Our Moving Story...So Far

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I would share the story of our BIG MOVE from Texas to Utah.  As many of you know, we are deeply rooted in Texas.  I'm at least a 6th generation Texan and Blake's family came straight over from Germany to Texas...so clearly, we know no other way but the Texas way.
Blake had been looking for a new job this past year.  Earlier this summer, a law firm in Utah reached out to him and things moved quickly.  We had put our house on the market in April because we wanted to possibly downsize or just get a bit more land space...but once we learned of the new job offer, things became more clear as to selling our house and moving our family.

After months on the market (and having to cut our price waaaay down because of a stalled out market), our home in Texas FINALLY went under contract.  Blake and I booked a trip to Utah to house hunt and to find a rental for my mom, who was also moving to Utah.  After looking at 20+ homes, putting in 3 offers, and going under contract twice (crazy hot home market in Utah)...we left our house hunting trip with a home we planned to close on around the same time our home in Texas was set to close.  I didn't love the house (at all), but we were out of time and out of options.  It seemed like our only choice.
We planned out our move in a kind of crazy, disjointed way.  We felt it best for our two littles to get started in school up here in Utah, so I made the drive with them from Texas to Utah and stayed in an Airbnb the first week of school.  On the second day of our two-day road trip, we found out that our buyers backed out days before closing.  NOT good.  The sale of our house falling through had a trickle effect, which caused us to break our contract on the house in Utah....yeah, the one I didn't like in the first place.  Not meant to be, I guess. ;)
But because so many of our moving plans were already in motion, it was too late to turn back...meaning, stay in our Texas home until another buyer came along.  A week later, the whole family (including my mom) all moved up to Utah in one big caravan, and thankfully, my mother's rental home is large enough for us to stay until our house in Texas sells...again.  We really need it to sell as soon as possible.  Other details include having to board our dogs, living out of boxes and a storage unit, and not being able to get quite settled knowing that it's all temporary.  
However, we have felt an underlying purpose behind all of this madness.  Although it's difficult, expensive, and stressful, we know the Lord has a plan for our family.  Whether that plan is growth (as we all need from time to time) or to test our faith, the challenges are easier to swallow keeping that in mind.  As one of my dear friends puts it, "It will work out how it SHOULD."  I love that word should.  Not how we want. (clearly). Not how we think it will.  Not how it might with all the millions of possibilities.  But how it SHOULD.  How the Lord wants it to work out and how it will be best for our family in the long run.  I feel like we will look back on this time in our lives and see clearly the lessons learned and the sequence of meaningful events that took place.  
Of course, this is all easier said than done.  I try reeeeeaaaaaally hard to stay patient, but I definitely have those moments of panic and "what ifs".  But in the end, it won't be the end.  Even if all things don't work out, it still won't be the end of the world.  It will be okay.  It will be as it should.  
Alas, our story isn't over.  I'll be sure to share any exciting updates and will continue sharing our new experiences here in Utah!

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A Family Road Trip | No Mess In Texas

Looking back over this last week, it's been one the best of the summer so far!  We took a short road-trip outside of Austin, Texas for a little family getaway.  It was just the refresher we needed!  Not too far, but far enough that we were able to get in full vacation mode without hearing the dreaded question of "Are we there yet?"
As with most of our getaways...the packing, preparing, and coordinating is no small feat for our family of 6.  The morning before we left, Blake and I were scrambling around trying to get our house tidied up, finish packing, get the dogs off to the boarders, etc.  We didn't have much time to think what the kids might need to eat/do while on the road...we just wanted to get going!  So thankfully, we had a little excursion package sent to us by BabbleBoxx, which was just what our kids needed.  Blakely and Bennett usually color or read in the car, so these Texas-themed books were right up their alley.  In fact, they argued who could do which first!

Once we got on the road, tummies wanted snacks (of course) and it was so great to be able to pass out the Tree Top applesauces pouches (without worrying about a mess, I might add).  Road trip food is so good, but often not-so-good for you...so these snacks were the perfect healthy, no-spill, and packable option.  We try to eat healthy about 80% of the time, so when my kids think these Tree Top applesauce pouches are a special treat, I secretly cheer inside that they love something that has no artificials, no HFCS, no GMO, BPA-free, and are from U.S.A grown apples!  Such a Win-Win for my family!!!

For longer family excursions, we often pick out a movie for the kids to watch or a fun game to play, such as the Alphabet Game.  It helps the time pass, and also keeps us doing something together rather than everyone glued to their individual devices (don't get me wrong, we have a little of that time too). 

I'd love to hear some of YOUR family's road trip traditions or fun ways to pass the time....also, what is YOUR favorite on-the-go snack???

*Because I love sharing family tips that make life easier, I've partnered with BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Tree Top Applesauce on this post.  All opinions are my own.

Why I Love My Texas

I’m a Texas girl through and through, born and raised, 6th generation...you get the picture.  Sometimes I wonder how I’d fair in another state if we ever moved.  Here in Texas, we’re “indoctrinated” (as my friend Natalie likes to put it) on all things Texas and just southern hospitality in general.  But food is where I truly feel my Texas pride and roots come out...we really do have some AMAZING food here, especially in central Texas.  From our Tex-Mex, to BBQ, to Austin’s eclectic varieties and locally made artisanal eats...we have it all!

This summer, our family is staying around these parts...meaning - no big vacations except for short ones to the beach or road trips within the state (we plan to head up to Waco/The Silos soon).  We’ve even done a few small excursions down to our local creek spot for a picnic and swimming (all the creeks and rivers are nice and full from the rains we had, but drying up quickly).  Primarily, I just want some concentrated and focused family time, which in my opinion, is usually best when done around food...and I love that we have so many options around us in Texas, especially in our small town.

The other night we took some snacks to the creek and made a little evening of it, hanging out as a family, playing around, and enjoying some time together after Daddy got home.  I’m kind of on a charcuterie board kick lately (anyone else?), so I thought...Hey, why not try to make a Texas Charcuterie board!?!  It was SO yummy and the kids (surprisingly) ate it all up!  We used several “local” brands to enhance the Texas tastes (and because supporting local is always the way to go), which made it more of a foodie adventure for my kiddos, taking taste-risks if you will.  Not only was it an easy on-the-go meal, but we had a blast sharing food together and making memories!

For making your own Texan Charcuterie Board, here's the ingredients I used:
 (most are local to Texas...and I linked where to find them)

• Texas shaped board (optionally obviously, but hey I'm sucker for a theme)
• Ozarka Spring Water - easy, on-the-go flip lids and Ozarka water is our favorite because of it's unique Texas fresh taste, coming from 3 natural springs (Ozarka direct)
• Paqui Tortilla Chips - Natural ingredients, unbleached/untreated flour, YUMMY
• Any type of bread - tear in pieces
• Home-grown cherry tomatoes - my tomatoes wouldn't grow this year, but my mom has tons
• Summer sausage - Trader Joe's turkey sausage is pretty darn good, and dare I say, on the healthy side?
• Diced avocado with The Spice Kings seasoning - gives a nice little smoky flavor, organic and locally grown
• Snow's BBQ Sauce - for dipping, use on any meats, Texas Monthly's "best in TX"
• Yellowbird Habanero Sauce - drizzled over summer sausage, made in ATX, love how natural this sauce is ingredient-wise
• Cowboy Caviar - another Texas fave I eat on everything
• Black olives - double yum
• Crackers - build your flavor combos on crackers or the bread
• Prosciutto - the perfect meat base for all the delish condiments
• Jelly Queens jam - yummy, unexpected taste, nice compliment to the honey
• Local honey- HEB brand, a must for any charcuterie board
• Sweet & Spicy mustard seeds from Taste Elevated - this can go on ANYTHING, and totally addicting as a condiment
• Cookwell & Co. Queso - for dipping, great blend of authentic tastes with a bit of a kick

What do YOU love about where you live?
*Sharing our family adventures is what I love, which is why I've partnered with Ozarka Brand Natural Spring Water on their initiative across Texas telling why I love where I live.  All opinions and views are my own.  



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Texas Beach Vacation - A Family Tradition

We took our annual Jansen Family beach trip a couple of weekends ago and had a blast!  Each year, Blake's parents treat us to several days down at Port Aransas with the entire extended family.  Lots of fun, sun, and kids!  This year, the beach was really nice and clean...which for Texas beaches can go either way from year to year or month to month.  You never know what you're going to get, so this was a blessing to have such nice conditions.

We also celebrated Bennett's birthday while down there.  He requested a red and blue Star Wars cake, and we got exactly that!!!!  It was so yummy and perfect!  We opened gifts and celebrated with pretty much whatever he wanted to do that day...which was stay in the condo and watch T.V.  Ha!!!!

He requested a Minion BOB from Build-A-Bear for his actual gift, so we have yet to make the trip up to the mall for that.  Maybe today.  We'll see.

After a super busy start to summer (Youth Conference, beach trip, etc), we finally feel like summer has begun this week!  Hallelujah!  I went to bed at 9:30 last night and woke up at 9am this morning...WHAT!?!?!?!?  Hello Summer, I kinda like you.

-What has your family been up this summer so far? -Does the beginning of summer (plus the end-of-school craziness) ever make you want year-round school?




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County Stock Show 2016

Our county stock show has come and gone and whew...it was busy!  This year, my two oldest girls entered projects in home skills and rabbits.  No pigs this year.  Rabbits were a learning experience being our first year, but were fairly easy as we kept them in our garage (shhhh, don't tell anyone) and we only had them a month prior.  And thankfully, the girls didn't get attached to them like they did with the pigs last year.  The key is to not name them...fyi. ;)

With the homeskills projects, they both submitted a baked good each and several photography projects.  Tyler Bree took home grand champion junior photography, which we were super excited for her...2 years in a row!  Riley's photos did really well too.  Here are some of theirs below...

(and here's a recap of last year's show)

I think we'll definitely try out rabbits again next year, as well as more submissions with home skills.  It's a great learning experience for the kids and they truly worked hard this year on each of their projects!  We are proud of them both!

p.s.  I tried doing a Periscope during the sale auction titled "What Texans Do For Fun" but I didn't have a good connection.  Anyways, it always gives me the giggles to think what non-Texas think of us...this was a pretty great example of country-folk at its core.  ;)

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What To Feed a Pig When You're Trying To Make Friends

The other day I posted this on my Instagram account...because well, I just cannot resist little baby piglets.  I want to eat. them. up.  But then my aversion to pig feces brings my senses back and I end up just snuggling them for a bit while their mommas freak out over why she only has 11 piglets in the pin when she KNOWS she gave birth to 12!!!!  The stink eye from a momma pig is nothing to take lightly...these gals mean business.

We had our Jansen Show Pigs annual pig sale last weekend, which was a hit!  It's especially fun for me (and Blake) this year because Tyler Bree is finally old enough to show (shows don't start until early next year).  She already has a couple picked out, named, and on a diet of Nilla Wafers whenever she visits in hopes of creating a strong bond...because you know, pigs and cookies...How can she go wrong?

Being her first year in 4-H, I'm also going to strongly suggest she submits a photography project as well.  I think with a few pointers she can capture something beautiful...maybe even of one of her pigs.
We will see...and I'll be sure to post updates on her wafer-eating swine. Oink, Oink.  :)

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Ties To a College Town

If you're not from Texas, or haven't driven cross-country through Texas...

You probably have no idea where Lubbock is.

Lubbock was my home for five years (I took a semester off and double majored, okay??!) and I detested the town for four of those years.  Then one day, it dawned on me that I actually had fallen in love with Lubbock.  I don't know how it happened, but it sure did.

Probably making a whole lotta friends and memories there has something to do with it, along with the realization of how far I've come as a person in the last ten years since college....the west Texas town holds a special place in my heart.

And whenever I visit, I have a huge sense of nostalgia wash over me, which tries to convince me that I need to live there again.

Well played, Lubbock.

Unfortunately, we missed my favorite part...all the pre-game festivities that give me the chills.  I really wanted to the girls to see the Masked Rider jet out on his black horse or to smile at the Goin' Band high-knee it across the field, but it was still a great time...and thankfully, we pulled out a win.

(Thanks for the tickets, J.P. and Dena!)

After the game, we walked around campus a bit and took the obligatory Will Rogers picture.  Guns Up!

Lubbock is flat and windy and sometimes stinky...
But I sure do love the people, the university, home-town feel it exudes... And most of all, I love the memories it holds for me and Blake.


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Houston

As I promised Monday (also know as the post solely devoted to the ladies man), here's a little recap of our weekend in Houston.  Our whole family (my husband's side) went to visit his sister and her husband in H-town.  There was quite a few of us, but it worked out to be a great trip.  They were so gracious to host us in their beautiful new home...especially considering the six kids we brought with us!

Saturday was spent sitting outside doing pretty much nothing, going to the American Girl store, and some shopping for us women!

Tyler Bree sitting in the back of the burb perusing her new American Girl catalog...this book hasn't left her hands since.

She's obsessed.

Blakely posing for the camera (left) and basically the opposite of that (right).

Outside the American Girl store.  They were in absolute heaven!  I never knew what a big deal all this AG stuff is.  Sheesh!!!!

Can you see the awe in their faces? 

Like I said...obsessed.

Sunday morning we went to the Houston zoo.  All fourteen of us!  We got through that place like bosses...got in, saw everything we wanted, and got out...all in just 2 hours!  I'd say that's pretty remarkable considering our large group.  

Can you tell which one is which?

(leopard on right and jaguar on left)

Riley and Tyler Bree with their cousin watching the Elephants.  We got to see them being bathed.  It was so interesting and adorable....and the little fingers on their trunks make me giggle...it's like it has a mind of its own.

Well HELLO Melman!!!  I guess he was visiting from the NYC zoo.  :)  Where's Gloria?

Can you see the chimp?  He was checking her out for sure.  I wonder what goes through their minds... How can I throw poop at those annoying girls staring at me???

Even though it was a quick trip, it was sure nice to get away one more time before the hectic and busy school year gets underway.  I'm really going to miss this summer schedule....and sleeping-in 'till 8:30 (which is when Curious George is over and they come wake me)....and doing whatever we want to....and all 4 of my kids napping everyday.  Yes, even my oldest still naps.
Goodbye summer. I'll miss you and your glorious unstructured life. So go ahead and tell Fall she's all clear to make her entrance... I'm over your heat and humidity.


*Hey Rachel Leah Nelson...Congrats you're the winner of the $300 J. Crew gift card!!!  Email beckyhillyard@gmail.com to claim your prize!