Soggy Spirit

No matter how many times I hit "refresh" on the weather website this morning, the forecast for Homecoming Day was rain, rain, rain.

Carter actually had cross country practice this morning so had to deal with it a bit then. Came home and showered and I dropped him off at the football with his marching band equipment by 11:45 a.m. Since the game didn't start until 1 p.m., I stopped at the florist after that and picked up his boutonniere and the wrist corsage for his date.

Came home and changed into weather-proof clothes and hubby and I went to the game. We were pretty luck it only sprinkled/misted off and on. It was not the steady downpour that is happening as I type this. I wasn't able to get too many decent photographs of the excellent halftime show. Great music and dancing. It chose that moment to rain enough that my camera was getting wet. Didn't want to ruin it.

Our boys ended up losing to Loyal by 18-6 (or something like that). We had some great defensive plays that kept the game close. It was funny that after halftime, the whole student section was practically empty. All the girls had to go get their hair done for the dance tonight! Not a bad idea since by the time we got home from the game, Carter had 90 minutes to get ready. A guy can do that in 9 minutes, for the record.

Four couples were having dinner at one of the girls' houses not far from us. Due to the rain -- and the fact that 3 high schools were having their homecoming dances tonight -- we took some pictures inside the house and a few outside between rain drops. Didn't even venture into the "hot spots" in town since there were dozens and dozens of well-dressed teenagers waiting their turns to take outside photos -- and quickly to stay dry.

I did manage to tie Carter down for one with me before he left...

Dad threatened him that he better be cooperative for scrapbooking Mom today!! Ha.

When we got to the dinner house, my one camera had a dead battery (good planning, scrapbooking Mom!) so I used another plus my phone for a few. I haven't uploaded any except for the one with me and the one with his "real" date, Emily.

They do look nice, don't they? They've been friends for so long, I am sure they will have a great time at the dance tonight.

I did get into town for the Grand March at 7:30 p.m. but it was just too dark to take pictures. I will upload a bunch tomorrow and see what I got between halftime show and pre-dance group photos, etc. Right now I have to watch a good, long movie that will be interesting enough to keep me awake so I can go get him at midnight.

Gotta keep that homecoming spirit alive!

Pregame Pep

Lots going on to wrap up Assumption Homecoming Week today.

Late this afternoon and early evening, the parents and students who will be hosting a German student in the spring held an Oktoberfest fundraiser dinner with brats, "vee-ners," German potato salad, apple strudel and, most importantly,  live polka music! We don't scrimp on our entertainment around here!

Turned out pretty successful. After that, it was Pep Rally time.

As usual, there were silly games pitting classes against each other, music by the Pep Band, plus some skits and a great entertaining "presentation" by the senior football players. And even though Homecoming Week is about tomorrow's football game, they recognized all the fall sports - volleyball, tennis and yes, your favorite cross country team.

The culmination of the rally is the Torch Run and the lighting of the Assumption "A" by the handful of seniors who ran the torch all the way from Loyal (our opponent tomorrow) to the school.

Rain held off during the bonfire. Sure would be nice if that happened during the game tomorrow!

Otherwise, our pep might get a little soggy and our fingers and toes will turn blue. Hopefully Royal Blue at least!

Smirk Alert

Once in awhile (if "once in awhile" is all the time), we hear comments that Carter looks just like his dad. Mostly, anyone who grew up in Rapids and saw hubby as a young charmer with a smirk on his face.

Carter brought home his sophomore picture and I have to say, I get what they're saying.

Carter just needs to part his hair in the middle. Ha. Well he did inherit some dimples and a whole lot of charm (not that I won't take some credit). He just looks so grown up all of a sudden. I'm not ready for another MAN in my life!

If you look at his cross country picture, he's got the smirk again and...

... He's lifting one of his funky eyebrows (courtesy of Dad, too) as if to say, "What's not to like about me?"

I can tell you: Not much.

I love both of these guys with all my heart -- quirks, smirks and all. Can't wait to have us all under one roof again tonight. Then it's my turn to smile :)

Oktober-Fuss

You know you are working in Wisconsin when you spot a keg in your breakroom!

Yup, it was Oktoberfest at work today. And, yes, if you look closely it is a keg of ROOT beer!

We had a potluck lunch of brats and burgers and all the goodies we employees brought. It's after 9 p.m. and I still haven't eaten anything since. I was that full! I'm sure I overindulged in too many glasses of beer (nothing beats Point Root Beer on tap), not to mention the tasty dessert selection.

I wonder if this will keep up all month. Even just on "You know what day it is" Wednesdays is fine since there are five of them in October. Hmmm....

Besides fall fests, October is prime time for baseball -- for some fans. Hubby was quite disappointed that his Reds were denied a playoff spot after losing to Pittsburgh last night. I was just happy my Twins didn't lose 100 games this season (though they came darn close).

Carter mentioned that the NHL season has already started, too. Hockey?? We're not going to talk about that -- or the fact the Weather Channel has already named their first winter storm of the season. I still can't get over the fact they are calling this week's nice weather "Indian Summer." I think I'm in denial. Isn't it still August?

Between you and me, I don't think Mr. Deck Chair is going to be happy about this.

And this summer-sun-lovin' blogger ain't either.

Feeling Blue

I'm not feeling blue because hubby is in Atlanta this week for work. Though I miss him. I'm not feeling blue because it's been a long week already for me. And it's only Tuesday.

I'm feeling blue -- ROYAL BLUE in fact -- because it's Homecoming Week at Assumption!

This is the week where I reminded that my son has more of a social life in 7 days than I do the whole year combined! It's also the week I think back on our Homecoming Weeks from high school and hope he is making as many lasting memories as I did.

Part of the fun is the dress-up days. Yesterday was "Twin Day" so he and buddy dressed alike -- easy enough to do with the same Cross Country t-shirts, shorts, etc. I would have worn Minnesota Twins gear, but that's just me. Today was "Disney Day." Try as I might, I could not get him to go as Cinderella or any of the princesses. Not even Buzz Lightyear! So today, he was no help for his homeroom to get any Spirit Points.

He has been helping in other ways.

The other fun of Homecoming Week is the extra-curricular activities. On Sunday night it was dodgeball between classes. On Monday night it was volleyball between homerooms. Carter's team finished second to the seniors and he claims he's pretty good.

Tonight it was "real" volleyball with the Pep Band playing before the varsity matchup versus Stratford. Our girls swept them in three games. That was good because we needed to get home and get going on homework. They don't let up on that just because it's homecoming.

And that's why Carter is having a BLUE week, too!

PUMP-ed Up Again

Found another way to enjoy Pumpkin as a yummy autumn treat!! Look what I found (yes, Wal-Mart has everything):

And look at the label (lower right) -- it's a FAT FREE food! Everybody wins.

And this is how I made it FAT again. Here is how to make Crispy Pumpkin Spice Treats:

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large microwaveable bowl. Add the Pumpkin Spice Mallows and stir to coat them with the melted butter. Then melt the marshmallow mix, stirring every 30 seconds so it doesn't burn.

Mix melted marshmallows with 5 cups of crisp rice cereal. Place in 9x13 pan that is buttered (or I use parchment paper so I'm not adding butter).

Place candy corn on top -- 'cause that makes even more festive and yummy!

Makes 2 dozen Crispy Pumpkin Spice Treats. Decorate how you want. I might even try rolling them in balls and sticking the candy corn on top so it looks more like a pumpkin.

When I have time. Right now I'm just waiting for these to set so I can have one. (Don't worry, I know they are good. Somebody already taste-tested!)

Enjoy!

Forward, March!

While I have enjoyed the Warrens Cranberry Festival in the past as a shopper of arts and crafts -- and consumer of state-fair type food, I have never attended the Sunday parade. Until this year.

Carter and the Assumption High School Marching Band were billed as Unit #76 in a parade that I later concluded probably had another 76 after that. It was a long one.

I dropped Carter off at school after church so he could ride the band bus. I came home and changed and headed down to Warrens, figuring I could always shop a little before the parade started at noon. Well, I did look around a bit but didn't buy anything until I realized I'd be standing for the whole event so I better get some nourishment. This served two purposes -- energy and I would not be so inclined to steal candy from small children.

What could satisfy that hunger? Well, I hear Snickers satisfies. So how about a deep-fried Snickers? Oh wow. I was going to take a picture of it, but honestly it just disappeared too fast. I have no idea where it went!

On to the parade...

Our friend Bob, a Zor Funster shriner clown, came past me at about 12:30 p.m. and said he was #25 so I knew there'd be a wait for the AHS band. Some time after 1 p.m. (an hour into the parade and a dozen marching bands later), they came down the road to perform for the thousands of people lining the streets in this tiny little berry town.

Here's Carter third in line. I was facing the sun so did not have any clue if I was in focus or who I was shooting.

Luckily, he got real close right before they resumed playing.

They not only played and marched but they did have some movement, too! Lots of zig-zagging and stuff while still moving forward. I was impressed. It also was probably a sneak peek at what they'll be doing for homecoming halftime this Saturday. Maybe.

Even though the kids were probably sweating in the sun, I still think their uniforms are classy. They show off our Royal blue pride, that's for sure!

After the parade, I came home, watched the Vikings actually win a game, then took a walk. Since it is the start of homecoming week, I took Carter to the school tonight for a Dodgeball tourney between the high school grades. That took more than two hours. Was it worth the wait in the car after I was done grocery shopping? Not really. Sophomores finished last. Ha.

They better find some other ways to earn spirit points this week. Somehow, I have a feeling we're going to be pretty busy trying.

Forward.... March!