Homecoming Mum and More

Last night I spent a good portion of the night putting together Alexis’ homecoming mum.

If you aren’t from the south – Texas specifically – then you might not be aware of what a homecoming mum is.  Let me show you!

Mum by Mom

The Homecoming mum has been a tradition since the 1930’s.  This website gives a lot of the history and information.  But, history aside, it’s just a really fun way to show your school spirit!

I remember back when we first moved to Texas – I was in 8th grade and had absolutely no clue about Texas football traditions.  I went to school the morning of the Homecoming football game and everyone was wearing a mum.  EVERYone.  The girls had the extremely large ones that they wore on their chests and boys have a smaller version that they wear on their arm like a garter.  I felt so out of place and left out of the fun.  I called my Mom before school even started and said:
“Mom! Whatever this “mum” thing that everyone was wearing – I needed one. And now. Please!”

She had absolutely no idea what it was or what it was about but bless her heart, she figured it out quick and brought one to the school for me to wear within an hour. I remember her showing up with the personalized mum for me during class and I was absolutely stunned and felt so wonderful.  I’ll absolutely never forget her doing that for me. It’s one of the best memories I have of my Mom. (Love you, Mom.)

So, with that spirit in mind this is the second year that I’ve made Alexis’ mum for her. She didn’t get into the tradition during her freshman year, as much as I tried to persuade her.  However, last year she let me make one and she loved it.  This year she was just as excited about it as I was.  Yay!

Here are some close ups for the detail:

Stars is the theme for this year...

 

Lots of detail - hard to get it all in the picture. You can't even see her name in this picture but trust me it's there. "Alexis" in big gold letters on a maroon strip of ribbon.

It was so much fun to make and I really enjoyed it! I hope she has fun wearing it tomorrow.  I’ll be sure to get some pictures of her actually wearing it too!

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What did you eat today, Nicole? Well, I’m glad you asked. I took some pictures to document it.

This is deceiving. I didn't end up drinking the coffee or eating the banana. So technically I just had the oatmeal for breakfast.

 

Chipotle for lunch. My favorite right now. Veggie bowl with brown rice & sweet tea.

Shrimp fajitas for dinner. I was craving some protein.

Guacamole salad, of course, to make my yummy fajita tacos with.

It’s been a fabulous week with regard to working out. I’ve gone to the gym everyday before work and had killer workouts.  I’m so excited to see what kind of results this produces over the next few weeks.

SparkPeople log for today.

Today’s totals:
Calories consumed – 1,257
Exercise minutes – 56
Calories burned – 433