Game day

Saturday kicked off the start of Arkansas football in our house. It was like Christmas with the excitement buzzing in the air. It was a little bittersweet, though, as this was the first time in two years Scott and I were watching a Fayetteville game on TV and not from our seats in the stadium, but it was just as nice being at home with our little guy watching from the comfort of our couch. Preston got in on the action wearing his Razorback onesie — the very first thing we ever bought him, back when he was just the size of a blueberry and was simply called "the baby."

I attempted some Razorback sugar cookies for the festivities, and, while the cookies turned out great, my first foray into royal icing did not. Not only did I make entirely to much in my efforts to make it thick enough to pipe, but, thanks to the large quantity, it was impossible to turn it red. One whole bottle of red food coloring later, and the icing still looked like Pepto Bismol.

Aside from the giant pink mess, our first game day as a family of three was great. Preston enjoyed watching us call the Hogs and singing the fight song. Although, by the end of the day, I think he'd had enough.

Happy football season! Hopefully I'll have the icing figured out by the time Alabama rolls into town.

One last Razorback weekend

This weekend was our last Arkansas football game of the season. It was bittersweet for a number of reasons: one because it is also our last as season ticket holders (babies have to have tickets, too, and we think it's silly to pay for a seat for someone who won't even be able to sit up) and because Arkansas played my original home team, Tennessee.

Much like our baby's first piece of clothing was an Arkansas onesie, mine was a Tennessee shirt. Before I learned to talk and eventually shout "Go big orange," when asked "What's Tennessee?" I would hold up my chubby little pointer finger for "number one!" Needless to say, I got a couple of text messages from my family on Saturday asking who I was rooting for. I cheered for both, though, but I knew things weren't looking good for Tennessee.

Sunday before we left, we went and walked around campus to see the changing leaves and the University of Arkansas' major landmark, Old Main. It served as a hospital during the Civil War, but I like it because it's pretty.

The peaks of Old Main

Scott and I pose in front of Old Main.

Left: U of A chisels all of its grads names into the sidewalks around campus. These are the first years leading up to Old Main. Right: A breezeway leading up to the library's entrance.

We've had a great time each fall going to the Razorback games and enjoying Fayetteville, but we're looking forward to next year, curled up on the couch with our little one, trying to get his or her little fingers wiggling to call the hogs. Soon enough we'll be toting him or her up there to see it all firsthand. There's a lot to look forward to!

College game day

Giddy with the excitement of two children on Christmas eve, Scott and I just couldn't take it any longer and made the trip to Fayetteville Friday night. We had been waiting for the first kick off since January, and the time had finally come!

Saturday was full of the game day traditions we'd come to love last year and miss during the off season. We hit up our favorite bookstore as well as some really neat shops in downtown Fayetteville. If you've ever found yourself lacking in Razorback apparel, that is definitely the place to go. Plus, there was a speciality knitting and crochet shop there, too! I was in heaven.

For lunch, we went to the Catfish Hole, a favorite restaurant for all things Southern and fried. It was a special occasion, though, as they were hosting basketball coach Mike Anderson and a potential future Razorback basketball player. The enthusiasm of the announcer was pretty entertaining. It was like a religious revival. The former assistant coach of our national championship winning days come home to restore the glory to Bud Walton Arena! Can I get an amen?!

We also got our picture with Mike Anderson, not before I made a fool out of myself trying to shake his hand with the hand I was also holding my sucker with. This one definitely gets to go on the bookshelf next to the one of D.J.!

Afterward, it was game time! We walloped the other team (as to be expected) and had a great time in our old seats just like old times. There was lots of woo pig-ing and finger wiggling, plus a couple of amazing punt returns by Joe Adams. Will this season be our championship year? If everyone we play is like Missouri State, I don't see why not! (We're not that lucky though.)

It's almost here!

Tomorrow kicks of the Razorback football season, and I know we're all thinking the same thing — what will I wear?! Yes, this is the ever-important question I'm faced with every game day. I used to be a jeans and Arkansas T-shirt girl — that is, until we went to Ole Miss. You see, Ole Miss fans show up, sartorially speaking, for football games. No T-shirts, here. The guys are decked out in their Southern preppy finery, with button-up shirts, khakis, sweaters and loafers accompanying their "Hoddy Toddy" styrofoam cups. And the girls are in skirts or dresses and heels. I felt like quite the shlub in my jeans and hoodie.

Since then, I've vowed to no longer feel shlub-like on game day. I've taken a cue from the Old Miss fans and from the Arkansas sorority girls (just fashion-wise, not morally) and put together a chart of what to wear throughout the season, inspired by this post, from accessories, dresses, tops and bottoms, outerwear, and the all-important shoes.

{Row 1: sunglasses, necklace, sunscreen, pearls, koozie, scarf, gloves, tights, thermos, blanket// Row 2: dress 1, dress 2, dress 3, dress 4// Row 3: sleeveless top, red striped top, white sweater, red sweater// Row 4: striped cardigan, drape-front jacket, red jacket, black coat// Row 5: red skirt, red belt, red shorts, khaki shorts, jeans, red pants// Row 6: sandals, TOMS, ballet flats, boots}

So, what's your game day dress approach? As I was hemming and hawing through my closet as to what to wear tomorrow, Scott reminded me that it is a football game and not a fashion show, but he is the one bringing several outfits to choose from. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

That's right! I'm already counting down; after all it's only 38 days until the beginning of football season! (What? Did you think I was talking about Christmas?)

Last week's SEC media days got me trembling with excitement. Football season is almost here, and I am giddy with anticipation! I thought I'd collect a few of my favorite Razorback things to get you as excited as I am to call the hogs!

A good Hogs shirt is a must, and I love the vintage logo on this one.

I love this preppy Vineyard Vines tote with tiny razorbacks around the brim. 

I've got a razorback cookie cutter that I can't wait to put to use. These cookies are my inspiration.

 No house should be without the fight song on one of its walls!

 I love this tailgating decor. It would be perfect for an away game party at home.

Red TOMS classics are my favorite game day shoes. 

The red polka dot trim is adorable on this pillow.

A neat design celebrating all things Arkansas.

 I might not be a pet person, but this little piggy in red boots has me rethinking that. 

Are you as excited as I am about Arkansas football? What are you looking most forward to for football season? 

Sources: Shirt, tote, sign, decor, shoes, pillow, print,  and pig.

Red and white and green with envy

"I wish DJ Williams would be there," I said to Scott as he finished reading of the names of the former Razorback football players who would be signing autographs at Razorfest — an event held before the Red and White spring practice game. "I know," he said, "but it'll probably be awhile before he comes to one of these things. He's going to be in the NFL for a long time."

You see, DJ Williams is probably my favorite Razorback. Not only is he a great football player, winning the John Mackey Award in 2010 as the best tight end in college football, but he's also a great person. Coming from a rough childhood, DJ rose from adversity and has become an excellent role model for little Razorbacks-to-be playing catch and claiming players to be in their front lawn. If I had a little boy, he'd definitely have his own number 45 jersey.

For Scott's birthday weekend, we went to Fayetteville to see the Red and White game and see the Razorback baseball team play. When we arrived, we were shocked at how cold and windy it was — not exactly what you picture when you think of a spring game. Shivering, we ducked into our favorite bookstore and bought sweatshirts to keep us warm during the day's events.

First stop was the football stadium. In the surrounding parking lot before the game, different events were set up, one of which was the autograph table. We surveyed the players, seeing if there was anyone worth waiting in a Splash Mountain-length line for. But, being impatient, we passed. Besides, there was no DJ.

A high point of the game was watching the two prospective quarterbacks duke it out. Will all the little boys (and some grown men) be wearing number 8 (Tyler Wilson) or 17 (Brandon Mitchell) next year. Who knows. If the winning team is any indication, then you'd better be scooping up your 8 jerseys right now, as the White team won pretty convincingly.

By the end of the third quarter, it was getting pretty chilly. The stands were starting to clear. Sitting there, minding my own business, I hear Scott say, "Hey! It's DJ Williams!"

Ha ha, funny man. Scott's favorite pastime is taking advantage of my gullibility, and I wasn't going to fall for it. But I did look over where he was pointing, just in case.

And wouldn't you know it, coming up the stairs next to our row was my favorite Razorback. What do you do?! We frantically searched for a pen for him to sign Scott's hat with as he moved closer to us.

"Hey, DJ," Scott said. "Can I get a picture?" And that's when the birthday boy got the greatest present ever.

Have you seen the commercial for Disney World where all the little boy talks about it meeting Mickey Mouse, but when the time comes had he actually meets Mickey, he's so stunned and can't say anything at all? That was me. The shock of actually getting to meet the guy I'd been so eagerly wanting to see got the better of me, and I couldn't find the words to say, "Me, too!" until he was already gone. I kicked myself for that the rest of the day. My mother-in-law put it in good perspective though. Now I have a picture of my two favorite guys. I am still a little jealous, though.

After the game, we made it over to the baseball field to watch the Razorbacks take on Mississippi State. We didn't stay for long though, as the cold weather got the best of us, and we decided to take refuge in Doe's Eat Place, warmed by the best tamales, steaks and drop biscuits ever.

It was a great weekend, and I'm definitely looking forward to more trips to Fayetteville this fall. Now all we have to do is find a good frame for Scott and DJ's picture — and someone to Photoshop me in on the other side.

Bittersweet

Tuesday night was a sad night in the Hannigan home. Our beloved Razorbacks just couldn't seem to get it together (or catch the football) and lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. By the way we drug ourselves the house during the following 24 hours, you would've thought our puppy ran away or that someone punched our grandma. But, alas, there's always next year.

Let's recap the better times that got us here in the first place, shall we?

There was the first game of the season and our long weekend adventures, followed by my first visit to War Memorial Stadium where we sweated a lot and almost lost the truck. Then we tailgated and played bean bag toss leading up to our loss against Alabama. I compiled a list of my favorite football cheers, in case you found yourself lacking in that department. We enjoyed the last game of the season with Rusty and Cassie (it was also her first Razorback game), and then we trekked to Starkville to watch the Razorbacks take on Mississippi State in a nail-biting, double overtime victory.

Despite our lost, I'm still proud to say "it's hard to be humble when you're an Arkansas Razorbacks fan!"



See you next year!

The last of my Razorback posts for the season

The Friday before Thanksgiving, Scott and I loaded up the car and prepared to make a large, four state, weeklong circle  — with stopping points in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and then back to Arkansas. We started out in Starkville, Miss., to see the Razorbacks play Mississippi State. This was our second road game, having gone to Oxford, Miss., the year before to watch the Arkansas/Ole Miss game (which we lost, starting a deep-seeded disgust in me for all things Ole Miss).

Despite the fact the Garmin got us to the middle of a highway and left us there once we arrived in Starkville, we really enjoyed seeing the campus and all the sights of the college town. We even got to stay in an historical hotel — the same Hilton Garden Inn where Cam Newton's dad made the (now not-so alleged) pay-for-play offer to Mississippi State. Classy, isn't it? Plus, the morning of the game, we shared the elevator with the Bulldogs' quarterback and two other very large team members ("I should've pulled a Tanya Harding and taken him out!" Scott later lamented) on their way to the game. It was a little intimidating to say the least.

Clockwise from top: Miss. State water tower; Scott and I pre-game; inside the stadium; the back of Ryan Mallett's head (it was the best I could do.)

When we got to the stadium, courtesy of a very interesting shuttle ride (two words: stripper pole), we were able to see the team get off the bus. I got to say hey to D.J. Williams (my favorite not just because he plays well, but because he actually smiles in his pictures instead of that trying-to-hard blank stare the other guys do to look tough), Ryan Mallett, Joe Adams, Jake Bequette (also a smiler), and the rest.

All the while we were "privileged" to be followed by Bulldogs fans with their infamous cowbells. (Turn your speakers way up and place them directly on your ears for the full effect.) Yes, they have a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. I will say that they have some amazing fans, and the energy there is awesome.

Prior to this game, Mississippi State lost one of their players suddenly to cancer. This was their first home game since his death, and a large 36 was painted on the field, and the 36 yard hash mark was blacked out in his memory. Before the start of the game, they held a moment of silence for him. You could have heard a pin drop in what once was a stadium pulsing with excitement. Suddenly, cutting through the silence, was one, lone cowbell being furtively rang by his mother, standing on the field. The whole crowd cheered and rang theirs in response and support. It was heart wrenching. I cried (so what if I also cry at every military commercial, certain "Glee" episodes, and particularly moving print ads). After that it was time to dry your eyes and start calling the hogs!

It was a tight game, double overtime, but we were victorious and it was wonderful. I really didn't want to  hate Mississippi State like I hate Ole Miss. They seemed like nice people. We did sing "Hard to be humble" through twice though, which probably didn't make us seem like nice people.

Sunday, we awoke hoarse and still basking in our victory. We said good bye to Scott's mom and her husband and were on our way to Tennessee, first making a stop in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to see Alabama's campus, just because.

Our goal is to see Arkansas play an away game at every SEC West school (my original plea was every SEC stadium, but we're starting small). I'm already looking forward to seeing a game played here. It was an impressive campus, as much as that pains me to say.

And that was the end of our football season. We watched the LSU game in the comfort of my grandmother's living room, and, despite my prodding, Scott says the Sugar Bowl is a no for us. I'm already looking forward to next season!

A girl's guide to football cheers

Woo pig sooie!

I've always lacked the physical coordination or overall pep to be a cheerleader but never the vocal fortitude necessary to shout my encouragement. Going to the Razorback games this year has driven this point home even more. However, my limited knowledge of the intricacies of the game leave me few intelligent things to shout. I can't yell at the ref for a botched call because I'm not even sure what he called. I like to think that I know a little more about football than the average female, but I do come up short in the "things to shout" category. So, I've compiled a list of my favorite go-tos in case you find yourself at a football game with nothing to yell.

1. "Go, baby, go!" I learned this one from my parents many years ago. It is a wonderful catch-all. You don't necessarily need to know what's going on to shout it. On offense? "Go, baby, go!" can easily relate to any number of instances, whether the quarterback is getting into position to throw or your team is running down the field. On defense? "Go, baby, go!" can mean to sack the quarterback or catch whoever might be making a break for it. Husband leaving for the concession stand? "Go, baby, go!" And get me some M&Ms while you're at it. (I like to add additional go's to the end for as long as the play lasts. Add a little variety by switching up the rhythm of the go's.)

2. "Hit him, hit him, hit him!" To really emphasize this point, I like to clench my fists and quickly pound at the air for the duration of the play. It is best reserved for defensive plays or when the opposing team is returning a punt or kick off.

3. "Let's go, defense!" My greatest fear in all the world is that I will shout this only to realize we're playing offense. How embarrassing, right? So be sure you're 110% certain of your team's status before shouting this one. Good clues are if your mascot happens to be holding a cut-out letter "D" and part of a picket fence or if someone around you has already shouted it.

4. "C'mon Hogs/Razorbacks/Arkansas!" If you're lucky enough to have a team that answers to several names, your things-to-shout playbook can double or triple in size! What luck!

5. Whatever Scott just said, a.k.a. The Mockingbird: If you choose to implement The Mockingbird, be sure to allow sufficient time between the shout your about to copy and your own for risk of calling attention to the fact you're just repeating what someone else said. That's number two on the "most embarrassing" list.

When in doubt, a joyful "Yay!" or disappointed "Boo!" are also good options.

I hope that these will give you a little more confidence as you cheer on your team to victory!

"It's hard to be humble when your an Arkansas Razorbacks fan! Go Hogs!"

Tailgate time

Although Arkansas looked really good for the first three quarters of the game, ultimately we left with heads hung low and mumbles of "If only we could've..." Scott tells me this is what it feels like to be a Razorbacks fan.

Even though the game was a little heartbreaking, we had a good time regardless. We tailgated before the game, grilling our lunch and playing beanbag toss.

We had a little griddle that was suppose to sear "Razorbacks" in to the bratwurst. Key words: supposed to.

Back off, ladies. He's mine.

Kris Allen, calling the hogs.

There was a silver lining to the game, though. 

We finally found Waldo. I'd worried about him.

Another typical football season weekend

I probably should warn you that between now and January, there will probably be a lot of weekends that look like this:

Saturday

Woke up to a rainy morning of College Game Day and cinnamon rolls

Made a quick run to Hay's to buy appropriate rain gear in case there would be rain at the game

(Upon realizing that we could save $30 if I bought a child's size rain jacket instead of an adult's, Scott said, "I love you for being small." I hope that's not the only reason.)

Geared up for yet another Razorback game, this time in Little Rock
Rejoiced when the sun went down and chugged our overpriced bottled water
Lingered around after another Hogs' victory and prayed we would find the truck parked somewhere on the neighboring golf course

Most of my life, I've questioned how Esau could've given up his birthright for just a bowl of soup, but, thanks to the very humid Central Arkansas night, I would've given up more than that for a simple hair elastic. The wavy hair I daily straighten into submission made a special appearance Saturday night.

My first time at War Memorial Stadium.

Sunday
Woke up and went to church
Happily returned to our young marrieds' class (After weekends spent in Horatio, Nashville, and Fayetteville, it felt like years since we'd been!)
Ate lunch, napped, did laundry and watched "A Serious Man"
Had the Pruitts over for dinner and games
Played Wahoo, ate cookies, and held Hunter
Watched another spectacular episode of "Mad Men"

I'm happy to report that we will be staying home next week. Arkansas plays at Georgia, and I've already put the kibosh on any long-distance road trip ideas that may have sprung up in the mister's head. 

Woo Pig Weekend

While for many this is/was a three-day weekend, it was simply an ordinary two-day one for me. However, that didn't stop us from cramming three days worth of fun into it.

(A quick apology to my parents and all of the red and white they're about to see.)

Friday

Cleaned and packed for our over-night in Fayetteville

Got my Couch to 5K run in, even though I'm still a day behind where I should be

(Hey, I'm still doing it, which is something.)

Saturday

Got up early and hit the road to Fayetteville
Arrived in our hotel, met up with the in-laws and went to lunch
Ate the best hamburger ever, disregarding the fact I was wearing a white shirt and would undoubtedly spill something on myself (I'm proud to report there were no food stains afterward! I'm an adult!)
Enjoyed some shade and the lovely weather before the game 

Red and white and ready for the game!

This is my mother-in-law.  I must say that I've got a pretty good one. 

Walked to the stadium, through security, fought to get onto the elevators (that reeked of pretzels) and finally arrived at our seats and enjoyed the first Hogs game of the season!

When these little guys weren't calling the hogs, they were picking their noses.

Crowd reflected in the glass

*Insert technical football jargon here*

Final score. I hope to see more like this throughout the season.

Finally got back to our hotel room and crashed after a long day.

Sunday

Went shopping in Rogers, home of my dream Target and a wonderful outdoor shopping center where we had lunch

Lunchtime!

Cheesing in our Harding shirts (it was not our intention to match)

Drove home, sad that the weekend was over (You know it's a good weekend when you get a case of the post-vacation blues afterward)

Unpacked and geeked out on the couch with my three greatest loves: Scott, the Beatles, and grammar

How can a book with "glamour" and "grammar" in the title not be good?

Hope you had (or are still are having) a great weekend!