Today's the Day! Redneck Decorating Ideas

Remember in the movie, Stuart Little, when the little boy came into his parent's room early in the morning. They were still asleep, and he ran in yelling, "Today's the day! Today's the day!" because they were going to the adoption agency to get him a little brother (who would turn out, strangely, to be a mouse with the voice of Michael J. Fox...). At any rate, that's how I feel this morning: Today's the day!

If you are not already planning to go on the Historic Edenton Christmas Tour tonight, then you should. If nothing else, seeing my house clean is worth the money. No kidding. And I have to say, the house has really come together, thanks to Leanne and many of you who have called or come by to offer your encouragement or brought food. I'm excited for the hubbub of people in town this week-end, and pray it's a good, strong week-end for our local economy. But I'm especially excited about enjoying our clean and decorated house for the holidays.

Max and Ruby are totally freaked out by all this madness. I wish I could send them away on vacation or something, but no such luck. It's freezing outside, too, which complicates things for them. The poor dogs (Boston Terriers) are so little, they just stand there and shiver when they go outside, so I feel bad putting them out for any period of time.

Okay, I've got some redneck decorating tips for you:
1. I bought some cool floral cages (with oasis inside) that have little loops on the top, so you can thread ribbon through them and hang them up. They're very cool and make the whole arrangement thing easier to decorate doors, etc.
2. Cranberries decorate everything. Pour them in the top of plants, into a bowl with small candles, fill a vase, anything. They're just pretty and they last a while.
3. Sew together (with fishing line) magnolia leaves to make gorgeous dining room placemats/chargers. I'm so proud of mine, so make sure you notice them.
4. String together (again, with fishing line--thanks, Dad, for getting it for me) fresh brussel sprouts and cranberries for a beautiful garland. Mine will be over the kitchen table, so make sure you notice it, too.
5. Smilax is the most awesome, rocking green ever to use when decorating--and cedar, of course.
6. Check for dog mess in the guest bedroom (when did that happen?)
7. Don't let ANYONE go upstairs (I mean, where do you people think the mess goes anyway?)
8. Don't forget to take all the spelling tests, etc. off the fridge.

Okay, sports fans, have a great day. Say a little prayer for everyone on the tour, that our work might glorify the one who gave us Christmas. And if you come through the house, please tell me you're a ChitChat reader. djk

One Day More

"Another day, another destiny..." I can't help but think of the song from Les Miserables this morning. One more day until the tour. I'm eerily calm. In fact, my lack of concern worries me because I could use a little stress-induced adrenaline. I think I used up all my adrenaline early in the week with some projects for work. In spite of the fact that my pumpkin is STILL on the porch (at this point, it's just for fun--you can't imagine how many people have called to remind me to move it--I PROMISE it will be gone by tomorrow) and there are miles to go before I sleep, but I feel like we're in pretty good shape. The house is so festive and decorated that I want to curl up in front of the fire and just enjoy it instead of finish decorating, but I can't do that yet. My dear friend, Leanne, is coming soon, so we can go gather greenery for decorating today. This part will be fun, I have to admit.

My YS, who is six, has been anxious to help with the tour. He's been cutting out Christmas-y magazine pics and sticking them to the kitchen cabinet, putting little pieces of greenery (that look like a little Christmas tree) on top of his cars, and other things that aren't terribly helpful but are really sweet. This morning, he burst into my room.
"Mom, I have the BEST idea for the tour!"
"What, sweetie?" (I am still asleep at this point)
"Look!" He holds up the dog's Christmas sweater that he has clearly taken off the dog because last I saw the dog last night, he was wearing it. It's green with red trim and says 'If I stand under the mistletoe, will you kiss me?" and here's the best part, it has flashing lights with a little battery in it. (which is actually very helpful when you're out with two little black dogs at night)
"We can give this to our baby Jesus!" he says. "You know, the baby Jesus who sleeps under our tree?"
We have a manger under the tree with a baby doll baby Jesus that the kids have set up every year. However Jesus has never worn a flashing Christmas sweater that reads 'If I stand under the mistletoe, will you kiss me?'
"Jesus would LOVE it," Jon says earnestly.
Now I know Jesus pretty well, and He would definitely see the humor in the situation, but the grouchy old ladies in Edenton? (Every town has them) I doubt it. I'm sure the word 'blasphemy' or something equally inflammatory might come up. Although they ARE the same people who keep complaining about my pumpkin...hmmmm.
"Sweetie, I think that's great. Set is up for me this morning. I can't wait to see the lights flash on Jesus." And I mean it. Sweet child wants to help and be a part of it all, and I'm with him, Jesus would love it.
So will it stay for the tour? Probably not, but for tonight, we'll all admire baby Jesus in his flashing Christmas sweater that reads 'If I stand under the mistletoe, will you kiss me?'.