The Family Girl Blogs (aka "The New Working Girl Blogs") Blog #19: Pre-Christmas Mayhem. To see all of Bobbie's Family Girl Blogs, click on this link: http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/book/28818/family-girl-blogs

Ma is coming later tonight.   By some artful arm-twisting (not literally, of course) by Ma, Moe n I are playing   host to eighteen people for Christmas tomorrow. And one Shetland Sheepdog.   And Ma's invited herself to stay at the house tonight to help us prepare for the family Christmas lunch tomorrow.  

But this particular blog isn't a moan-and-groan about this.   Though it's a bit of a cliche female domestic stereotype, I nevertheless like the idea of being the hostess.   And it's a switch from being the family pariah and office kick-toy.   My sister has gone through several of these trial-by-fire things (or, rather, trial-by-kitchen) and, in all honesty, sis's cooking leaves something to be desired heehee.   And I suppose, for whatever reason Ma has changed her opinion of me, she has now decided to put me through the crucible, as well.   But with Moe's amd Ma's assistance, this'll be easy.

Aside from my folks, we're expecting my sister and her husband who are flying in tonight   (Dad's fetching them from the airport, and they're staying at my folks' tonight).   An aunt and uncle from Ma's side is coming, along with their families (that'll be their spouses, two girl cousins and one boy cousin).   Besides them, two of Moe's friends from work, my three friends from college & a girlfriend.   An aunt from Dad's side is also coming, which in and of itself is a minor miracle (rarely do we see any of Dad's family).   I'm cool with everyone that's coming, more-or-less, except for Dad's sister.   We're all a little surprised at her visit, and I'm a little worried.   I'm sure you've heard of the stereotype ummm... snooty french-canadian.   Well my Dad's family is really snooty.   And none of them have really accepted me and my... condition.   Oh, well. c'est la vie.   But Moe n I have resolved to do good so, ummm, ma tante will bring a good report back to Quebec.

Mitsu, the new dog is also coming. Hope he behaves. In case he doesn't, Dad is bringing some "special" doggy treats from the vet. It's supposed to mellow him out a bit. The people at the obedience school recommends it, especily for families with Shetland Sheepdogs and other yappy pets that are having parties.

Moe n I even spent time deliberating on what to wear tomorrow.   We finally settled on a nice burgundy dress for her, and a fitted white blouse and burgundy flare-leg slacks (with-high-heeled beige platforms, but my shoes   won't be too obvious on account of the pants).   The blouse isn't one of my expensive ones so, if there's some kind of kitchen accident, I won't feel too bad.

So, although they're feminine, our outfits will be pretty conservative.   No need to give my aunt fits.   Yep, I know it is a little too AR, but with Dad's family, details count. I really wanted to wear this really pretty red party dress with a full skirt, lace, faux pearls and sequins, but Moe sez that's too over-the-top for a family party. I guess my girl-sense still needs some work. (But even so, I have it ready, plus an outfit for Moe as well, just in case it turns out to be a dressier party)

I have the special Christmas ham marinating in Ma's pineapple-spices-honey marinade, and later we're mixing up Moe's special Chicken Macaroni and chopping up a couple bowls of carrots 'n other veggies, to be covered with saran wrap and put in the fridge later, and other kitcheny stuff.   And as soon as Ma comes over, we're gonna be doing even more kitcheny stuff.

We didn't go overboard with decorations, but we do have a Christmas tree (especially decorated by Moe), with our gifts for everyone artfully arranged underneath (in case there are some unexpected guests, we have a few "generic" gifts in our upstairs closet).   

A small supply of firewood is ready in the basement, (and several bags of marshallows and some bamboo skewers are in reserve in case my buds want to roast marshmallows).   As I  do not know much about wines, Moe went and bought a selection of good, yet affordable reds and whites.   We're also gonna have diet sodas, coffee and chocolate for those who aren't drinking.

I, ahem, acquired about a gigabyte's worth of instumental christmas songs which we'll be playing to give a bit of background, and Moe had the backyard raked and dragged (no salt, of course) so no one will slip if they want to hang out there (our house isn't that big so people might want to hang there, despite the forty-degree weather).

So, I guess we're all ready, or as ready as we can be, and I have to go downstairs now and help Moe.   Best not to piss her off, as I've learned :)

Anyway, Moe 'n I hope you all have a great Christmas tomorrow.

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