Homecoming Ribbons

It has been brought to my attention (thank you Maria) that when we moved to Texas in 1989 we inherited the homecoming mum tradition. A few states participate such as Oklahoma but in Texas like everything else it has become huge. If you have a date for homecoming the guy gives the girl a mums ribbon. The girl gives the guy the garter mums ribbon which are worn on the arm. They wear the ribbons at school the day of Homecoming and also to the game. When we first moved here it was kind of simple with a large mum and a few ribbons. Now they consist of the large mums, lots of ribbons, stuffed bears, lights and more. The bigger the better. Everyone either crafts them themselves or pay to have it done. Stores such as Hobby Lobby have a section with supplies to create one yourself. Some stores have them already made. It has become big business for crafters in the area. http://homecomingmums.com/id76.html This site is one of the sites that will give more detail into the history of the mum tradition.

This weekend was homecoming for Peyton and Brooke's schools. They actually played each other. Here is a photo of Peyton and her date Austin with their ribbons. They are quite elaborate!

Peyton and Her Date Austin Ready for Homecoming

It's The Call You Never Want To Get

A couple of weeks ago I was packing for vacation and received a call from my son-in-law Rob. "Barb, Austin was injured during football practice at school and has been care flighted to Cook's Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth." "Joy accompanied him in the helicopter." What? What happened? How bad is he hurt? Where did you say they went? I just couldn't process what I was hearing but realizing that Rob was as concerned as I was I got myself together. Austin's femur bone was completely broken and separated from each other. He had surgery later that day and thankfully everything is OK. He is in a wheel chair for 10 days then crutches for 2 months. Other than the fact that he is a 13 year old boy and being confined is not fun, it looks like he will be fine. I would like to add that walking into Cook's Children's hospital with all of their dynamic designs for children it is almost as good as walking into Disney. What a joy to know that there is a beautiful place for sick children. It has to make them feel just a little better.

So, celebrating Austin's 13Th birthday today is just that much more meaningful to all of us who love him.

Happy Birthday Austin!

Happy 13th Birthday Austin!

After Surgery

Don't Look!

In the past week and a half there have been several events to share. I usually try and go in chronological order but this time I am mixing everything up. I am starting with Brooke's horse show which was yesterday. Later I will have photos from Austin's emergency surgery and also photos from our vacation combined with our nephew's wedding in Philadelphia.

Below is Brooke on her horse Starbuck. She took second place in all three events. Later Brooke learned that she was chosen for 2nd place in the Grand Champion Overall. Great job Brooke and Starbuck especially since this was the first time performance in any of these events for Starbuck.

Keller Saddle Club Open Horse Show

Some of My Favorite Black Hawk's Fans

A couple of visits a year, letters, emails, and pictures like these are what keep us connected to our daughter and her family living near Chicago. With Jake getting older they are such a threesome. They attend many of the sports events in Chicago, theatre, and even golf together. And, might I say Jake has quite an adults palate in their favorite restaurants. Calamari please!

Eddie (Ben's friend) Jake and Ben at the Black Hawk's Game

Jane and Jake at the Black Hawks Game