#baseballwifelife | Hannah and Cy Sneed

Taking a few minutes to play q&a with fellow baseball wife, Hannah from Life as a Baseball Bride. Be sure to head over to her .com and check out my answer! Enjoy!

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Hey yall! I'm Hannah, a 20 something newlywed baseball wife. My husband Cy is a pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He was drafted last year, so this is his first full season and my first season on the road with him! I grew up in Alaska and Cy grew up in Idaho, and we met at college in Dallas, so between baseball and visiting our families, we see a lot of this great country. 

Cayte and I "met" online before Cy got drafted and I'm so thankful we did! She has been such a great source of encouragement. Baseball "WAGs" - wives and girlfriends are really such an incredible group of women! 

ONE| If you don't travel for an away series, what is your favorite thing to do while Cy is on the road?

I've started getting into yoga! There is a great studio downtown and I've gone to a couple hot yoga classes, it's so relaxing! I also like to visit new coffee shops and go get a manicure... That's my weakness! 

TWO| What were your expectation going into this crazy life and how are they different?

One thing I wasn't prepared for was how boring it can get! The days can really get long when you're alone so much. Thankfully I have made some friends here, that has been so great. And getting a job is really helpful as well!

THREE| What's your favorite aspect about working at the ballpark?

Well one huge thing is the schedule flexibility! I am off when the team is gone, so I can go on road trips if I want, and they totally are totally standing with letting me off when Cy pitches. I also really love just getting to know new people! 

FOUR| There are lots of highs and lows in baseball. Is Cy the type of guy that likes to talk about his outings or keeps it all in? 

At the very beginning of our relationship I told Cy I wasn't going to put up with him being super moody if he has a bad outing.. Haha! He is really good about talking to me (knowing that I need him to verbally interact in order to feel connected.. #Girlprobz) but he doesn't dwell on it long! He usually talks to his dad on the phone to go over the game too. 

FIVE| What's your favorite place you have traveled to see Cy play? 

Last season Cy played in Helena, MT and when I visited they played a commuter series in Great Falls, MT so I made that trip twice and loved it! It was a beautiful 2 hour drive through the hills. So peaceful!!

SIX| Not many off days in this life, so how do you spend them when they come?!

This season we've had 3 off days, one of which was during spring training. In Phoenix, we went to an indoor speedway place, shopped a bit, and met up with one of Cy's college teammates for dinner. Here in Appleton, both times we have slept in and had a lazy morning then golfed all afternoon- which is funny since we are pretty awful golfers. We just like to relax on off days! 

SEVEN| What's the biggest difference between college and pro ball?

As far as ballpark experience goes, it's huge. In college, there's no in game entertainment. You sit and watch the game. But in pro ball, people pretty much come more for the entertainment than for the game itself. There's always promos, games, and music going on. It's really pretty cool! 

EIGHT| If you had to try and explain this lifestyle to someone that doesn't know anything baseball, how would you describe it? 

I usually say something along the lines of "my husband plays baseball for a living, and the team that he plays for is slowly moving him up through their developmental system. This means that we could be sent pretty much anywhere in the country with no notice! We live a gypsy life- and travel light!" 

NINE| What's your hidden talent?

You know how most people can roll their tongue into a "u" shape? I can roll mine into a "w" shape. Apparently it's a genetic thing. 

TEN| Favorite vacation spot you've never been to?

I would love to go to Venice! I'm fascinated by the history there. And the food ;) 

Guest Post: My Nana

A few weeks ago, D.J. gave me the best suggestion about the blog to date.

"Why don't you ask Nana to do a guest post on the blog?"

How perfect, I thought. My Nana is probably my most loyal blog follower.  I blog for fun but Nana thinks I missed my calling on being a journalist - HAHA! I appreciate the compliment, but I just type as I go and barely ever re-read what I type.  I just got back to the words with the little red lines under them to fix the spelling and call it a day.  When I asked Nana if she would do a blog post, I told her that this would mean so much to me and that all of you all would love to hear her words, she finally decided to write a little something up.

So ladies and gents, here goes my Nana - Edna!

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When my granddaughter, Cayte, asked me to write something for her blog, I wasn’t sure I could write about a subject her readers would be interested in.  Cayte gave me some suggestions, but there was one thought that was foremost in my mind today – what a great daughter-in-law I have.

I never had a daughter, and my one and only daughter-in-law, Gretchen, is Cayte’s mother.  I fell in love with her from the first meeting when my son, Steve, introduced her to me. When Steve, announced that he was going to marry her, I felt that he had made a great choice.

My first meeting with Gretchen’s family was at her wedding shower in Pennsylvania.  I had never traveled there, and I was so impressed with how beautiful the state is.  At the shower I got to meet her family and friends, and I realized why she was so sweet, because all of her family and friends were so nice and made me feel welcome to the fold. 

Since Gretchen was in the Navy and lived in Fredericksburg VA, I didn’t see a lot of her until the wedding and afterwards.  I learned right away that she would always include me as a member of the family.  I felt so loved when on their wedding day Gretchen included me in the group who was there while she was getting dressed for her wedding. Gretchen’s wedding dress was beautiful, and had sleeves which could be worn on the shoulder or off the shoulder.  Gretchen’s mother, Kate, who had become a dear friend, suggested that Gretchen wear the sleeves up, but Gretchen wanted them off shoulder. During that time, strapless wedding gowns were not so acceptable. Gretchen turned to me and asked what I thought.  I was speechless, because I didn’t want to come between a mother and daughter on her wedding day.  My answer was “It’s your wedding day, do what makes you happy.”  She chose to wear the sleeves off shoulder.  She was a beautiful bride, and the ceremony was breathtaking.  One of the sweetest gestures Gretchen made during the ceremony was to present the mothers with a red rose as a sign of love. Gretchen also gave me the honor of doing the table decorations at the wedding reception.

After marriage, the newly-wed couple started looking for an apartment.  Steve’s dad and I suggested that they invest in a house rather than rent.  They took our advice and found a nice house in Fredericksburg VA.  They asked us to visit and give them our thoughts on purchasing the house.  We agreed that it was a good investment, and encouraged them to buy it. To this day they still own it, and the rent has helped with college tuitions for three children. The newly-weds celebrated their first Christmas in their new home, and they honored us by asking us to visit them. Gretchen asked me help decorate their first Christmas tree. To this day, Gretchen still uses some of the ornaments that I made for their first tree.  Each time I see them, I remember those happy days.

As the years went by, Steve’s father developed cancer and died.  By this time Gretchen had been selected by the Navy to attend the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey CA to get her master’s degree.

This was just shortly after Steve’s father’s death.  Because of her thoughtfulness toward me, Gretchen was going to turn down the opportunity the Navy was giving her because she felt like they shouldn’t leave me here in VA.  I told her I appreciated her thoughtfulness, but I would not let her pass up this opportunity. 

Their tour in Monterey turned out to be very memorable because this was where my first grandchild, Cayte, was born.  I was so happy when they told me I was going to be a grandmother. Cayte was such a beautiful, happy baby, and I was able to visit them a couple of times while they were in CA. 

After graduation from the school, they were assigned to the Navy base in Norfolk VA.  Again, they asked my advice on the purchase of a home.  It was a great home which they still reside in and have added two more wonderful grandchildren to my life, Bobby and Julie.

I later remarried a wonderful man, Cliff, who fit right in with my family.  He loved my family almost as much as I do.  He being a retired Air Force officer and her a Navy officer, they had subjects in common to talk about. Cliff and I moved to FL, and unfortunately I missed out on a lot of my grandchildren’s younger years, but Gretchen was always thoughtful to send me pictures and spend their vacations with us in FL.

Some years later, Cliff passed away and I moved back to VA.  Steve and Gretchen and her wonderful sister, Patty, encouraged me to sell my home in Portsmouth VA and move closer to them.  Gretchen and Patty found the house for me, and the whole family moved me into my new home.  The move has been such a blessing for me because it has enabled me to attend the children’s functions and sports activities at their school.  Gretchen always made sure I was aware of each event, and she always saved a seat for me.

When I turned 70 years old, Gretchen gave me a surprise birthday party and invited my friends and neighbors.  I don’t know why it surprised me because she is always thoughtful regarding me.  Now that I am about to celebrate my 80^th birthday, I rely more and more on Gretchen each day. Not only does she fix my computer when I do stupid things, she insists that I send her an email every day to let her know how I am doing, and if I go someplace at night, she wants me to call her and let her know that I am safely at home. 

Gretchen insists that she goes to my doctor’s appointments with me so that I understand what the doctor’s diagnosis is. My doctor commented that I was very fortunate to have such a thoughtful daughter-in-law.  When I had surgery a few months back, Gretchen was right there with me at the hospital making sure all my needs were met.  She brought me home and took care of me until I was healed.

These are just a few of the instances where Gretchen has shown her love for me. Each day, I thank God for her. God has blessed me in so many ways, but Gretchen in one of my greatest blessings.  I wish everyone reading this could be so fortunate.

Y'all, how awesome is that story.  My nana is so awesome. I hope everyone has the opportunity to have someone that inspires them to be a better woman like my nana does for me.

A Day In The Life Series

Today I am blogging over at Jessa Olson Blog on what a day in the life of a baseball wife like me looks like! Feel free to head over there and see what my life looks like day-to-day!

Happy Monday! + Guest Post

Good morning blog world! Sorry I have been MIA a little lately. I found myself busy last week and when that happens sometimes blog world gets away from me! Anyways, what better week in the year than 4th of July week!?! If any of you know me well, you would know that July 4th is one of my favorite holidays! This year, I will be celebrating July 4th with family down in Raleigh and the Mudcats!

Anyway, today I am blogging over at Frankly My Dear about why you should come spend your 4th of July (or any holiday) in Virginia! 

And for the sake of a pretty picture, how awesome are my flowers! This is the fourth color that has popped up this summer!!

Sponsor Spotlight: A Southernly Belle Vie

Today I want to spend some time getting to know my lovely sponsor, Alysse! She is so sweet and I am excited for y'all to learn more about her! While she takes over Blog with the Browns, I will be over at A Southern Belle Vie answering her questions! You can get the basic info from this...

 

But I want you to hear more! Here she is!

1) If you could describe your style in a few short words what would you say and why?

 My style could best be described as, Jackie-O with a touch of country.  Very rarely will you catch me without my pearls on.  Whether it's an early morning work out, a dinner date with my handsome, or in the duck blind with the guys.

2) How did you and your boyfriend meet? 
Funny story.  Christian and I met on Facebook.  We actually didn't know each other from Adam but we had mutual friends who knew each other.  We still laugh about it to this day... we've been inseparable ever since!

3) Besides photography, what do you do for a living? 

My full time day job is with the Elections Balloting Division for Louisiana.  We assist, coordinate, and support all 64 parishes.  We build elections, ballots, and everything in between.  My job is very challenging but the reward is so worth it.

4) What are your top five favorites: color, food, song, movie, and number?

Color to Wear: Teal and purple
Color in General: Pink
Food: Boiled Crawfish or a Turtle Sauce Piquant
Song: Look At Us by Vince Gill
Movie: The Guardian
Number: 14

5) If you could travel anywhere, where would you choose to go and why?

I would probably travel to Alaska.  I'd die and go to heaven if I had the chance to go on a big game hunt up there!

6) Tell me about having a boyfriend who works offshore at any given notice?

To be quite honest it takes a strong woman to stand behind a man who earns his living in the oilfield.  Christian has traveled around the world twice.  Traveling to places like Thailand, Egypt, and Africa.  You have to be able to fend for yourself and kids if you have that blessing.  Even though he misses 80% of life most important happenings, I wouldn't trade this lifestyle for the world.  He's the most dedicated and hard working man I could ever meet {besides my Daddy, of course}.  Christian absolutely loves being a diesel mechanic and it's something I would never in a million years try and take away from him.

7) What made you start blogging?

I'm getting at the age where a lot of fun things are happening.  I wanted an outlet where I could express my creativity and share my little slice of heaven with y'all.  Sure, I could of used Instagram or Facebook, and I plan on continuing to use those outlets, but I wanted something more... a place I could connect with other bloggers!

8) How do you find time to blog with everything going on?  What keeps you going?

I try to keep a balance between my hectic schedules.  When I get home in the evenings, I have a home cooked dinner to prepare, dishes to wash, and clothes to fold.  At any given point you would probably assume that spare time is not in my vocabulary; which 85% of the time you are correct.  I've been really good about planning out my blogging post with what's going on that week.  I'm a planner so I feel much more at ease and confident with my choices if I have a mapped out plan A and plan B.

9) What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I've always been a creative girl.  So anything dealing with crafts + art comes as second nature to me.  I've also gained the nick name, Betty Crocker.  You can bet your last dollar that you won't ever leave my house hungry.  Instead you'll probably leave stuffed like a tick.  I think it's partly because of our southern culture and nature.  We're kind hearted people down here.  We sit on our front porches in the evenings and bow our heads when a funeral is passing down the road.  Down here in South Louisiana we also love our outdoors.  Like I always tell people who meet me for the first time, don't let the pearls, hair, and makeup fool you... I LOVE to hunt, fish, and be outdoors with the guys.  Louisiana is known as God's country, so why not enjoy it?

10) Lets say your boyfriend just proposed, what is the first thing you will book when planning your wedding?

Not you too? Haha.  Christian is an absolutely joy to be around.  He's my prince charming that rode in with a cowboy hat and dirty boots.  Lately A LOT of our family and friends have been teasing me about le ring.  I get butterflies every time I think about it!  I guess I should expect it since it's the "next step" in our relationship {being that we just purchased our first home together} but I'm so completely content with life right now that I would wait 10 years for a ring.

If I had to pick the first thing I would book, I would definitely say the Church.  Christian and I are both Catholics.  We were raised in Catholic homes and will raise our children in the same manner.  Being the good Southern man Christian is, he continuously provides for us and our future family... not only money or material wise, but he provides the path and foundation of a loving Catholic household.  Every night before we eat our dinner we say grace and each Sunday that he's home we attend Sunday morning mass.  It's one of my favorite qualities about him.  We joke about our future wedding and have guestimated that our wedding guest list is around 450 people...not kidding!}

11) What are one {or some} goals that you are working toward this year?

My goals for this year is to be a better friend, listen more, and give back more.  I also have a goal of "unplugging" from devices and social media more.

12) Describe your ideal day. 
My ideal day would be one of two things... waking up before the sun rises on opening day of duck/deer season and killing our limit of ducks/a nice buck. The thrill of getting the first shot on either of those hunts is absolutely indescribable. Now before y'all go all anti-gun and anti-hunting on me, we do not kill to kill animals.  We hunt to provide meals for our families.  If you were to look in our freezer right now you'd probably find one pack of chicken breasts and one pack of ground meat.  We were taught how to live off the land and it's something I'm adamant about teaching our future children.  OR a day spent at the beach, standard!

13) Tell me all about Alysse Guidroz.
Well for starters, I am 5'4" with red hair and bright green eyes!  I'm a Christmas baby, I love a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, and I am a die hard Yankees fan.  As you already know, I love to hunt and fish, but I also love to spend time with my family and friends.  When I was a child, getting ready to start Pre-K, I had a speech problem that had to be fixed with lots of speech therapy.  To this day there are still words that I cannot pronounce.  I'm also ambidextrous, I can do absolutely everything and anything with both of my hands.  I may be tiny but I come in full force, I'm determined, compassionate, and I wear my heart on my sleeve.  I'm a girl rooted in my Southern beliefs, morals, and culture.

14) What is your go to meal to cook for you and your boyfriend?

Christian, thank you sweet baby Jesus, is NOT a picky eater.  So anything I cook for dinner he eats.  But some of his favorites are: smothered pork in a gravy, or as we call it down here, Griads, he also loves shrimp fettuccini, crawfish etouffee, corn maqushoe. and sautéed asparagus.

15) What is your favorite blog post?

My favorite blog post would have to be my very first blog post!

16) Turning a house into a home is so much fun.  What are some of your next big projects?

You're so right!  I absolutely love playing into the housewife roll.  Hopefully one day my dream of being a stay at home mom will come true!  Some of our next big projects are little things throughout the house like painting, finishing our master bed room, etc... Christian would like to build a brick pizza oven/fire place outside as well as install a nice grill and bar for outdoor gatherings!  I keep joking with him that he has to be home for longer than a week for that to happen! haha

17)  How did you come up with the title of your blog?

Being from Cajun Country my southern roots run deep.  And so does my Cajun French Heritage.  I can't count how many times I get called out on my accent! Throughout K-8th grade I was enrolled in a program called French Immersion.  It's a program where students take every subject in, well, French!  As the years progressed I became very fluent in franglais!  It's a cross between French and English and a term I clearly coined myself ;-)  Eventually a light bulb went off in my head and A Southernly Belle Vie was born!  To translate it means a southernly good life!  Half French and half English!

18)  If you could have one super power, what would it be?

If I could have one super power it would most likely be having the ability to visit loved ones in heaven!

19) What have you gained from blogging?

I've gained SO much more than I could of ever imagined from blogging.  I've gained new friendships from all across the United States as well as a better understanding of myself.  I'm certainly glad with my decision to begin my blogging journey!

20) Everyone has that "one" thing they always have as an interesting fact about them in their back pocket ready to pull out at any time.  What is yours?

I don't know that most people would find it interesting, but, I had a full ride softball scholarship to a college here in Louisiana before I blew out my shoulder my Senior year.  Softball was a MAJOR part of my life.  I played SS and had the arm to go with it.  To say those were my glory days would be an understatement.  Hearing those words from a doctor your Senior year in high school is heart breaking but being that determined and "don't take no for an answer" kind of girl that I am, I finished out my Senior year.  I also managed to break my nose and dislocate two fingers that year.  I was destined to NOT finish out the season but I had another vision.  I prayed to the good Lord above and he helped me through it!  It's kind of like I turn into a fierce little girl when I step onto that field, nothing can hold me back... not even diving for an out of play ball.  In order to finish my high school career I had to adjust my hitting habits.  I slapped and quick bunted on the left hand side a good portion of the season.  When the season was over, I was awarded 1st team all district short stop, academic all state, and all state.  Oh what I would give to relive those days!

21) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself married to that sweet, kind, handsome, God-fearing, man of mine.  Hopefully with the biggest blessing, on the way, that God could ever give us.  Christian and I have decided that we would LOVE to have 3 children but we will take how many God feels is right for us.  If I had it my way we'd have 5+.  But in all reality, raising 5 kiddies while you're husband is away most of the time could and would probably get a little tough to handle!  Who knows, maybe in five years I'll be living out my dream of a stay-at-home Mommy! Ohhhh wishful thinking ladies!


 

5 Benefits of Guest Blogging

TRAVEL BABBLES

living the (hockey) life

Today I am blogging over at Travel Babbles for Kym while she and her hubby are enjoying the Mexican sun for his 30th birthday! I love that Kym is a hockey wife and I am able to reach more professional sports spouses on her blog today! 

I have been slacking on 5 on Friday's simply because by the time Friday rolls around, all I am thinking about is the weekend and enjoying a few days off! So today, I wanted to talk a little about the Benefits of Guest Blogging since I have been on two different blogs this week!

one. increase in numbers
This week I did two guest posts on two different blogs and I co-hosted a giveaway with some other lovely bloggers and my numbers have SKYROCKETED! In the last 7 days, my instagram account has gained 143 new followers! My GFC followers went from 30 to 81!!!! I can honestly say this is because of the guest blogs and the giveaway.

two. new blog friends
Obviously with new followers, comes new blog friends! I am excited to see the one of the newest #baseballwifelife girls, Hannah has created a blog and is my newest follower! Hannah and I began talking on Facebook a while back before her (at the time) boyfriend got drafted. She is now an engaged woman who is beginning her #baseballwifelife this season! 

three. increasing my reach
It's always exciting to get my blog more looks from new visitors.  It's intriguing to see how one post can increase followers,  reach a new audience and even be posted throughout social media all day.

four. improve writing skills
Sometimes I find myself writing my posts with the mindset that everyone knows who I am talking about.  I am reminded that when I guest post, I need to be more specific and explain more in my posts for all my readers to stay connected with my life.

five. ideas for new posts
Reading all the other posts from guest bloggers generates new ideas on what I can post about.  I have found that most guest posts are "top 10", "best/worse", "tips" themed.  I will be sure to include these ideas in the next guest blog posts!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I will be back on Monday with the details and play-by-play of the lovely Christy's wedding to her groom Stephan!

Now head on over to my sponsor, Alysse blog!

Beautiful Things: Guest Post

Today I am guest blogging over at Beautiful Things Blog for Meagan while she is off getting married! Head on over to read my post!

Believe in the Sparks: Blog Takeover

Today is a big day- my first guest blog post! I am blogging over at Believe in the Spark to fill some time while Morgan celebrates her wedding week!  Head over to her blog to read my post and check her out! She and her new hubby (in two days) are so cute!