Rodeo Austin 2012

JP gave me the absolute best Christmas present back in December...season tickets to the Austin rodeo. The rodeo runs for two weeks in and we are halfway through. Here are our rodeo highlights so far:

• The kids went to their first rodeo and concert and loved it. They got to go three times this past week. I think the best part for them was the cotton candy (which we learned we HAD to save until the concert to make it all the way through).
• Elizabeth loved Kidstown with the petting zoo and ponies to ride AND wearing her new cowboy boots as often as she could.
• Trace did Mutton Bustin' on Saturday and did awesome! (THAT WAS YOUR VIDEO QUIZ FROM YESTERDAY).  He didn't win the buckle, but he got a huge trophy. He was so proud of himself. He just walked around holding his trophy begging for people to notice...and they did and he said, "Like 1,000 people love me!" I found him the next morning in his underoos with his night-night and his trophy. His response to my what in the world look was, "I just love it!"
• I absolutely love the rodeo events, but after seeing one of the cowboys get seriously injured one night when a bull fell back and on top of him...I've had a hard time watching the bull riding. My stomach gets a little sick feeling everytime it starts. I love those cowboys, but they are crazy little boogers.
• JP laughs at me every time, but for the last event of the rodeo, they let the buckin' broncs run free around the arena. They are absolutely beautiful creatures and I get totally choked up with tears every time. God made some pretty awesome things...

So, here's to one more week of the rodeo. I'll actually be heading back out there three more times before it ends. I love it...I love the footlong corndogs (I've only had one, I promise)...I love funnel cakes (you'd be proud, I've only had a little of one of those little pieces of heaven)...and I love that JP gave me the best Christmas present I could have ever wanted (love you, babe)!

Video...Take 2

Don't know what's happening with the video, so here's another try.

This is a test...

Can you recognize anyone here? Listen to the announcer. If you can't figure it out, the answer with more pictures and stories will follow tomorrow.

Theology 101

Trace has been asking questions for years about who made this and who created that, and one day after a very long line of questioning, he stopped...then said, "But, who made God?"

I was very impressed with this question and realized that my answer sounded more fairy tale-ish than I thought it might. It turned into a pretty interesting conversation with me and JP about how to try and explain. Trace has not let the question go and I feel like my response is getting better (not that it has changed, but maybe more clear).

My latest response, "Well, we don't really know how he got here, he just always has been. Daddy and I believe in the Bible and it says he has always been. It's called faith."

He actually asked again tonight and said, "So, God is the only one who hasn't died? (pause) That's pretty cool."

God has blessed my little guy with a very inquisitve heart. I pray that he blesses Trace with understanding, compassion and acceptance of others and their beliefs (in spite of my attempts to bear witness) so that one day Trace can answer these questions from his own heart and mind.

Proof is in the Picasa collage

Thanks to my BFF (aka a Gurley Gurl...check her out) - I am going to try and figure out Picasa and photo collages for the blog. Here are the pictures from the race this weekend. I think I'd like to play with this more...I'll have to actually get Allena to find time for me and show me some tricks (yes, that was a jab to see if I can get her attention, love you!)

Gimme a "K"...or 5

I love to glance at my favorite blogs daily (and yes, maybe even multiple times a day if I'm not super interested in what I'm working on, but who doesn't right)...but I can't seem to keep up with my own. So, here's to trying to blog at least once a week. I need to keep you all posted on our happenings and this weekend was one that shouldn't disappoint.

Trace's school had their annual 5k/1k fun run this weekend. I was signed up to run it with my friend Amanda and I had Trace and Elizabeth signed up to run the 1k. Frizz backed out last minute, but Trace and I were pumped and ready to go...

Here were our (ok, my) goals:

1-Finish the 5k WITHOUT walking. I've done two other 5k's and had to walk a little in both. I wanted to finish this one running.

2-Have Trace finish his 1k WITHOUT walking. I really wouldn't have cared if he walked, but I was excited to see what his little body could do. At the risk of sounding like a crazy mom (which I know I am)...I'll be honest and tell you that I did take him out and we ran the course a week before just so he could see what it was like.

Here were our results:

1-I ran the WHOLE thing. I finished in 32 minutes flat - right over a 10 minute mile. I got 3rd in my female age bracket and got a medal which earned me major cool points with my kids. (Side note: I still have 2 years in this bracket until I bump up, I'm going to hold on tightly.)

2-Trace ran the WHOLE 1k. There were about 50 kids that took off in a full on sprint when they said "GO!". They didn't last that long at that pace, but when they came back around the corner, Trace was still up front. We learned that I am in fact a crazy mom, because I think I ended up running around the entire course telling him he could do it. I think he'll be mortified if I continue this type of behavior as he grows up. He never stopped and ended up coming in 4th. He was pooped, but enjoyed it. He's my little competitor which was evidenced by his very obvious disappointment that he didn't get any sort of medal. They gave medals to kiddos that ran in the 5k, so he says he wants to do that next year. I'll have to decide if 3.2 miles for a 7 year old is a good choice, but we'll wait to worry until next year.

Overall, a really fun morning. The thing is, I always get emotional at the finish line when I myself cross or I see others. I am really trying to lead a healthier more active lifestyle, and I am so proud of any person who CHOOSES to go and do something like this. There are always people there who are achieving a goal to finish one or beat their time or whatever it might be...either way, congratulations to all the Negley Navigator runners and here's to this 3rd place 30-34 year old female and my precious boy! Go us!

And, we do have proof that this event actually took place and that we participated. I am going to learn how to collage pictures and post them this week (which might actually prove harder than running the 3.2 miles).

"Momma, where's my elf???"

This is what Trace asks me today as he's walking around the house nearly crying searching everywhere for "his" Elf. Yes, his Elf on the Shelf that didn't get the message that it was time to come to our house and start watching him to report back to Santa. Isn't there some parent or elf code that we all should know about so my child doesn't cry and think he's been forgotten?

If you don't know what I am talking about, you must not have an Elf on the Shelf...I recommend you go to any Target and find one...or better yet, if you do have one, go to any Target, and try to explain to your child why there are boxes and boxes of them at a STORE.

Hmmm...well, I sure hope that Trace's Elf makes it to our house tomorrow...code for...JP get up and go hide that darn thing...AND make it cute, because Trace's cousin's elf was in the fridge and made her milk turn green...oh my...'tis the freakin' season!

The story of my life

I have laughed so hard I've cried watching this video. It is truly the story of my life with these two. Supposedly, Peggy has video of JP doing this exact type of thing to his brother and sister. A chip off the old block I guess. You've got to love Elizabeth's piercing attempt at getting him to stop...hope you enjoy (and can feel my pain) as much as we did...AND yes, she gets him good after I stopped filming (just in case you were wondering).

Not to be forgotten

Elizabeth Yvonne Jansen, my baby girl. She has been very patient as we (yes, mostly me) has focused all our attention on Trace and his big start. Well, today was her day and she started back at Mother's Morning Out. This year she is in the Turtles class and gets to eat lunch in the lunchroom which is fun. We went to her open house last week and breezed through drop off today. She was so ready to get back to school and was excited to tell me that she got to go to the playground, "Two times!"

So, here is to my other baby...and if you can't tell from the pictures, JP and I think we are going to have our hands full with this one!

...Enjoying open house in her new Turtles class...

 ...First day pose...

...In front of her cubbie with a little 3 1/2 year old attitude...

On today's menu...

Update on today's "big deal"...Trace loved buying his lunch at school. When I asked him what he got, here is the very enthusiastic response I got, "Momma, I picked homestyle chicken, corn kernels and two vegetables, celery and carrots, hmmm, oh, and chocolate milk!" I couldn't help but laugh, because who knew that you could make chicken nuggets and corn sound so fancy. I have been telling him what is on the lunch menu the next day and he is already looking forward to the cheese pizza tomorrow.

JP and I can remember our school lunch favorites, can you? JP liked pretty much all of it, but loved hamburger and chicken fried steak day. Mine on the other hand was the middle school burritos...mmm...sadly, I can actually still remember them just a bit.

The only other thing I don't want to forget years from now was Momsie (JP's mom) picked him up from school today. He really wanted to ride the bus, but we said we'd try the car line once. Well, the bus riders get to go first and Momsie was in line for almost 40 minutes. She said the first thing Trace said when he got in the car was, "I don't like riding, I want the bus. I had to wait forever!" He told me I made a bad choice with the car line, so I guess we're going to be full time bus riders.

"It was Awesome!"

Those were Trace's words when he got off the bus today. First day of kindergarten was an absolute success. I cried off and on for a while, but I don't think I was the only one. His favorite thing was riding the bus home. Tomorrow's "big deal" is buying his own lunch, so we'll see how that goes.

Here are pictures from his first day... I could just eat him up! I can't believe that God blessed me with this precious baby boy!

 Lookin' cool...

...a little sister support...

 ...that is one big school...Negley Elementary School...

...Mrs. Secrest's kinder"garden" classroom...

...he made home and was still smiling...momma's prayers were answered...

Two days and counting

My baby starts school in two days. We are all counting down the days. Trace is very excited and I just keep tearing up when I think of him being so big. Of course, I know we'll all survive, but I am known for not transitioning well, so here's to all the other mothers who are not dealing well with their babies going off to kindergarten. Surely, I am not the only one.

Trace did ask me if I was going to miss him when he is at school. I said yes, and that I might even cry a little bit. He just told me to look at his seat in my car with the stickers to think of him. I mean, come on! He is my baby and I am just a mess. He is so thoughtful and has such a good heart that I think he might actually be a little worried about me.

Thank God for family and friends who are loving me and allowing me to ramble endlessly about this whole thing. I am sure they'll be glad once it starts too...

Momma didn't die

Those were the words JP had my mom (Nanny) tell Trace on our way home from the eye doctor's office yesterday. I had LASIK and the day before the surgery I told Trace and Elizabeth that I was having eye surgery. Trace said, "Momma, just don't die." So, we said some prayers and the whole thing went great. I was a little apprehensive about it, but the valium they gave me helped, and I was a rockstar as far as I'm concerned.

On the way home, JP called Nanny and told her that everything went great. He told my mom to tell Trace that, "Momma didn't die." JP said he could hear mom tell Trace and then heard a loud, "Whhhewww!" from Trace. JP and I laughed so hard. I guess Trace was a little worried and so relieved that I dodged the bullet.

So, here's to the fact that I'm still alive and can see without glasses or contacts!

The American Crawl

Just a quick note that the kiddos started private swim lessons with PJ this week. They had class on Tuesday and Thursday and it was amazing how far they came in two 30 minute sessions. Trace was pretty apprehensive about it the Monday before the first class and asked, "Momma, why are you making me take swim lessons?" Want to know my response??? "Because I don't really know how to, so you are going to learn now while you are young." Now, don't get me wrong, I can stay afloat and get from one side of the pool to another, but it isn't proper technique (and sure isn't pretty).

So, I'm cheating a bit and trying to take notes in my head from their lessons to try for myself. Maybe we'll all end up little swimmers before the summer is over...both Trace and Elizabeth's favorite swim is the American Crawl with the flutter kick...and the favorite trick/game is diving for rings or sticks.

Dare devils

We had a great 4th of July. We are so lucky to join family friends at their amazing Lake Travis home complete with a pool, hot tub, and boat dock. The lake was down and dropping about a foot a week with the drought, but that didn't stop anyone from having fun. My two little ones actually took my breath (and almost my lunch) away.

The boat dock has a second story landing where you can jump about 15-18 feet down to the lake. I have even done this myself (once) since I am not really fond of heights or depths of water. So, sure enough we joked on the way down there about the kids doing that one day...some day...well, one day, some day was YESTERDAY. Elizabeth and Trace all decked out in their appropriately fitted life jackets, went up top to check it out with JP. Elizabeth is my crazy one and was so excited and said she wanted to do it. Trace was shaking his head and looking not so sure about it.

Well, after MUCH back and forth and debate, I watched from the house as my little girl jumped off all by herself. I wasn't in the water to see her reaction, but they all said she came up laughing. I can only pray for her safety and my sanity as we grow up with her.

Then there is Trace, my more reserved/shy child (if we can call it that), who is much slower to take risks, but is also highly competitive. I just knew he'd never take the plunge, but what do you think happened after he saw his younger sister jump??? He walked right up, shook his arms a couple times...and went flying. He didn't come up smiling, but he did do it a couple more times.

As I've told this story a couple times today, I've gotten some horrible looks, and I actually get nervous all over again. So, feel free to judge me and my mothering decision. I am still questioning myself now. Thank God they are both ok. I'll have to decide if I can watch it again next year.

I want to do that...

Pictures will follow, but I just thought I'd share about my baby Elizabeth (if you can call a 3 1/2 year old a baby). It has been such an interesting thing to see how different Elizabeth (also known as Frizzie Lizzie or just simply Frizz as JP calls her) is than big brother Trace. Trace was and can definitely still be a momma's boy, but Elizabeth takes it to another level which I am enjoying. She always wants to do what I am doing including all the following:

• cooking or preparing anything in the kitchen 
• loading the dishes
• washing the dishes or veggies from JP's garden (this provides hours of fun and lots of water on the floor)
• doing laundry, including lugging the laundry basket with me back and forth and loading the washer and dryer
• running errands, including grocery shopping, Target runs, etc. - she calls these "girl dates" because we leave JP and Trace behind to have a "boy date"
• washing my car (this is ONLY if we go to the "out car wash" as she calls it - which is like a Genie or something where you actually get out and they clean it while you wait inside because she is terrified of the other drive through car washes and screams and cries the whole time - which just makes Trace laugh the entire time)
• and finally her latest chore was mopping, she wasn't very good at it, but it was the effort that counted.

 I loving having her around to help out and normally I end up loving all over her because she is just precious. I am human though and am having to work on limiting the times I get frustrated that she's slowing me down and just enjoy the moments because I bet this too shall pass and the time will come when I don't get quite so much help.

The Trophy

Trace's coaches pulled through and he got his first trophy for their tball tourney championship. Trace was so proud of it - he wanted me to take a picture, but he said he had to have all his stuff with him. So, here is the picture we have of him in all his tball glory.

 Then, in true Elizabeth style...she got all upset and wanted her picture taken too. So...see what she picked as her prop. Some day she'll laugh at herself and her awesome mop bucket.

Champions

The Hays Blue select tball team won the championship game! We won our first game at 10AM and then had a tough game at 3PM. It was really eventful (I was totally nervous the whole time) - with hard little hitters, parents yelling at the umpire, and coaches yelling at each other when there was an intentional tripping of one of our boys by the other team's first baseman as our little guy rounded first...yup...I told you this was serious stuff.

The biggest news was that there was NO TROPHY for the champs! Trace was not the only one to ask where it was. They got t-shirts with Champions on it...but their coaches have promised to find them some trophies.

The jury is still out if JP and I will commit to have Trace in tball All-stars this summer. It was a little unnecessarily intense and of course we didn't completely agree with how they were telling Trace to hit (yes, we are those parents...Trace even said, "Daddy, they made me go so far back...") Either way, it was probably a little TOO eventful for a tball game, but Trace said he had fun and that is all that matters.

At least now we have an entire week with no tball...happy Easter to us all!

Long time...long day...long post

Someday, I'll look back and wish I had made more posts because there isn't a day that goes by that something happens that I wish I'd remember. But time flies and I get sleepy at night and laziness wins over the desire to post on my blog.

But I thought I'd post about another one of our Jansen firsts today..."Select" Tball. Yup, Trace was asked to be on a select tball team in a tournament this weekend. So, we had our first (and only) 1 and a 1/2 hour practice last night where I thought I had driven to the wrong place because it was downright serious. The coach was doing drills, teaching the boys signs on where to hit the ball (OMG, I mean really) and was hard core with these boys (or babies, as I still see them).

Trace is the ONLY one not even in school, these boys are either in kinder or 1st grade. Trace is still scared of the ball a bit...but the boy can hit and run better than others his age and I guess got some notice. When Trace was introducing himself to the team - or shall I say whispering his name (somehow I have a shy one...I think that is from his Daddy) - one of the boys was like, "Yeah - he's [Trace] younger than me but he's way better than me..." We got a laugh out of it of course, and the kid's dad just shook his head.

Then comes today - our regular season Texas Rangers game was at 12:45 - we beat the undefeated Astros 20 to 19! AND - Trace got his first homerun finally. He's been hitting to outfield but never made it all the way in for the score. So that was really fun...

Then two hours later (after a 30 minute power nap for everyone except me) - we start our FIRST of TWO games in this tourney. We smoked the first team and Trace did well hanging in there with the boys. If we could just get him to stop chewing on his fingers from being nervous. Then after the first game, Trace comes out of the dugout with all his stuff, and I'm like, "No honey you have another game"...and then came the tears...he was like, "I don't want to play again, I'm tired." And I'm like..."JP, deal with this" - only because if I had "dealt" with it - I would have picked my baby boy up and taken him home. BUT, JP calmed him down and reminded him of how they won the first game and he got his wind back (he is also ultracompetitve...I think I'll take credit for gifting him that trait).

Second game - a little tougher team, but our group ends up winning. JP ended up having to hang with Trace in the dugout to keep him cool, but I was all for that. I just want to make sure he is really having fun in all of this and don't ever want to turn him against it since he seems to love it.

So, here we are...9:36PM...twelve hours from now we'll be back at the tourney. Games at 10AM and 3PM ...this is serious stuff. I just pray for a little trophy and a good nights sleep tomorrow. Then we might just go back to regular season and try all-stars next year.

That was quite a bit of rambling, but I'll want to remember it someday...and on that note...it melts my heart literally to tears almost every game when I see Trace in his uniform all down (or "baseball ready" as they call it) and ready waiting for that ball to come...precious little man.

...ps...just so we don't forget memories of Elizabeth...the other day we were at Trace's practice and in front of all other parents she's says, "Momma, my panties are up my butt." Well, what can we say to that...and like I said to all the parents laughing and looking at us, "Well, at least she knows when she has a problem and wants to solve it." What a mess pot...but a beautiful one!

I LOVE YOU BLUE...

Just another day at work for me... I attended a luncheon honoring some very talented folks in Austin presented by First Tee of Austin (a really cool organization) and got the treat of hearing Luke Wilson as the speaker. It was really more of a Q&A with the MC, but it was still fun. I was that person who went and took a picture with him (there were a few others too thank goodness). He was very nice though and didn't look at me like a goof. So - the only lesson learned for me today was to not have a man take the picture with my Iphone - shaky hands leads to fuzzy picture.

Enjoy!