Homecoming 2017 - traditions both new and old

Homecoming - a spirit-filled week of activities leading up to the Homecoming football game and typically followed by a Homecoming dance.  Growing up in Texas, some things stay the same, and some things take on a mind of their own (I blame Pinterest - but also am so thankful for Pinterest, in times like this!). There are dates and events that, no matter how old you are, you can look back on and remember - Homecoming is definitely one of these events!

This past weekend was Colby's Homecoming.  Last year as a freshman, he opted not to participate in any of the Homecoming festivities.  Truthfully, I was a bit bummed on Homecoming night seeing all the pictures on social media of all the kids and their dates.  But, I only had to wait one year till he decided he wanted to ask a friend to Homecoming.

Enter one of the newer traditions - the Homecoming proposal.  It's not really a proposal but it has gotten a bit over the top.  Colby had very clear ideas on how he wanted to ask his date but it was my job to make it cute! ;) He wanted it to be a sno-cone theme.  Easy-peasy and I couldn't wait to get started on a cute sign...

PSA, moms!!!  Some things that mean one thing to us, do NOT mean the same thing to kids!!!  Please tell me I'm not the only one who thought "Netflix and chill" actually meant watch tv and hang out...  Um...let's just say, no, it absolutely does not!  (check Urban Dictionary if you thought it meant what I did!)

Here is take 1 on Colby's Homecoming sign - followed by our text conversation!

Cute, huh?!  I thought it was adorable especially since he was going with a 

sno-cone theme!

So, yes, the big joke is that I almost had him inappropriately ask a date to Homecoming!  #youcan'ttakemeanywhere #nowIknow

After a few more edits, I finally got the sign approved and he was ready to ask...

and she said YES!  Aren't they adorable?  It's even cuter since they were in the same Kindergarten class!

The week leading up to the Homecoming football game is filled with spirit filled dress-up days.  Here's the schedule that they had:

Monday - When you wish upon a Star - Disney theme

Tuesday - Just Super - Super Hero vs. Super Villan

Wednesday - Back to the Future - Decades Day

Thursday - All Hail the Fanny Pack - Tourist Day

Friday - Maroon Out

Colby plays Junior Varsity football so his games are on Thursday but he stands on the sidelines for the Varsity games on Friday nights.  The Homecoming game is always well attended, the Homecoming Queen is crowned at halftime, and then you hope and pray that the boys pull out a win (cause no one wants to lose on Homecoming!).  Thankfully our boys played their hearts out and came away with a 19-13 WIN!!!

And while the kids have had a spirit-filled week and a Homecoming football game, the part that they most look forward to is the Homecoming dance. Below are a few pics I took before the kids left for dinner and the dance.

Couldn't resist a picture with my guy (notice I'm standing on a step and still shorter than he is!).

Getting a little help with his bow tie!

The girls looked gorgeous...

and the guys so handsome!

It was incredibly hot and steamy but they made the most of it!

Molly & Colby

Little sister really didn't know what to think about sharing Colby with another girl!

And now for the answer to the most asked question - "What is a Homecoming MUM?!"

To really appreciate the homecoming mum, you have to go back to where it started.  It's really hard to believe but this tradition started with a simple flower - a chrysantheMUM - tied with a few simple ribbons for guys to give their dates.  Like everything in Texas, we tend to think that bigger is better so the Homecoming mum as we know it today was born!

Think of mums as a ginormous corsage-like accessory.  While I have memories of the chrysanthemum being a real flower, today they are typically silk flowers with streamers, ribbons, and trinkets attached.

The mum is all about self-expression.  You typically find the name of the couple with glitter stickers attached to ribbons in school colors somewhere on the mum.  Also included are any sports teams they might be on, or special interests or other activities.  Think of it like a charm bracelet.

You can make your own mum or you can have a special mum-maker (yes, there are people who specialize in making mums!) make yours.  You can find supplies at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or even local grocery stores.  While all that sounded fun, I opted to have a florist in my hometown make Molly's.  

Thank you, Wild Iris!!!

You have endless possibilities when it comes to mum making - I've seen singles, doubles, triples and so big that you just lose count!  Some even have lights and/or stuffed animals on them!  It's also personal preference with long or short.  It's definitely a sight to see!

If you think of a girl's mum as a corsage, you can think of the guy's garter as a boutonniere.  Same concept as what the girls wear except the guys wear them on their arm.

And I say "wear" with a giggle.  When I was growing up, you wore your mum (by safety pinning it to your dress - and additionally to your bra strap if it was heavy!) to the Homecoming game and also to the dance.  That is definitely not the case anymore.  Guys and girls took their mums to school on Friday and did a mum exchange (with no pictures, might I add!).  Guys and girls then pinned their mums and garters to their backpacks.  Other than using them as props for pictures, this is the only wearing of the mums that took place!  Crazy, I know!

Homecoming mums in Texas are just a part of growing up.  A tradition like no other and one that I hope is still around when their kids are growing up!

After Homecoming, mums are kept for display in the kids' rooms or packed away by sentimental moms.  Or, if you are the recycling kind, you can use bits and pieces of the mum for next year's Homecoming!

The kids had a fabulous time at the dance and continued their fun at an after-party breakfast hosted by some family friends.  It's been fun watching them grow up over the years - and fun watching them learn how to navigate life - in heels and sports coats!

School pride, tradition, and Texas high school football - everything really is bigger in Texas!  #Texasforever

And, if you want to see how crazy this mum tradition is, just google 'Homecoming Mums' or search for them on Etsy!  

If you have any fun Homecoming memories, please share them in the comments!  I can't wait to read all about them!!!

and visit my FAVORITE link-ups page to see where I'm linking up today!