over so quickly. So, I guess I would say that the anticipation of, and planning for, Christmas is my favorite part.

Amy's Mish-Mash MI-5:

1. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing that you don't necessarily wear but can't bare to get rid of?

I have lots of clothing like that. My wedding dress, of course, is probably my favorite. And I still even have my honeymoon pjs. Other favorite items are my maternity wardrobe that my Mom made me. I'm not going to be having another baby, but I can't bear to get rid of them; not just because I loved the clothes (so comfy!) but because my mother made them for me, with love.

2. Tell me two favorite christmas decorations you own...(or two favorite items you own)

I am a Hallmark collector, so most of my ornaments are very special. My husband gives me one every year, as does my mother and my grandmother. I do have one Hallmark Lighthouse ornament, which is dated the last Christmas that my Dad was here on earth. That one is quite special. My first Hallmark ornament was given to me at my bridal shower by Kerri Smith. It is a crystal heart that says, "Our First Christmas Together". That ornament started the whole collection.

3. Give me three favorite christmas foods, tunes, or traditions (or one of each)

One of my absolute favorite Christmas foods is my Aunt Ginny's candy cane cookies. One year, she made a whole batch of them, just for me. Love those.

One of the traditions I really love, and don't have anymore, is eating my Aunt Jo's lasagna on Christmas Eve. Some day, I'm going to bring that tradition back. Even if I have to wait until my grandchildren come to my house on Christmas Eve.

For a favorite holiday tune...hmm...not really sure. All things being equal, maybe "O Holy Night".

4. Name four of your favorite things about ___________(you fill in the blank first....can be person, place or thing)

My four favorite things about my husband (maybe not my four favorite, but four things I love):

He absolutely, truly, and completely loves me for the real me. Sins and all.
He can do just about everything he sets his mind to.
His dimples.
His singing voice.

5. Name five favorite blogs or websites I might not know about:

I visit these websites every day:

www.soapoperafan.com. I go here to find out spoilers about "Days of Our Lives".
www.closetomyheart.com. A scrapbooking/stamping company for which I am an independent consultant.
www.lisawhelchel.com/journal. I love Lisa Whelchel, mostly for her writing ability, her honesty, and her opinions about parenthood. She updates her online journal weekly, but I often check it more often than that. (This is the Blair from Facts of Life Lisa Whelchel, which is why the Facts of Life DVDs appear on my Christmas List.)
www.menus4moms.com. This is where I get my menus, recipes, and shopping list each week. I check it every day for the bulletin board. Mostly to make sure there wasn't a mistake in a recipe, or maybe to see what recipe someone else thought was really good, or maybe a dud.
www.quickandsimple.com. I love the newer magazine "Quick & Simple", made by the publishers of Good Housekeeping. It's a weekly magazine, and each week, they run a daily contest. You must get the daily code word from the magazine before entering. I have entered every day for 6 months now, and so far, no luck.

Dwane has to work on Sunday. That's not so unusual. It's what he has to do for work on Sunday that's unusual.

He has to take a business associate to the Patriots Game! In skybox seats! Lunch with the corporate credit card!

Man! How come I can't get to schmooze clients like that?? (Guess it's my line of work, huh?)

Anyway, Dwane's not a huge football fan. (We had only been married for a short time when we got into an argument during the Superbowl game about how much a touchdown was worth. I won--thanks to my cheerleading days!)

And, he's a little upset that it's on Sunday, as he's missed a lot of church lately.

But, I'm sure he'll have a good time. It's not Nascar, but he's never been to a pro football game before, so I'm sure he'll find it exciting.

Several years ago, Dwane bought a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle against my wishes. Ever since that time, I have teased him that if he could have something so expensive and extravagant, then I deserved a big ole honking diamond. I've teased and teased about it, especially whenever he talked about buying yet another vehicle. ("Boy, my diamond's getting bigger and bigger!!")

Well, I never dreamed that I would have a big ole honking diamond, but that's just what came to me yesterday. Dwane took his overtime and commission from November and bought me a big ole honking diamond. It's a three-stone diamond ring. There's a 3/4 carat in the center, with two 1/2 carats on the side. There are four small channel set diamonds on each side of the shank, which total 1/4 carat.

I told him that I hoped he didn't buy me a ring to simply shut me up. He told me that he would never do that. That he loved me. That he wanted to give me things that I wanted. I cried.

Please refer back to my alphabetical list of why I love Dwane. He thought that list was a little "over the top". I think my list was perfect.

I love you, Dwane.

I ordered the Partridge Family Christmas Card CD today from Ebay. Got it for $5. Such a deal. I'm so excited. Thought you'd all like to know.

"It says so in my Christmas Card to...
You and all your family,
Your neighbors and your friends
May all your days be happy
With a joy that never ends
May peace and love surround you
At Christmastime and all the whole year through.

La dee da, da da da"

How that for memory?

Can you tell I'm bored today? Look at all of these silly little posts you're getting!

I should be trying to get Caleb down for a nap. It's almost 3:00, and we usually try to nap at 1:00. There were some guys that were supposed to be here at 2:00 so that they could use the church's tables for the St. George School Christmas Fair, but they have yet to show up. Ugh! Had I known they'd be so late, I would've gone to sleep. Oh, well.

I certainly have plenty to keep me busy. I have lots of work for Anita to do. I'd love to do some scrapbooking. And, of course, there's always housework.

However, Dwane bought me a very nice anniversary gift, and the shipping notice is supposed to be coming by e-mail. So, I'm checking my e-mail about every 10 minutes or so, just to see if it has shipped yet. (It was supposed to have been shipped yesterday.)

I think I'll try to nap in the living room chair...

Just in case you were wondering (and since I don't have an Amazon Wish List), here's the Christmas Wish List that I gave to Dwane. Dwane usually gets me exactly what's on my list, with maybe one or two surprises thrown in. He also loses the list about three times during the Christmas season, so I thought that if I posted it here, at least he'd always be able to get it.

Crochet Pattern A Day Calendar
A budget book (I know there are great computer programs for this type of thing, but I'm still into the old high school style of accounting ledgers.)
Desperate Housewives Cookbook
Rachael Ray 2, 4, 6, 8 Cookbook
Rachael Ray’s Open House Cookbook
Paula Deen Celebrates Cookbook
Rachel Ray’s “Yum-O” Classic Cookbook
Karaoke Revolution American Idol Edition
The Facts of Life on DVD
Grill Pan
Desperate Housewives Game for PC
Archaeological Bible

Here is my menu for next week:

Monday: Stuffed Meatloaf (cooked jelly-roll style in the crockpot; layered with spinach, mozzarella, and Genoa salmai); Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Tuesday: Baked Haddock, Rice Pilaf, Sugar Snap Peas

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Green Beans

Thursday: Tacos

Friday: Italian Pizza Calzones (made with Italian sausage & crescent rolls??), Microwave S'mores

The Toy MI-5

1. What was your favorite toy as a child? (It doesn’t necessarily have to be a Christmas present, although if it was, please specify.)

I think really enjoyed playing Barbie most as a child. I had lots of Barbies, along with a camper, airplane, townhouse, etc., etc. I remember setting them all up in our living room, and my stuff would pretty much go around the whole perimeter. I also really enjoyed playing Payday at Renita's house, and I liked going to Ma's house to play Aunt Ginny's piano (if you can even call that a toy).

2. Was there a toy you wanted very badly as a child, but never received?

The only one I can remember is Baby Wet N Care. She drank a bottle, peed, and then got diaper rash. You had to put a special something on her butt to get rid of the rash. Renita and I wished for one the same year. I could have sworn that when I was peeking around in my parents' closet, that I saw that doll in there. I was certain that I was going to get her. I did get a doll for Christmas, but it wasn't that one. Looking back, it was much, much better. Her name was Amy. Mom made her tons of clothes, and I loved her much more than I would have ever loved a doll with a rashy butt.

3. What toy does your child want most for Christmas? Why do they want it so bad? (If you don’t have a child of your own, you could “borrow” someone else’s.)

When I asked Eben this question this morning, his response was a 1:24 scale Bobby Labonte autographed diecast car. Of course, the reasons why are very obvious. (He's not getting it.) When I asked Caleb, he said he wanted a "present". I asked him what kind of present. He said "a toy." I asked him what kind of toy. "A rocket. A big rocket. That would be cool." I don't know why he wants it. (He's not getting it.)

4. Is there a toy that your child wants very badly, but that you are unable, or simply refuse, to give?

I guess see #3 above. Eben's not getting his wish, again for very obvious reasons. It's hard to find a Bobby Labonte diecast car around here, let alone an autographed one. I refuse to pay $75 for a diecast car that I could get online (which would still be unautographed). Eben is getting a 1:24 scale car, but it's not Bobby Labonte (it's Dale Jr.) and it's not autographed (but I did bring him an autographed Bobby picture from TN).

And Caleb's not getting a rocket. Frankly, I didn't know he wanted a rocket. And since I've already finished shopping for him, he's not getting one (at least not from me).

5. If you were a child today, what toy would you most want?

Oh, gracious. I love toys. When I get extra money, I buy toys for my kids instead of clothes for myself. I know it would definitely be something girly, girly, girly. There's too much testosterone in this house. I think I'd really like to have another Barbie Townhouse. Especially if I could get my retro 70s one like I had as a child. I could actually get one on Ebay, for not too bad of a price, but I don't have any place to put it. (I have too many testosterone toys filling my space!)

Just wanted everyone to know what an Adorable, Beautiful, Caring, Darling, Energetic, Fantastic, Gorgeous, Hunky, Incredible, Jubilent, Kickin', Loving, Marvelous, Nice, Optimistic, Positive, Quiet (not!), Ravishing, Sensational, Talented, Unbelievable, Valuable, Workhorse, Xciting, Youthful, and Zeelicious Husband I have!!!

He has hooked up the ice and water feature in my new refrigerator, and he has fixed my oven! Hurray! He's truly amazing.

I love you, dear.

Billy Rhythm's MI-5:

While listening to NPR this weekend, I heard a couple of new bands that really interested me. So I bring to you a music/holiday MI-5

1) Have you got any CDs on your Christmas list? By whom?

I think the only one I have is "Time Well Wasted" by Brad Paisley. There is a compilation CD/DVD of "inspirational country songs". I can't remember the name of it, but I saw it on TV and at Sam's Club. It has a drawing of a cross on it. It looks like a good selection of songs. I'd prefer the DVD, though, so that I can play it in the van. It would give the kids something to watch, and me something to listen to instead of the Sponge Bob DVD.

2) What was the last "new" band that got you excited? Not new CDs by artists you knew, but some new band/act that you'd never heard of, but once you heard them, you needed their album.

Well, they're not so new anymore, but the last band that got me "excited" was Sugarland. I really fell in love with them when I saw them on Crossroads with Bon Jovi.

3) Do you have a favorite Christmas album? Recommend it to us!

I absolutely have a favorite Christmas album. You'll laugh at me though. You'll laugh at me hard. In fact, you'll probably pee your pants. Are you ready for this--It's called A Partridge Family Christmas Card. I absolutely LOVE it. I had the record album as a kid, and bought the cassette sometime after I was married. I'd love to have it on a CD now, but I doubt it's out in that format. I love all of the songs on it, and I love how the songs are "rocked" up a bit (if you can even call the Partridge Family "rocking"). I also like the first Special Olympics Christmas Compilation. It must've come out in the late 80's or early 90's. I think it was called a "Very Special Christmas" or something like that. But--it doesn't beat the Partridge Family. I never get tired of that one.

4) There are some funny holiday songs out there. Which one do you like best?

I don't think I like any of them. I'm tired of Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, and the dog's barking Jingle Bells is one of the most annoying things I've ever heard. Billy Rhythm mentioned a couple, but I don't think I've heard them. Does "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" count as funny. If so, I guess I could pick that one. Although I cried every time I heard it last year. (I think I mourn the passing of my parents' love story almost more than I miss the passing of my Dad--but, of course, their love story will never really end.)

5) Share a holiday music memory with us

I remember going under the Christmas tree and unwrapping presents to see what was inside. Then I'd wrap them back up and hope no one would notice. I especially liked to unwrap the one from Uncle Wilbur and Aunt Evelyn. I also remember devising these big schemes with my brother to alert one another when the "Santa" presents had finally been placed under the tree on Christmas Eve. We'd make those "phones" out of toilet paper rolls with yarn, and work out some elaborate scheme to "telephone" each other if we thought we heard something. I also remember Christmas Eve when my grandparents would be putting the "unwrapped" presents under their tree. All of us kids would have to wait on the sunporch. I made up this story that the electric red candle in Margie Wall's window was really Rudolph's nose. Do you think anyone fell for it?

Billy Rhythm's MI-5:

While listening to NPR this weekend, I heard a couple of new bands that really interested me. So I bring to you a music/holiday MI-5

1) Have you got any CDs on your Christmas list? By whom?

I think the only one I have is "Time Well Wasted" by Brad Paisley. There is a compilation CD/DVD of "inspirational country songs". I can't remember the name of it, but I saw it on TV and at Sam's Club. It has a drawing of a cross on it. It looks like a good selection of songs. I'd prefer the DVD, though, so that I can play it in the van. It would give the kids something to watch, and me something to listen to instead of the Sponge Bob DVD.

2) What was the last "new" band that got you excited? Not new CDs by artists you knew, but some new band/act that you'd never heard of, but once you heard them, you needed their album.

Well, they're not so new anymore, but the last band that got me "excited" was Sugarland. I really fell in love with them when I saw them on Crossroads with Bon Jovi.

3) Do you have a favorite Christmas album? Recommend it to us!

I absolutely have a favorite Christmas album. You'll laugh at me though. You'll laugh at me hard. In fact, you'll probably pee your pants. Are you ready for this--It's called A Partridge Family Christmas Card. I absolutely LOVE it. I had the record album as a kid, and bought the cassette sometime after I was married. I'd love to have it on a CD now, but I doubt it's out in that format. I love all of the songs on it, and I love how the songs are "rocked" up a bit (if you can even call the Partridge Family "rocking"). I also like the first Special Olympics Christmas Compilation. It must've come out in the late 80's or early 90's. I think it was called a "Very Special Christmas" or something like that. But--it doesn't beat the Partridge Family. I never get tired of that one.

4) There are some funny holiday songs out there. Which one do you like best?

I don't think I like any of them. I'm tired of Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, and the dog's barking Jingle Bells is one of the most annoying things I've ever heard. Billy Rhythm mentioned a couple, but I don't think I've heard them. Does "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" count as funny. If so, I guess I could pick that one. Although I cried every time I heard it last year. (I think I mourn the passing of my parents' love story almost more than I miss the passing of my Dad--but, of course, their love story will never really end.)

5) Share a holiday music memory with us

I remember going under the Christmas tree and unwrapping presents to see what was inside. Then I'd wrap them back up and hope no one would notice. I especially liked to unwrap the one from Uncle Wilbur and Aunt Evelyn. I also remember devising these big schemes with my brother to alert one another when the "Santa" presents had finally been placed under the tree on Christmas Eve. We'd make those "phones" out of toilet paper rolls with yarn, and work out some elaborate scheme to "telephone" each other if we thought we heard something. I also remember Christmas Eve when my grandparents would be putting the "unwrapped" presents under their tree. All of us kids would have to wait on the sunporch. I made up this story that the electric red candle in Margie Wall's window was really Rudolph's nose. Do you think anyone fell for it?