Weekend recap: powerlifting, ladies day, and giving all you got

Let me just begin with this: throwing up is NOT the business!
Ok so...how was everyone's weekend? LOL. On Friday, Juju's school held their first ever Titan Trot. So the whole school participates. Each class had 10 minutes to run as many laps as they could around the track. So proud of my guy! He ran 5 1/2 laps :-) and paced himself the whole way. Perfect "training" for the Junior 'Dillo Run coming up on April 6.

The run was sponsored by a ton of neighborhood businesses! So awesome! They even got a cool water bottle that changes color when you put in cold water in it and of course a spirit stick...they are these little tags that they can hang on their back pack or a keychain. (All students get one for all the fun activities that they participate in)

So like I stated...throwing up is not the business. Before going to Juju's school, BamBam and I went to a local bakery with a boy from his class and his mom for lunch. I had a mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwich. Well that sandwich was not very nice to me at all. It was just sitting in my stomach not going anywhere! After we got home from the trot, I started feeling super dehydrated so I drank a bunch of water. Bad idea. Everything came back up. I spent my entire Friday afternoon and night throwing up. I couldn't keep anything down...water, crackers, even pepto. UGH is was BAD. I tried eating ice which seemed to help a bit but was so dehydrated that I started getting the chills. It took me forever to just go to sleep: I was freezing cold and my body hurt. But I finally did manage to fall asleep...

Woke up super early Saturday morning feeling iffy but ok. It was like I was hungover. So I drank a bit of water and took a shower. My brother in law had a power lifting meet in Dripping Springs and I really wanted to go. He's currently #2 in the state of Texas for his weight class. It was also Ladies Day at the rugby field and I totally didn't want to miss that. I did honestly feel better, and figured I probably just needed to et some food in me. So we got dressed for our long day and headed out to the power lifting meet. 

16 yrs old, about 140lbs...on the books he squats 380lbs = awesome! 

Won't get into any details of the meet but this: first is squats and they get 3 attempts, then bench which they also get 3 attempts, last is deadlift which again they get 3 attempts. We only got to see him squat and bench. Sadly he bombed out  (did not finish). Deadlift is his best event (he lifts at least 50lbs more than anyone else in his weight class) but couldn't get the bar up at all. You'll get em next time J.

I was feeling good. Ready for the day. But on the drive to the rugby pitch the sun was beaming on me the whole time I started to feel nauseous. I ate a biscuit hoping it would settle my stomach. Got to the pitch EARLY and just laid down in the back of our Jeep and took a nap until Ladies Day (and the games) was supposed to start. Ladies Day is a rugby tradition that treats all the female fans and spectators to free champagne all day. I had one glass and that was it. I totally did not want to feel sick again. I was in a daze the whole time...it seriously felt like I was hungover LOL.

Here are some pics from the game from one of the players...

Yup that's Big Daddy in the middle of both of those pictures (#14). In the above pic, he dumped the ball to his teammate who was able to score a try. He had a great game I think. He even scored a try. He ended up coming out of the game...he had the ball and stiff armed some guy who fell on the ground. He then stepped on the guy and rolled his ankle SMH. So he pulled himself out and got his ankle wrapped. We of course won...both sides :-) Still #1 in Texas.

After the games was our annual "Homecoming." So all of our new, foreign players dress up to look pretty and they all put on a show for us...a dance competition. LOL SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much fun! Sorry, but no pictures from that but I got a couple from right before.

Hey...I'm little and I couldn't see :-)

This is a new guy to the team who's from the Big Island! Hawaiian pride!

Sunday was the last day of winter football for Juju. That didn't stop him from scoring 2 touchdowns.

I thought I was taking a video but wasn't and when waiting for the video camera on my phone, I missed Juju stiff arming a kid LOL. I saw it, but no pic or video. (It was to that kid in the black to the right of him in the picture)

Juju is VERY thoughtful...We got the kids on his team a box of goldfish for a great season :-) After the scrimmage, they sat with their coach and the other team to receive a medal for the season. His coach got up and before presenting the medal, said something about the player.

About Juju he said something along the lines of: he always comes out and gives it his all...everytime. Works hard and truly supports hi whole team and encourages them. Smashing!

Thank you Coach Jimmy! Hope to see you next season!

GO BULLDOGS!!!!!

Weekend recap: marathon running, rivalry weekend and great sportsmanship

What a weekend! 

Our day started off with the final mile of Marathon Kids. Quick info: in the fall, students grades K-5 throughout Austin and surrounding areas met at UT to run the first mile in what would be a 26.2 mile "challenge." They had until this past Saturday to run (at their own pace) 26.2 miles...a complete marathon. This was my guys 2nd year running this race. (BamBam unofficially) The morning started off a bit cold like in previous years, but ended up being the most perfect running day ever!

My little runner representing his school with pride! Go Titans!

Just the 3 of us waiting for our section of the stadium to be called up next to run. We ended up being in the last group that ran for the day which turned out amazing since it warmed up so much!

Here they are lining up before actually lining up at the start line. BamBam even represented his school too...Go Stallions!

Couldn't take any pictures while running, because well, I was running LOL. Juju took off as soon as they yelled go and was out of sight in no time. I'm so proud that my little BamBam ran the entire time! Boy his little legs sure do move fast!

(after the mile, with their medals and goodies from HEB and Whole Foods)

*For more information on this FREE, AWESOME program for kids, check out their website:

http://marathonkids.org*

Our rugby team, the Austin Blacks, played against our cross-town rivals the Austin Huns in the Justin Whitehead Cup. We actually dropped off Big Daddy at the pitch before heading out to do the final mile. The events started out with an old boys match: old Blacks vs. old Huns...and we dominated that :) Not sure what the score was. Next up was our 3rd side playing a visiting team from San Marcos...we dominated that game too.
Now on to the rivalry...important game for us to keep our #1 spot in all of Texas. And of course...SCREW THOSE DOG ASS HUNS! LOL. We are and always have been the BEST TEAM in Austin...and we wanna keep being the BEST TEAM in Texas!
No pictures of our second side, D3 team playing because, like I've mentioned before, I like to pace the sideline like a crazed fan, wanting to be in all the action LOL. But we dominated!!! Big Daddy played amazing well, though he didn't get a chance to score...next game. Final score of that game was 39-14.
Next up was our D1 squad. Another awesome match, with us, once again...for the 40th year in a row...being victorious!!!!!! Yup you read that right. Since the Austin Huns club was started, they have NEVER beat us...NEVER! Final score was 38-12.

D1 Austin Blacks = #1 in Austin 

4 wins that day for our club. Good job boys!!! And boy did we celebrate :-)

Winter football is winding down...only 1 more week to go. It's been so amazing watching Juju learn and grow in the sport in these past 2 months. We couldn't have asked for a better coach too. Before each practice begins, he talks to the boys about sportsmanship. Each week he talks about a specific topic. This week was giving it your all, no matter what and encouraging your teammates to do the same. 

Juju had an amazing practice. I know its hard for kids to focus on what their supposed to be doing at that specific time, but Juju was on his game this Sunday. He ran perfect routes and scored every time he touched the ball...full field TDs! :-) He told his team good job after every play. There was one time he wasn't even playing (he was on the sideline) but his teammate broke away from the defense and had a clear shot to the end zone...he ran onto the field with that boy and ran with him LOL. He was so in the zone that he forgot he wasn't even playing hahaha.

This is his 2nd sportsmanship award this season...and its very well deserved. What made the day/practice even better was him giving me a hug and telling me and Big Daddy thank you for letting him play football. *swoon*
He's such an amazing kid already! He is going to be a great man with great character...on and off the field :-)

Bring it on March!

Weekend recap: Rugby, Aussie Day, Football

What a weekend! I say that all the time don't I? LOL! Our weekend started early Friday night with some rival high school rugby. It's cool because the coaches for each of the 2 teams actually play rugby with Big Daddy for the Austin Blacks. It was hard to cheer for just one team LOL. Though we did cheer for the son of one of the coaches. He's only a freshman, playing on the varsity team. This kid has even played in tournaments with Big Daddy. It was fun! I miss Friday night high school games. The crowd was pumped! Granted it's not like a high school football game, but don't worry...it will be. Rugby is coming up! I also got to see the wife of one of the coaches that night. The last time I seen her was last July when we were in Corpus Christi.

When she saw me, she immediately hugged me and said "Girl! You are half your size!" At first I was a little taken aback but quickly recovered ;-). I was rounder the last time I saw her...I know I was. It just made me feel so good that now other people can see a difference.

Saturday was Aussie day at the rugby pitch. We had music set up, sold merchandise, and even sold some authentic Aussie meat pies. The day started with Division I college rugby (St. Edward's University vs University of Texas) under cloudy skies. I had sandals on and my feet were freezing! But the sun did end up coming out right before our first game.

Look at my handsome guy! Look at them legs! LOL Funny story...he was running back and forth across the field and I kept thinking to myself, something looks different about him. Then I realized, he wasn't wearing tights. THAT's when I heard the guys from the college game "teasing" him (our coach also coaches St. Ed's so we know all those guys). After the game, which they crushed 67-5, he confirmed what I knew...he forgot to pack his tights so he had to play in his underwear. LOL. Our first side (D1) played right after and also won 31-25. The Austin Blacks are now the only undefeated team in Texas. 

Can you spot Big Daddy? And no, he is NOT the one laying on the ground LOL

If you follow me on instagram (@nicolemariejohnson) then you already saw this picture :-) Seriously...look at all that hair on these boys!

There was even a mouse race after.

And some friendly arm wrestling (this was actually a rematch)

We are the Blacks' Belles :-) We made sweet treats for all four teams too.

(I realized that anytime we take a family picture, we're all in the same exact spot)

Sunday was another day of flag football for my sweet Juju. He is really loving it! He says he wants to play tackle when he's in 2nd grade...hmmm...I'm not sure yet lol. He had a great practice. They ran a bunch of different drills and got to run a bunch too.

His team lining up to scrimmage against another team.

So proud! He got his team's first good sportsmanship medal :-)

Mommy's little barbarians.

Another full weekend for us. Oh and don't you worry...like I mentioned before, sweet little BamBam will be in soccer this spring. I love being a boy mom! How was your weekend? Anything fun?

We are officially "in season"

Boy oh boy...what a weekend! The first of many sports filled weekends for the locker room. Saturday kicked off the new rugby season for Big Daddy. We drove to Rice University for the first rugby match against HARC (Houston Area Rugby Club).

*Big Daddy is #14...yum!*

It was supposed to be 50 degrees...but it was like 40s...with wind...and rain. We held strong...we kept it together. Well the dudes were fine, I was shivering my tiny bum off! LOL.
Here are a couple of shots at the beginning of the match. You see, I have every intention of taking great pics, but I get so involved in the game that, well...screw the pictures! And when I mean I get so involved, I mean I pace the field just like the rest of the team. And I holler. LOUD. And I curse. And you get the picture. I get very emotionally involved.

lined up for kick off

first scrum

line out

that's my guy right there...I thought I had zoomed in but meh whatev

There was also a "major" injury. (Now I say major, but everyone, including myself, were not too phased by it.) I took pictures, but I don't think I'll post them here LOL. They are pretty gruesome. A guy on our team got elbowed super hard in the head and literally knocked out for about 10 seconds. When he got up, his ear was messed up...BAD. He left the game and we were told later that he had to get 10 stitches and his ear drained. Yeah. 

our cold family right after the game. Oh and we won 26-22 :-)

and another...we were photobombed LOL. That's Pierce back there without his shirt...he's single ;-)

The drive back to Austin SUCKED!!! Like SUCKED! It was raining and the wind was blowing, and there was fog, and I was tired...and yes I had to drive back. I mean dude just played 80 minutes of rugby, I couldn't make him drive...even though he did say he could.

Sunday morning we all slept in, well except for Big Daddy. He had to go to 7s training at 10am. (He was selected for a 7s team that would be competing in Las Vegas in February.) After he got home, it was time for a quick lunch and then off to Juju's first football practice of the season.

tossing the ball around before meeting his coach for the season

huddled up with coach Jimmy. He got #14 for his jersey...that's also Big Daddy's number in rugby

he got to play center LOL

Oh what a weekend! And it's only week 1! We have at least 12 more weeks. BamBam doesn't start soccer until the spring (March I believe), but once he does, we will be completely booked. A rugby player, a football player and a soccer player. I have affectionately been dubbed the cheerleader. Pretty fitting if I do say so myself.

4W - Austin Rugby Club

I've totally mentioned (a lot) that Big Daddy plays rugby. He started playing when we moved here in 2010, and he loves everything about it. He's actually quite good for never having played before...like EVER. What helped him to adapt to the game was that he played football for a long time. At one point he even played semi pro football. He's ridiculously athletic, which everyone seems to love about him. Perfect sport for a man's man if you ask me. Hard hitting, no thinking, just smash = Big Daddy. 

The whole rugby community is super excited for rugby's come back in the 2016 Olympics. Rugby continues to grow here in the states which is awesome! Granted, it may not be such a big deal like it is overseas but we'll get there ;-)

website

WHO: 

Facebook

WHAT:

The Austin Blacks are a United States rugby union team in Austin, Texas. They compete in the Texas Rugby Union and the West Rugby Union of USA Rugby. The Blacks are the competitive men's team of the Austin Rugby Club. We compete at 2 different levels: Men's division 1 and division 3.

"Austin is only the second club in USA rugby history to have two teams compete at the National Championship Play-Offs in the same season with our Division 3 team also winning the Texas Championships." *source* 

(that was the first year that Big Daddy played with the club...he scored the winning try in that D3 championship game)

WHEN:

Season officially begins for the Blacks on Saturday, January 5th, 2013 in Houston against the Houston Athletic Rugby Club (HARC). Our DIII team will play at 2:00pm followed by our DI team at 3:30pm.

WHERE:

Home matches are played at the ARC field here in Austin:

Burr Field

6013 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX 78724

We play all over Texas and are playing in both Las Vegas and Chicago next year as well.

We, the women behind the men of the Austin Rugby Club (which really was myself and another chic), also started a support group last year...we are called the Belles. Open to all the women supporters of the Austin Blacks.

I know, I know...such a formal sounding post LOL. So unlike me huh? But hey, this is rugby...it's serious business ;-) And I'm just so excited!

If y'all are in the area, you should come watch our team play. See for yourselves how awesome we are. I promised this year that I would video tape the games, so expect a lot of behind the scenes goodness here and of course on my YouTube channel.