I was pretty excited about the opportunity. After reading up on the actual event I realized that a lot good handful of the wrestlers would actually be there. People like Jerry “The King” Lawler to Booker T., there were some pretty cool guys there. The tickets we won were VIP so we got some pretty good access to the event. So good in fact that we got to actually walk up, talk to, get autographs from, and get pictures with everyone there! Chase and an amazing time. I don’t know if he’ll ever be able to experience something like that again, I hope he does but for that night, the kid was on top of the world.

So that was our awesome experience. A few days later Wrestlemania actually happened and away he went. He got to experience all the majesty and grandeur that is a live WWE event. I know he had a wonderful time and I know he’s already itching to go to another show. We’ll have to see when the next thing is that we can go to. I love that kid and anything we can do to bring him happiness like that, I’m in. SJ and I hung at the house with some friends and watched the show live. Some of them followed wrestling, some not so much. It was a good little gathering and makes me eager to fire up the grill, put some music on, and just have people over to hang out. This summer can’t get here fast enough.

Here’s some pics from the nights event:

Locust Grove Mudcats

Yesterday was opening day for the Locust Grove Little League. For weeks Chase has been going to practice, out in the yard throwing the ball or catching the ball or hitting or swinging, or running or anything he could do to prep for “the big game”. He didn’t get his uniform until the morning of so he was a bit concerned about that in addition to all the butterflies about being on the field with all the people watching. As it got closer and closer to the actual game you could tell that it was all he could think about. He was ready!

So the Mudcat’s took the field (Chase playing first base) and were all set to get this game started. Since this was the first official game all the kids were still a bit unsure of where to throw the ball or when to run or which one of the dozen’s of yelling adult voices to listen to. Chase may have missed a few catches for a play at first, but he also was right there to get a few kids out. His eye was always on the ball and he was focused. Eventually the Mudcat’s were up to bat. Chase was deep in the line-up to bat, so it took a while for him to get out there. Once he did he got a base hit. It wasn’t the grandslam he wanted, he didn’t send the ball soaring over the fences into someone’s windshield, but he got on base. He did exactly what he was supposed to, listed to the first base coach, ran like the dickens and stayed put. That inning the Mudcat’s didn’t score any runs.

The game went on and eventually the Cats lost. Their very first game was loss in points but a gain in fun. Those kids were out there having a blast! They were doing what they had been practicing and trying their best. No hard feelings where had cause they knew there would be other game and much more fun to be had.

Since this was opening day there was a wonky game schedule. If they lost the first game they would play again at 2:30, if they won the first game they would play at 4:30, then if they lost that they were out, but if they won that there would be a 6:30 game. Luck for us, we only had one more game that day. So Chase hung out with his dad and Jess and I went and had some lunch and piddled around the house trying to get chores done we knew we’d have to do at some point this weekend. We made it back to the game just in time to watch the first pitch (parking was a mad disaster). This game was between the Mudcats and The Braves!

You could tell the kids were tired but somehow more into this game. They were more focused on where throw the ball or when to swing. It was like a different team! Chase had 2 turns to bat in this game, the first was a double! He slammed the ball into the outfield getting it just shy of the fences. Had the kids not thrown the ball when they did, ‘Mudcat’ Malley would’ve been on third. The next kid up didn’t do so well, so that inning was over. As the game went on The Braves just couldn’t hold up to the onslaught that the Mudcat’s were bringing! A few more outs here, some more runs there, and the game was over. Final score was like 8 to 5 or something. The Mudcat’s could now celebrate their first victory!

Chase played SO well out there. He was working with his teammates, listening to the coaches, focused on hitting the ball and really made us proud. He really likes playing baseball and we’ll keep him at it for as long as he wants. I never thought I’d be a dad out there with a camera filming my son in a little league baseball game. Those kinds of things just never came as a thought to me. Sports were just not something I did growing up so it never occurred to me that I’d be out there with a kid enjoying them as much as I did. I’m so proud of him and can’t wait to be out there again with my camera, cooler, sunflower seeds, and wife, and anything else I can bring to make these moment’s last a life time.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Jan Turner - Day 1

This post has been a long time in the making. Well, more like a month in the making. The story goes a little something like this.

Jess and Chase had been wanting a puppy for ages, however we were extremely reluctant due to the fact that we live in an apartment. There are extra fees, the clean up, the 2 flights of steps, the noise, etc. All that adds to to a very problematic situation. Couple that with the fact that our schedules didn’t really give us a lot of time at home and we just were destined to not get a new addition to our family any time soon.

Well, as soon as Jess started back to school it became apparent that the overall mood and stress of our current living arrangements was not conducive to a happy life. So after much deliberation and and a rash decision to “just go SEE the puppies at the pound” we headed to the Atlanta Human Society.

We wandered around a bit, looking at various dogs. Some were terrorizing other dogs, some were shredding paper and tipping over their food bowls, there were the howlers, the barkers, and the ones that just laid there and didn’t move. Puppies of all shapes, sizes, breed, were to be had. We let Chase pick his top 3, a dog named Marsha, another dog who’s name I do not remember and Jan. It was funny cause Marsha and Jan were next to each other and all we kept thinking was the Brady Bunch. We eventually decided on Jan. She wasn’t too crazy, she seemed to just light up when we came near, she had a certain light to her that made Chase happy and brought some warmth to our family.

We started the paperwork process and then Chase got to spin the magical wheel to see how much we would have to pay for her. I reckon they were running some sort of special. We ended up getting here for like $50! That made me happy since she was listed at like $150. So we loaded up our new pup and headed off to the pet store get her all manner of things puppy related.

Once we got home we set everything up, her cage, some bedding, food and water bowls, toys, etc. but all puppy wanted to do was just lay there. I reckon in our minds we had this vision of a new puppy just running and jumping and biting and chewing and all things that you see puppies do. Our puppy seemed down. Well that didn’t last too long. After a few days, Jan was exuding puppy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Over the next few weeks, Jan’s personality really started to shine. She is still very timid when it comes to going outside. She really doesn’t like cars, but she LOVES people and other dogs. We’ve taught her to sit and fetch. She’s a very smart dog and generally brings happy times to our family. Having a puppy has certainly brought some new challenges to our lives, but it’s also brought a bunch of joy. Our cat Jojo is still on the fence. They don’t HATE each other now, but Jojo isn’t a playful animal like Jan.

One thing we still struggle with is having her cooped up all day while we’re at work. Jess has a killer commute and my hours are never the same from one day to the next. The good news is that in less than a month we will have a huge yard for her to run around in. The Sniper’s have got themselves a new place with a big fenced in back yard. Puppy girl will have an abundance of outdoor freedom. No more will we have to worry about her being in her tiny cage for hours at a time while we’re out rock climbing or running marathons. Gone will be the days when she just spends hours running from one couch to the other under the table into the office to the other couch and then back again. The neighbors won’t be pissed at us when she whines at 4:30 am and wants to go out and/or play.

Jan has been an adjustment, but a welcome one. I love her to death and I know Jess and Chase do as well. Getting her was a hard decision to make, but I’m glad we did. She’ll be a companion for a long time and I’m so happy to have her light and her joy be part of our lives. Stay tuned for more pics and videos of our new addition…and future additions.

Wrestle Cake!

For Chase’s 8th birthday we decided to make him a Rasslin’ Cake. He’s pretty much the biggest wrestling fan on the planet right now and Jess and I are bound and determined to elevate or cooking/baking arsenal. So, after several failed attempts, scouring of the interwebs for the perfect recipe, several trips to hardware stores and/or cooking supply stores, and countless hours standing in front of the oven, we made the best cake we could. It may not have been the perfect cake, but to our 8 year old, it was magical.

The party itself was a ton of fun. We had it at the bowling alley in Griffin. Chase and several friends spent the day bowling, playing arcade game, eating pizza and cake, and generally having a great time. He got a ton of cool presents. Everyone had a great time! In addition to all the kids having fun, the adults did as well. Speaking of adults, this was the first time Jess’ mom and my parents got to meet. They seemed to get along really well! I have a feeling they’ll be seeing a lot more of each other at future functions!

This was my first birthday with Chase and I can’t tell you how great it felt. I really did feel like a dad. Getting to watch him interact with the other kids, watching the joy on his face when he opened all his presents. Cheering him on while he bowled. Helping him try to get that elusive strike. It all just felt right. I can’t wait until 9, 10, 21, 30, etc. He’s such a great kid who deserves the world, and I intend on being there to give him that.

The Pics:

Sniper Chef

Today was Mother’s Day, and I have to admit, it was the best one in recent memory. I got to spend it with my two favorite mothers, my own mom and Jess. What made it so great was that it was low-key, stress-free, and full of love.

This morning, Chase and I got up and made Jess a fantabulous breakfast (biscuits and sausage gravy). Then we sat around and just chilled before heading over to my parents. Usually an afternoon at my folks is filled with stress and hustling and moving food from here to there and dozens of family (which I love the family, don’t get me wrong) and all the usual stuff, but today was different. It was just Me, Jess, Chase, Mom, Dad, Heather, Jason, and the twins. We grilled up some burgers and dogs while Chase ran around outside. Then we had a lunch and just enjoyed some time chatting and playing with the kiddos. After helping with some stuff around the house, it was time to head back to Sniperville and enjoy some downtime with my own little family.

We took a short little nap before Jess jumped right into her first writing assignment for her masters program. I have to commend her on sticking with it. She’s been out of the world of writing and learning and going through the learning process for a while, but she did it. I read her paper and it sounds like she hasn’t missed a beat.

After the paper was done, we put Chase to bed and just enjoyed the rest of the night on the couch watching some TV and just being together. It seems like only a shot while that Jess and I have been together, but at the same time, it feels like a lifetime. She means the world to me. She is a fantastic mother to her son and she is a great woman to me. She is strong, independent, caring, understanding, patient, and eager to grow with me. She’s there for me when I am down and need some help getting back up, and she let’s me help her when she’s not at her peak. We work together, listen, understand, and strive to make every day better than the previous.

I love this woman who has come into my life. I love her for everything she is and everything I know she will be in the future. I will try my hardest to remind her every day how special she is to me and how much I truly do love her.

Thank you Jess for being you. I love you.

Game ball!

Being from Philly, SJ’s mom gets tickets to the Braves vs. Philly’s game every year they are playing in Atlanta. It just so happened that this was one of those years. Also, with Jess’ spring break coming up she decided to take a look at the Braves schedule to see if there were any games that week we could take Chase too, it just so happened that the Braves were playing the Philly’s that week. Jess gave her mom and ring and come to find out, she had 4 tickets. We totally jumped on board with that and were all set for some good old fashioned ball game fun.

Chase went to the Braves game on Sunday with his dad and was totally stoked to go to anther game, but he wasn’t sure when that would be. We didn’t tell him we were sitting on 4 (3 + Jess’ mom) tickets. When he got the news, he just about passed out. He was SO excited. The look on a seven year old’s face when they get something as cool as 2nd row baseball tickets is just priceless.

So the day came, and off to Turner Field we went. Traffic was typical for game day, but it was all good since the weather was perfect and we were all in such great spirits! We got to the park, and started walking down to our seats. It was then when I realized just how close we were. I had been to several games before, but nothing like this. We were literally within arms reach of the field. So we sat there, cheering the Bravos, enjoying some beers and dogs and just having a great time.

The Braves lost that day, but that was totally over shadowed by the look on Chase’s face, when he got a game ball. This wasn’t one of those balls you can buy from the souvenir shops, this was an actual ball that was in the game. I swear he couldn’t put the thing down. He just kept twirling it around, examining every scuff and grass stain and marveling over it. The smile on his face totally made the night. I can’t wait to take him back to the park for another game.

So that was the Sniper’s first ball game together. There will be many, many more. Not sure if anything will top this one. Thank you Kathleen for the tickets and the experience.

Here are some pics from Easter! It was a very Turner Easter indeed. The SniperJess family still has some things to work out as far as ‘holidays sans domestic disbutes’…so we kept it the three of us. We also went to SniperBen’s family’s church cabin for food and egg hunts!

We started the holiday off by dying easter eggs. This is a childhood tradition for me (and most really) so it’s something I would love to pass down to Chase. We made striped eggs and pretty pastel eggs and the ever so crucial ‘everything’ egg which turned out much prettier than I remembered! We had a few mini hunts around the apartment for Chase then hit the kitchen…

Ahhh…our happy place. We are getting SO much better at planning and carrying out our big meals lately. This holiday called for cupcakes and muffins! I’ve been addicted to making cornbread muffins and putting creamed corn in the batter. They turned out delish! We also whipped up some stellar cupcakes. SB on the cake…SJ on the decor! They turned out so cute!

Lunch at the church cabin was traditional Easter lunch but very delicious..then the kids grabbed up what felt like 483290483 easter eggs from the field. We all had fun, got lots of great pics, and enjoyed the warm weather. In fact…after the egg hunt we stopped by for some swim suits and had our first swim of the year. The pool at the apartment is lots of fun and I anticipate some bloggin about the good times to come there.

So that’s it! Regular ol’ sniper fun on Easter. Hope yours was sniperrific as well!

Additionally…I had a conversation with my little guy about ‘planting seeds’ that’s worth keeping, so Ima put it here.

Chase: Mama…do you eat seeds?
Me: Umm…I guess. Like, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Sure, I eat seeds.
Chase: Do those seeds you eat like…grow inside you?
Me: Oh. No, they don’t babe. Seeds need things like soil and water and sunshine to grow.
Chase: So could you like, eat some soil and drink some water?
Me: Hmm…No, not really. You still wouldn’t have sunlight plus your stomach has all this liquidy acid stuff that smooshes your food all up and breaks it down, and all the good stuff stays in and the bad stuff comes out as poop.
Chase: Oh…But…could you like…eat a seed a grow like…a baby?
Me: Oh hell…NOW I see where this is going…
Me: Umm. Nope. That doesn’t work either.
Me: Please God let that be the end of it. I am trapped in the car with no distraction and I have a feeling like ‘that’ question is coming. He is too young for this question!
Chase: Well….I mean…
Me: Yup…here is comes.
Chase: Where DO babies comes from? How do they like…get in your belly??

Aaaaand boom goes the dynamite. I took a deep breath. I am all about honesty and reality with my child, but he’s pushing 8 and he’s a boy so…I’m embellished just a touch. Told him that babies come from love. Extra love that is…um…’created’ by two people who want more love around them. I also promptly told him that any extra ‘love turned into a baby brother or sister’ would not happen until he was at least 10…or so. Poor guy…being an only child probably sucks.

So that explanation will work for now, but I have a feeling these next few years will fly by and we’ll both be ready for the next talk. For now…we’ll enjoy Spring time and all the extra (self contained) love we have floating around.

It was a lot of fun and I reckon we’ll have another pretty soon. We might even have a championship match. Either way, it was good to see him smiling and having a good time. With the weather being like it is and at least one of us being sick every day it can get tedious and rather depressing around the house. We can’t easily go outside and ride his bike or hit up the pool. This summer should prove to be a nice change of pace. For now, we’ll have wrestle guy matches, puzzle time, SMB parties, and do what ever we can to keep us all smiling and in good spirits.

The rest of the week stayed pretty busy! My break’s usually fly by, but honestly I usually spend them being lazy as ever. I got a LOT done! My new driver’s license is on the way with my maiden name and I found a new doctor in Dunwoody and the whole office is awesome. Wednesday we planned on going to Snow Mountain, but waited too late to realize they are only opened on the weekends. doh! SB had the day off anyway so we enjoyed some family time at home. We went to dinner with SB’s parents for his dad’s bday and had some delicious food at Red Lobster. Our week of getting shit done continued on until the weekend rolled around and BAM! We were hit with some beeaauuutiful weather! Blue skies, slight breeze, sun shining in the 60′s. Chase and I drove around to look at schools earlier in the week and came across an awesome park that is literally around the corner from our apartment.

Saturday morning we got up, I went for a run, then we picked up some lunch and headed to the park! You would have thought they were giving away gold! People were just as in love with the weather as we were and it was packed. As we sat in the sun, ate our lunch, and watched the families, dogs, and our Chase, play and swing….it was just a great way to end the week.

But wait!! We have one more in us!! We were going to Snow Mountain dangit!! After two failed attempts (saturday time slots were sold out), we finally got a time slot at 6pm Sunday night. It seemed late for a school night, but it turned out perfectly! There was a small crowd at first but by 7:00 we were going straight up to the slides and tubing away! I was so nervous for Chase b/c I’m telling you…those things went fast! He loved it though…and I learned again that I need to let go just a little bit and let him be a boy. We have some great pics from the week. Now…if the next 9 weeks would just fly by so we can have Spring Break!

Day at the park pics: