For Sara Lyon, it’s appreciating times spent together, on the road or at home

By Melanie Saxton

When Sara Lyon reflects on the joys (and juggling) of being an Astros Wife, it’s always with appreciation. After all, she gets to meet new people and has opportunities to travel, especially when her husband, Brandon Lyon, plays away games. He and the Astros have finished spring training and Lyon family spent April adjusting to a new routine. “The people of Houston have been so kind and welcoming. We are really enjoying our time here,” she says, a gorgeous smile reflecting her happiness. She’s a focused person and is always busy meeting the needs of her young brood

Making the Houston Area “Home”

“The juggling has gotten harder as our children have gotten older,” says Sara. Currently, she and Brandon (#37) pull their boys out of school in Santa Clara, Utah — their off-season home –  in mid-March and move to Katy where the kids will finish out their school year. They have two adorable sons — Isaac, eight, and Andrew, five. Their youngest is a two-year-old daughter, Lucy. “Our boys are both on baseball teams for Katy American Little League, which started at the end of March. They are both very involved with baseball, basketball and football.” Coordinating their schedules and Brandon’s can be tricky. “We try to make the best decisions and keep our family together as much as we possibly can. When we are away from Brandon, the kids love reuniting. The ‘face time’ with their dad is priceless.”

Mothers and Grandmothers

When the topic of moms comes up, Sara has strong recollections of her own wonderful mother, a woman who she admires to this day. “I’m lucky to have a role model who raised eight children and taught us about love, hard work, sacrifice and caring for others. My mother has always been able to find a balance between her church activities, community events, career (fifth grade teacher) and her children — and now her grandchildren.” Sara’s memories go back another generation. “My favorite flowers are roses because they remind me so much of my grandmother.” Having such strong role models has inspired Sara to apply the same positive values in her own family.

A Loving Mother-in-Law

It was a heartwarming moment two years ago when the Astros honored the players’ mothers. Brandon was proud when his mom, Bonnie, flew in from Salt Lake City. “My mother-in-law was honored on the field before the game, and seeing her on the field with her son reminded me of what a  great support she’s been in our lives,” says Sara. She and Brandon met while attending Dixie College in Southern Utah. “I finished my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration just before we had our first son. I’ve been a full-time mom ever since.” The couple married in January 2001 and remain united through the adjustments that come with the career of a major league baseball player.

Family is Everything

“I love spending time with family,” says Sara. “I am one of eight children and Brandon is one of five. Between us we have 28 nieces and nephews. Our kids love getting together with their cousins.”  The family enjoys athletics. “I have always enjoyed all sports, whether it be watching them or playing them.” She and the family root for the Astros, of course, and love the game of baseball. “I also enjoy all types of music. Growing up in a musical family, I learned to play the piano and cello and am trying to pass on my love for music to our children. Our oldest son, Isaac, started playing the piano this past year.”

Causes

The cause nearest to Sara’s heart is Cancer Awareness. “My mom is a breast cancer survivor and my 5-year-old niece just finished a year-long battle with Wilms Tumor (cancer of the kidneys). My niece, Jessica, and my mom, Joan, are both doing really well. My mother has been cancer free for eight years and continues to have yearly scans. Jessica will undergo scans every three months for the next two years.”

Sara also looks forward to the annual Houston Astros Wives Gala, which is held in the summer and always supports a good cause. “I just have so much to be thankful for and so many blessings. It feels good to give back.”

We wish this remarkable wife and mother, and all the Astros Wives, the very happiest Mother’s Day.

To find out more about the Houston Astros, visit houston.astros.mlb.com.