Balls and Brownies

To Blog or Not to Blog ...

that is the question! I'm trying to decide whether I should keep this thing going. I think everyone who reads it is on Facebook and I find myself going there more often. But I don't want to share as much personal information on Facebook. And you know I can get pretty personal!

It's been three years since I started this blog and I really appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read about our little life. I've enjoyed sharing stories and pictures (still do), but maybe it's time for something new? I could definitely use some input on this. Maybe I'm just in a funk. 

Something's Fishy

One of my favorite memories from Father's Day this year was taking the kids to get Chris' gift. I had some ideas but Mason decided to take matters into his own hands.

He found a fish shower curtain and said, "Ohhh, dad will LOVE this!" So ... into the cart it went. I have no idea why he picked out a shower curtain. And one with fish. But Chris certainly got a chuckle out of it. And the whole thing reminded me of the Douche/Kit Kat Mother's Day from many years ago.

P.S. We did treat him to some other things too. I thought the man deserved more than a shower curtain :)

Emma's Birthday Checklist

I'm starting to plan for Miss Sassy's fourth birthday party. I thought maybe she could give me some ideas, so when I asked "Emma, what do you want to do for your birthday?" this is what I got:

1) Plant corn.

2) Eat blueberries.

3) Jump in the pool.

4) Get my ears pierced.

Strange and very random list, don't ya think? But I guess it's her birthday ...  

Secret Agent

One night earlier this week I was sound asleep (had been working the overnight shift) when Mason came running into my room: "Mom, there's an agent at the door." What the heck? Half comatose, I got up and stumbled to the door. When I opened it there was, in fact, a man standing on the other side. The cable man. Mason thought because he was wearing a blue shirt and had a clipboard - he must have been an agent.

A Real Recipe

This is a real recipe from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Real. I especially like that it says "one squirrel cut into pieces." So disgustingly awesome.

 

 

Pretty in Pink

A few months ago I wrote about Emma's love for the book "Pinkalicious." Nothing has changed. We still read it every night. We've also added the two follow-up books, but "Pinkalicious" is still the favorite.

Since the book centers around a little girl who loves the color pink and eats too many pink cupcakes, I thought it would make for a perfect party! Those pesky wheels in my head started turning. But I knew I couldn't do it for Emma's birthday because, heck, a pink party would exclude her own brother. 

So I gathered a few girly girls who also love the book and we had a "Pinkalicious" party last weekend. The girls came in some very fun outfits. There were pink balloons, pink decorations, even pink food!  We colored "Pinkalicious" pictures, played 'pin the tiara on the princess' and, of course, made pink cupcakes. Our friend Grace even read the younger girls the newest book in the series, "Goldilicious."

A party just for the sake of having a party. I love it. And such a delightful afternoon to celebrate being a girl. I know at least one little girl who will never forget it!

                      

                      

                      

                      

                                   Such a little diva in this picture:

                      

For even more pictures, including a cameo by her big brother and a look at the invitation,  check out the photo album on the right called 'Pinkalicious.'

Cheetah Love

Pebbles the Prostitute has left the building! That's what I've been calling Emma ever since I first laid eyes on her recital costume. I immediately thought it was a cross between Pebbles from 'The Flinstones' and a street walker. But I must say - on stage - it looked adorable!

After a year of practice, she and the other tumblers rocked it to "Cheetah Love" by the Cheetah Girls Saturday night.  The recital was a love theme and it was held at the high school.

We have some video that I haven't uploaded yet, but for now - a few pictures:

                        

                        

                        

                      

* I've also created a photo album on the right called 'Emma Recital.'

Another One Bites the Dust!

               

             

                        

I Love Him

This may end up being just a bunch of incoherent babble, but I'm writing/typing from my heart and it's just something I need to share.

I could easily write a list of 100 reasons why I love Chris. But tonight it's about his unwavering support. We are about to be faced with a major life change and Chris has been nothing but supportive. He wants only  for me to be happy. People often say that .. but he is really showing it. He is standing by me when I need it the most. 

He doesn't want me to compromise. He wants me to make choices that I feel strongly about - even though they may not be the most practical. He doesn't pressure me on anything.  He has given me a confidence I would have never found on my own. People say I am the strong one, but they're wrong. It's him. He is my rock. I couldn't make the tough decisions if I didn't have him there to back me up.  He loves me unconditionally. He knows that God and family come first, everything else comes second. He knows money will never be what makes us happy.  He sees the big picture. He is a family man in every sense of the word.

I could only wish someone like Chris for everybody. He is my best friend. Some people may not get us. Some may not see what lies beneath the surface of our crazy ;) But there is a love so strong that could never be broken. Never. 

I will never find all the words to express my gratitude for what this amazing man has given me.

Pistol Packin'

Watch out world - Chris and Tammy are armed!

Last night was a much-needed date night and I surprised him by going to a shooting range. It's not something he's ever talked about doing, but I just thought it would be fun. And holy crap - it was AWESOME! We had such a blast .. get it .. blast.  A little gun humor for you ...

Chris was more comfortable than I was at first. In fact, I was shaking like a leaf while loading the clip. But as soon as I got the hang of it - I was B.A. Think Angelina Jolie in "Tombraider" ...but fatter.

We definitely plan on doing this again. Now we're classified as 'intermediate' which means we'll look slightly less stupid on the range.

After we dropped the weapons, we picked up the forks. A lovely dinner on the patio out at Easton. Just the two of us. Our friend Tracy was babysitter for the night. The kids absolutely adore her and so do we.

The kids also liked their "souvenirs" from mommy and daddy. We gave them the target and all the empty shells. Mason thought they were cool. Emma said, "hey, there are no crabs in these shells."

We've really got to get her out more ...

Berry Bliss

In just two hours we went from this ...

 

to this ...

 

and then to this ...

 

and finally this ...

 

Life is BERRY good at the Sawyer house tonight.

Catching Up

So I haven't been the best blogger lately. Part busy, part lazy. Most of our nights and weekends are spent at the ball field (the Yankees are undefeated!) but we have managed to squeeze in some other things ...

I took Emma to see "Annie" a few weeks ago and she loved every minute of it! She's still singing the songs (we have the CD in the car). And I think I've finally found my date for musicals. Chris and Mason are happy about it ... they're off the hook. I snapped this picture of Emma and her buddy Connor that night. He's the silliest boy - and I love it.

                     

We also surprised Chris with an overnight trip to Cincinnati to see his beloved Reds. Gorgeous night, plenty of ballpark food and a win for the Reds. A great way to spend his birthday!

                     

There was also a trip to the Ringling Brothers Circus ...

                     

And a preschool "graduation" for Emma. Not sure why they called it a graduation for her class since she'll be back next year, but we went with it. Daddy even surprised her with flowers.

                     

The next few weeks will be filled with more baseball, flag football, cheering, the end of school for Chris and Mason and then Emma's dance recital. And strawberries are in season so I predict a lot of jamming for Mommy ;)

The Power of Pink

Great cause, great day, great friends, great way to honor our friend ...

Team Sawyer

We've got a lot of balls in the air right now .. literally. Flag football is still going on, but we've also got baseball and that takes up more of our time. Chris is Mason's coach, my brother helps out when he can, I handle the team mom stuff and Emma is the bat girl. Well, scratch that. Emma wears the helmet but plays with the bats more than she actually lines them up. It's a real family affair .. and I love it. GO YANKEES!

 

                      

                      

                      

                    

* I've also created a photo album on the right called 'Baseball 2009.'

Howdy Partners

                         

                           Cowboy Chris is 35 today. Yeehaw!

Faith at It's Finest

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a Christian. That's the way it should be. I'm proud of it. But for the most part I keep my personal relationship with God .. private. Mainly because as a teenager I was turned off by the people who came to church on Sundays and then acted very un-Christianlike the other six days of the week. I've never wanted to be perceived as a hypocrite, so I've kept my relationship with God pretty private. (I don't think I'm a jerk or anything, but I'm certainly not perfect).

Today though I feel compelled to talk about my faith - and how it is stronger than ever because of my cousin Micah. Her death last week was, of course, a shock to everyone. I know God doesn't test us, but I think it's okay to have questions. We all do. But the way her immediate family (her dad, mom, brother and grandparents) has handled this tragedy has made me forget about those questions and fully realize that God is in control.

They have turned everything over to Him. They really have. Casey said he can't imagine anyone who isn't a Christian being able to survive this. Some people talk the talk, but they're really walking the walk. It's inspirational. An example of how we should all live - putting every bit of faith in Him. Knowing Micah is in a better place. They are even praying for her killer. My dad and I were talking last night about how blown away we are by this family and how we can all learn from them. The next time I'm faced with adversity I will try and think of the Rines. And how they have turned it all over to God. Their journey wil no doubt be a difficult one as they mourn the loss of their precious daughter, but with prayer they will be carried through. I just know it. And I thank them for allowing me to grow stronger on my own path ...

The Greatest Gift

It has been six months since my dear friend Heather was taken from us. I think about her often but lately I'm reminded of her almost daily. And here are the reasons why:

                   

                        

Before Heather died, she made it very clear to everyone: no funeral. She instead wanted a celebration of her life. It was exactly that. And before we left that cold day in November, we were each given a bag of spring bulbs to plant.  I went outside in the rain and got them planted before the first frost. Oh I'm so glad I did! What a beautiful reminder of my beautiful friend.

Our Weekend in Pictures

Another long day at the ball fields - but more fun thanks to mamaw & papaw:

                      

Sneak attack! She surprised him on the sideline with a hug.  

                      

Practice. I like this one because you can see his 'fans' in the background.

                              

                              

                              

Mamaw channeling her inner cheerleader!

                              

My personal favorite from the day:

                            

* I've created a photo album on the right called 'Spring Sports 2009.'

Not What You Think

Emma's been talking about her 'diarrhea' a lot lately. Last night Chris finally figured out what she's been referring to: her diary.

We're now calling it a journal :)

Still Room for Mom

Mason had me in tears today. Not because he did anything wrong, but because he did everything right. I went to his school to volunteer and when I walked in the classroom he gave me the biggest smile. Then before I left he gave me a monster hug and a kiss. He even thanked me for coming. He did all of this without giving a thought to what his cool, second grade friends might say.

I know I can never have him as a baby again (sigh - see cherished picture below).  He's growing and maturing and these moments will be harder to come by. So for now .. I will soak it in and enjoy ..   

                   

Pint-Sized Picasso

Behold the genius of our Emma. Three of her "works" were recently featured in the preschool art show.  They say that is where all the greats got their start ...

                  

                        

                      

           (The snowman on the right is also an Emma Sawyer original)

Happy Easter!

                         

I Don't Know Him, but I Love Him

This is totally worth 2:30. Trust me. Stay with it to the end. Just AWESOME!

(Out of Focus) Flag Football

First game of the year and our man scored a touchdown! It was awesome - he took it to the HOUSE! Too bad his mom was wrapped in her Snuggie and couldn't get a good picture. Drats.  

                       

And this lady cheered her heart out! Emma was cute as can be on the sidelines even though we know she was freezing her little pom poms off.

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Next time I promise to drop the Snuggie and get some non-blurry pictures/videos of our kids!

Draft Day

Mason starts flag football next weekend. He's actually never played flag (Pickerington starts 'em in full pads at age 5) so it should be fun to watch. I'm hoping for a much more relaxed environment where parents are enjoying their kids and coaches realize they aren't playing for the Lombardi trophy.

                             

Things got off to a really neat start last weekend at the league draft party. It was held at Gameworks and they announced each kid's name on the jumbo screen along with their team. Mason is on the Bears. He didn't like the idea at first (really wanted the Cowboys) but he's since come around.  

                               

The other cool part about this whole flag football thing is that Emma can get involved too. Yep, she's a cheerleader. She went to a clinic a few weeks ago and will also have her first game Saturday. She knows all the positions and we can't wait to see her on the sidelines.

                               

So we'll see how this goes. The real kick in the pants here? Mason starts baseball in two weeks and Chris is his coach. We'll be running like crazy between ball fields, but on the bright side - I may lose a few pounds ;)

The Girl's Got Game

We all know Mason can play football, but there is someone else in the family who has moves too ...

I just love how the boys fall around her. So very sweet.

Stuff I'm Diggin'

I haven't done one of these posts in awhile, but there are definitely things I'm diggin'.

- These eggs. They are seriously the cutest things I've ever seen! They were featured in a segment on "The View" and I just knew I had to have them for the kids. But they were nearly impossible to find. After scouring several Target stores, I finally found them. A little pricey at $3.99 per egg, but DEFINITELYworth it. If you find them, just remember to pull off the tab in the back before hiding.

- Um, cherry pies from McDonald's. I've recently re-discovered these and man are they good! They're baked now so they MUST be better for us. And the best part? They're two for $1.00. Missy and Irene know about my love of the cherry pie. Darn delicious!

- This candle. Its new at White Barn and my sister-in-law and I both bought one. I've been burning it non-stop. Smells like a mix of the beach and some fruity drink. The best part? On sale right now for just $10 but you have to get it at the actual store - its not online.

- There's only one show that is "appointment viewing" for me each week. Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York." I actually schedule a Tuesday afternoon nap (pathetic, I know) so I can stay up and watch it at 10:00. I've loved all the "Housewives" since the beginning but this New York season is especially good.

- And finally, two books that are really special to us:

Emma and I read "Pinkalicious" every. single. night. She loves, loves, loves it and at this point can practically read it herself. We've ordered the follow-up book, "Purplicious" but it hasn't arrived yet. If you have a little girl or need a great gift for a 2-7 year-old, I would HIGHLY recommend this book. So much fun.

Another great book is one for little boys that we stumbled on by accident.  But the author is actually an old college friend of Chris' (they played football together and Chris was in his wedding but we haven't seen him in more than 12 years).

I was on Amazon several months ago looking for books for Mason and through one of the site's recommendations this book came up. "I Want You to Know Son" is a great little life-lesson book from a father to a son. And its a very easy read. I contacted Thad (author) when I saw his name and we've since re-connected. He was nice enough to send an autographed copy to Chris and Mason. Chris was a little teary-eyed when he first read through it. Everyone should own a copy.

Suddenly Sophisticated?

Chris has been on a kick lately where he wants us to start drinking wine. If you've ever been out with us, you know we're not wine people. We're beer-in-a-bottle people. But an old Italian guy he works with has been telling him how good wine can be and that it is much healthier. Chris also thinks we look like hillbillies eating at a nice restaurant and chugging Coors Light out of a bottle. "But we are hillbillies," is my usual response.

But I'm willing to try and so last night we took the plunge. We bought a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio. Guh-ross! Then it was on to a Merlot. Better, but still not for me. Chris says he liked it and ended up finishing the bottle. Clearly he's a lush.

They say wine is an acquired taste. We're not going to give up - we're going to sample two new wines each weekend so any suggestions would be much appreciated. Whether we end up making the switch to wine for good? Well, a leopard can change its spots but ...

The Interviews

Emma the Actress