A Spooktacular Halloween at the Simmons' house!

To be honest, Halloween is not my most favorite holiday. If I could sew amazing costumes, I might think otherwise. But this year I got in the mood a little more thanks to Pinterest and some inspired Halloween mantel ideas. So...I decorated the mantel.Then Cooper got excited because I decorated the mantel, Carston got excited because he wanted to go trick-or-treating with his buddy Joseph, Cade got excited because that meant he and his buddy Matt would get to go trick or treating, and Colton got excited because food (better yet, candy) was involved. Overall, it was a great Halloween. The little boys had a blast going up to the houses and saying "Trick or Treat". They also gave some very hefty treats when our doorbell rang, which made for an early night.

Now it's November 1st. Which means Christmas and 2012 will be here in a blink of an eye! We've got one more Halloween parade at school, and then the decorations will be coming down. I have decided to go against all WalMart and major store chains by actually decorating for Thanksgiving.

Poor Thanksgiving/Fall never seems to get much attention. Who doesn't like 55 degree football weather on a sunny, slight breeze blowing, Pitt State-playing afternoon with kids running around playing football, and food!! I'm not going to let WalMart and the Toys-R-Us Big Book suck me in to thinking about Christmas decor or shopping just yet. No, I plan on enjoying what's left of the wonderful temperatures, the beautiful colors, and take some time to be THANKFUL for everything I have.
(Before I have to knock some poor person down so I can get the last coveted "most wanted Christmas gift of 2011".)

Enjoy your fall everyone!

Monday Motivation

The past few weeks I've had some strong feelings about where I am in life, what my life was before, and where I'm going. I've always been a To-Do List writing, quote loving, goal setting type of girl. And before I had kids, I was an organized person. My house was clean, my car was clean, and it drove me crazy if it was anything but!

Fast forward 10.5 years. I make To-Do lists, but about 40% gets done (on a good day). I still love my quotes! And my goals...well, I haven't really thought about those for a while. Oh, I'm organized...in my head! But a clean house or clean car, no where near it! I realize I have kids and it's hard to keep up with them AND the house, AND the bills, AND the laundry but I could definitely be doing better, I'm just not always motivated to. I mean come on, who wakes up excited about cleaning toilets?

I've realized I've kinda lost my spunk, my motivation, my drive. I miss having that something that gave me purpose. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and realize that's a HUGE purpose. But I want something challenging other than a dirty diaper and only 1 wipe! I think that's why in the last two weeks I've really looked at renewing my teaching certificate.

One of the main reasons I think this feeling has emerged is because, quite frankly, the whole graduating college, getting a job, getting married, buying a house, and having a baby-thing happened REALLY fast and REALLY close together! Graduated fall of '98, got a job 2 weeks later, engaged summer of '99, married January of '00, bought a house May of '00, had Cade December of '00! (Just in case you didn't believe that it happened really fast!)

I never really felt like I gave teaching a shot or could see what I was able to do. And while I never thought I'd want to go back, teaching would be ideal for my family since I'd be off when they are off. And while it's been 10.5 years since being in a classroom, one thing is sure, I enjoy kids. Obviously, or I wouldn't have coached for so many years. I just realized that since graduating high school in '95, I've coached some form of sport (volleyball, basketball) at some level (6th grade, jr. high, high school) all but 1 year. Kids are fun and there's nothing better or more rewarding than watching them succeed.

So where is this long post going? Well, to kick start myself, I've decided to do a Monday Motivation. It will basically be a quote and maybe a few things on my To-Do List and possibly a recap of the week before. I've begun looking in to renewing my certificate and am tentatively planning on taking some classes in the spring. But to begin with, I'm starting with ME! I'm kicking my own butt for 1. becoming this heavy and 2. becoming this lazy!

So here is my Monday Motivation Quote from Nike:
"Yesterday you said tomorrow."

I've been guilty plenty of times for saying "tomorrow", but not anymore!!! It begins TODAY!! The goal setting is beginning again! And already this morning, I can check off working out and blogging! I hope your week is as productive as I'm hoping mine will be!

F is for Fall and Football!

September 23rd marked the "official" start of Fall. But here at the Simmons' house, fall begins the first time the pads go on, when the bands perform the National Anthem, when the coin is flipped for the very first time, at the first sound of the whistle, and the first opening kickoff. Football "kicks off" our fall, and we LOVE this time of year.Football can be an every day event for us.
So far every day but Tuesday.

MONDAY: Packers practice (Cade), Monday Night Football
(Doesn't even matter who's playing.)
TUESDAY: only day off
WEDNESDAY: Either Packers practice or
Packers game night (Cade)
THURSDAY: SMC Panther game or college on tv
FRIDAY: SMC Panther game or college on tv
SATURDAY: Packers (Cade), Chiefs (Cooper), and
our Gorillas!
SUNDAY: BengalsYes, our family LOVES football. It's been so fun watching Cooper dive for flags and Cade's first year of tackle. And it won't be long when we'll be going to jr. high football on Tuesdays, junior varsity games on Mondays, high school games on Thursday or Fridays, and the final YMCA games on Saturdays. Right now, I have to pack at least 2 footballs in our diaper bag so that both Carston and Colton can play while the big brothers are on the fields. We've already begun the "all football gear left outside in the garage" rule. And sneaker balls...wow, they really do make your shoes smell good.
Football is so BIG at our house that if you ask Carston,
"What time is it?"
he'll answer you with, "GAME TIME!" every time!
And now that it's OFFICIALLY fall, I can bring out the pumpkins and mums, we can take a trip to the pumpkin patch, think about Halloween costumes, and hopefully take an updated family pic in our Pitt State Red!Yes, there's nothing better than a good pair of jeans,
a nice over-sized hoody, a cool breeze, chili in the crock pot and FOOTBALL!!
Especially when the Panthers, Gorillas, Chiefs, Packers, and Bengals all win!
HAPPY FALL from the Simmons family.

My newest obsession!

As if I need yet another reason to not clean the house, cook dinner, or fold laundry....

I'd like to introduce you to my newest obsession. It's called Pinterest.Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you can categorize things you see on the web and don't want to forget. It's just like a bulletin board or an idea notebook. You can follow people, "like" something, or repin something a friend of yours has put on their "board".
I'm OBSESSED with it right now. I've come across so many good ideas. And not only with crafts, but I've also pinned recipes, gift ideas, outfits I like, decorating ideas, and quotes.
Below is just one example of a "pin" on my "Future Projects" board.
I found this idea on Pinterest:So with the help of my hubby, I set out to make my take of one. I found this frame, which initially came with cork board, at Hobby Lobby. I loved the look and how it seemed to fit on the wall in the kitchen, but we never really used it. Eric got some white marker board at Home Depot and cut it to fit inside the frame. I then decorated it and voila! I LOVE how it turned out. And whether I want to be in there or not, the kitchen is the heart of our home. They are the first lights we turn on in the morning and the last lights we turn out at night, so it made sense to keep it there. Now we can all write our intentions on the board and at the same time, it serves as a reminder to take some time out of our hectic lives to say thanks to God for all that he's given us.
I imagine that the board will fill up more once tests start, the boys have a big game, Cade loses his ipod again, or Eric's gone on those far away business trips!

So here's one of my future projects I got from Pinterest
when I should have been menu planning:Fear not friends, it's going to be either a Pitt State wreath, or a SMC wreath. I can't decide, so I guess that means I need to make both! :)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend. We are headed to watch Cade's first football scrimmage. Yes, it's just a scrimmage, but with weather like this...who cares...we get to hang outside and it's FOOTBALL!

August Recap

It's September?? Really?? Because it feels like mid July with the 100+ temps.

I am sooo ready for fall to get here.

You can tell that our August was fast and furious, considering I didn't post 1 time the entire month. So here's a quick review of a month that just seemed to fly by! See ya August, hello fall...please!!!
It began with all 4 kiddos heading to Elkhart so I could remodel the boys' playroom. (Thank you Grandma/Grandpa Simmons!) I'd say it was a success! I LOVE it, and just have a few things to finish. Not really my ideal way to spend 7 days without kids, but definitely rewarding.
Then we went on a family vacation to Branson, MO. The house we stayed in was AWESOME! We had our own media room and pool table!
(Thanks Mom & Dad!)
While in Branson we went to White Water (twice), the lake, hit the go-cart track, and chilled. It was really relaxing and a lot of fun.We came home and shifted in to SCHOOL MODE! (Or at least I kinda did!) Hard to believe I have a 5th grader. Won't be long and he'll be heading to the jr. high. Cooper was super pumped to go to school! He loves wearing his uniform and school lunches. He doesn't care for the 3 recesses, and with this heat, I don't blame him. Carston asks every day if he gets to go to school. Unfortunately for him, he only goes 2 days a week.
Makes for a long week, but he's loving it too.
Before officially starting school we got to celebrate a birthday! COOP turned 6! He requested chicken and noodles for dinner and Oreo Cookie dessert for his "cake". YUM! Hard to believe my little guy is 6. He's such a sweetheart and I've missed not having him at home all day.
For Coop's birthday we lucked in to some Red Sox/Royals tickets. Under the influence of his older brother, Cooper became a Red Sox fan. So we had Cooper, Cade, and I wearing our Red Sox attire and Carston and Dad cheering on the Royals. It was a great night. It was Cooper's first MLB game, it was the RED SOX, and it was Fireworks Friday. We were a foul ball short of making it the BEST DAY EVER!!!

WOW...I'm almost tired again from just thinking about how busy our August was. Makes sense how the month got away from me.
So we have almost two full weeks of school under our belt. We're getting used to the early mornings, lack of naps, and homework. And now yet another activity is beginning to take over at the Simmons house.
FOOTBALL!!!Are you ready for some football, because we are!

Top 10 Reasons I'm Glad I Have BOYS!

In going with our sports-themed blog, I thought I'd go all Sports Center-ish and give you my

Top 10 Reasons Why I'm Glad I Have BOYS!
*These are my reasons, and my reasons only. Nobody persuaded me to write these or paid me to do so either.*(Bummer)
So here we go!

#10: HAIR - For the most part, boys hair is easy. Add some gel or water, slick it down, DONE! And if it still looks bad, throw on a hat. No braiding, no ponytails, no ribbons, no curls that go flat. 5 minutes and you're done!
#9: CLOTHES - I've learned that you CAN wear navy with royal blue, that different logos are okay, that long socks with sandals is cool, and that the "just got out of bed look" is okay when hanging out with the guys, because "who cares". When shopping it's either navy, khaki, jean, or camo.
#8: PUBERTY - Guess who gets to have that discussion. And this might be more for Eric, just one girl in the house with mood issues! :)
#7: BONDING WITH DAD - This will also creep up to a higher number once they are all old enough to go. But the boys LOVE doing things with Dad. And once they can all go, that means Mom gets some time to herself! Woohoo!!!
#6: TOYS - Yes, toys. Give a boy a ball and he's good for the day. The only toy we own with a million pieces...LEGOs. But we don't have the Barbie dolls, Barbie clothes, Barbie shoes, or the furniture for the Barbie Dream House. Sure we have a few small items, but for the most part it's light sabers, footballs, basketballs, bikes, and gloves.
#5: TRYOUTS & CROWNS - I am thankful I don't have to deal with the aftermath and trauma of cheerleading tryouts and homecoming results. I know I'll maybe have "sitting the bench, or riding the pine" moments, but I'll take those over not making the cheer/dance team any day!
#4: BATHROOM BREAKS - I'm going to like this even more once they are all potty trained, but even right now..having boys ROCKS! A seven and a half hour road trip to Elkhart...easy, pull over on a dirt road, open up the door, line 'em up, and go!
#3: LAWN CARE - I will never have to mow again!
#2: SPORTS - I always said I wanted to date a football player. I get goosebumps when I watch the Pitt State pregame. I get to sit in the rain, sleet, snow, hail, freezing cold, and the humid heat of summer watching my boys play ball. There is nothing better. Girls can play ball too, but (and I might catch some slack for this one) boys don't "cheer" in the dugout or have little sayings after an ace or kill. That stuff drives me crazy! Yes, girls aren't as gross as boys or smell as bad, but I've pretty much accepted the smells and sounds and don't really notice it anymore.
AND THE #1 REASON WHY I'M GLAD I HAVE BOYS.....Because they'll kill snakes that I find in our garbage can IN the garage. I'm still freaked!
Thanks Cade! Yes, I'm very proud of you!!

FORE!!!!

So today marks the 1 year anniversary of the infamous phone call I received around 9:30 am, July 12, 2010. Cade called saying he was hit in the head with a golf ball. At first all I could think was concussion, and Cade's baseball team was playing in the league championship, so I immediately got him in to a doctor to check it out. (Yes, I'm a sports mom and coach!) He ended up passing the concussion tests and it rained that day, so he had an extra day to rest.

I will never forget the events of that week. Sometimes it seems like only yesterday that it happened, and then other times it feels like years ago. I look at Cade now and can see the effect it had on him. He's definitely not the same Cade as he was a year ago, but it's not a big enough difference that most people would notice.

The lasting effect it has had on me, as a Mom, is to trust my instincts. You know, the ones that eat at you when you just "know" something is not right. I had those that entire week. I just knew that Cade was not Cade. And looking back, I wish I had acted on those instincts a lot sooner. I did what every Mom would do and got him in to the doctor. In fact, we went to the doctor four days out of the week. And even when I heard the first Dr. say pneumonia, deep down I knew that just didn't seem right. I mean, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn the night before, but when a kid can't read and has gotten sick, and has been hit in the head....hmmmm.

Eric and I understand that we're very blessed to have had everything turn out so well. He played basketball and baseball and is already asking about football. Sitting out last year was torture for him...and us, because we had to listen to him complain. Cade's whole head/face region has cost us a fortune between his head injury and flossing his front teeth with a basketball net on a backwards dunk. (A whole other blog post!) The seriousness of it all has never really sunken in to Cade. I mean, what 9 year old thinks they could have died? But I saved all the emails and posts we got from everyone praying for him so that one day he'll really understand and appreciate it.The one thing we have never had to tell him to do is pray whenever a helicopter or ambulance goes by. Whether he's in the on-deck circle at the baseball field, outside swimming with friends, or just driving in a car, I've noticed him praying at those times. A time that as a parent, I wish on no one.

So what did Cade do today? He went golfing with some buddies. And I can now breathe a sigh of relief because I just heard him walk in the door. And to all you Moms out there...trust your instincts. You know your children the best of anyone. I mean, I can tell you right now that Colton is planning his next attack on Carston because Carston ate the last chicken nugget! (I'm betting it will come around snack time.) I just know that Cooper is hiding the extra Wii remote so Colton won't mess up his game, that Carston really isn't taking a nap, and that Cade has granola bars under his bed. We're Moms...we just know stuff!

As I get ready to go break up yet another fight, that I heard coming by the way. I just wanted to take this chance to also say thank you again for praying for my family, offering to help with the kids, fixing us meals, and visiting during that whole ordeal. It's been a year, but it's something I've never forgotten or taken for granted. We're blessed with amazing people in our life and we appreciate you all!

Didn't Think Twice

Having 4 kids is hard enough. Having 4 boys has it's ups and downs. Yes, I don't have to buy all the prom dresses, and yes I won't have to pay for a huge wedding. I don't have to buy all the bows that match the tights that match the dress. Or the earrings that match the purse that pulls it all off. I won't have to tell my girls why that "dumb" boy didn't call her back, or worry that she didn't get asked to Homecoming.

But I'm guessing that a house of 4 girls won't go through a box of granola bars in one afternoon. I'm pretty sure that 8 pork chops wrapped in bacon could feed a set of parents and 4 girls ages 10,5, 3, and 2. I'm pretty confident that a house with 4 girls in it would probably be good with peeling just a handful of potatoes for dinner, that there would be no fighting over a pan full of rolls, and that thirds is probably left to Dad. I'm pretty sure that my grocery bill for the next 10-15 years will come pretty darn close to all those prom dresses I won't be buying. To tell ya the truth, I'm not so sure I got the better deal.
Having 4 boys is different. I'm sure most of it doesn't phase me because I'm a "Boy" Mom. I'd rather be at a ballpark than getting my nails done. I'd rather wear Under Armour pants than a pencil skirt. New Balance is my choice of shoe, rather than a 3 inch heel. And tailgating on a Saturday morning wearing a Pitt State sweatshirt and jeans beats shopping any day! So when I looked at my color coded calendar and saw that both Cade and Cooper had baseball games on a Saturday, one in Kansas City and one here at home, there was no question we were going to find a way to do both.

We're just beginning to see the consequences of having boys who love their sports. And while it's not completely crazy now, it's a glimpse of what's to come. Already a handful of times this summer we've had one kid at practice while one kid is playing a game. We've had two scheduling conflicts where one has a game in Pittsburg and one in Nevada, MO. (The 3rd time is in a few weeks.) And in a few more years it's only going to get worse. The problem is, how do you tell one kid who has grown up either watching his Mom coach or his brother play ball, that his game is less important than the other? You don't!

So, the Simmons family drove up to KC Friday night in 2 separate cars (Had to anyways because Eric left for Canada today.) to watch Cade play in his State Baseball Tournament at 7 and 9pm. We got back to the hotel, showered quickly, and were in bed by midnight. Woke up at 6am to shower and pack up Colton and Coop and begin the drive home for a 10 o'clock tball game. Texts were flying back and forth keeping one parent up-to-date on one child's game and the rain delay for the other's. Finished Coop's game at 11 and jumped back in the car to head back up to KC. The entire way there we prayed they'd win so we got to see the 1 o'clock game. It wasn't until we were 5 miles away from the ballpark that the first game ended 7-6 in favor of the Rookies and we were able to watch Cade pitch a great 3 innings in the next game. Had we just decided to stay home I would have missed it. And had they lost the game he was playing as we were driving up to KC, we'd have gotten there just in time to turn around and head home.
And while Colton is still at that "hard" age to have at a ballpark all day, or in a hotel room all weekend. And while I'd LOVE to just sit in the stands or next to the other moms to cheer and chat and actually watch an entire game without changing a diaper or taking someone potty. I realized that when I am finally able to do that, I'll probably be missing one child's game because I'm at another one's. And as I watched Cooper and Carston, and even Colton playing catch with all the Rookie siblings, I realized I'm probably going to have 4 ballplayers. When Cade is at JC ballpark, I'll probably have Coop at Wild Red Berry, Carston at Ted Carnino, and Colton at Deramus...all spread out. I'm sure I'll miss a great catch, or the go-ahead hit. But I can tell you this....if it takes driving to KC, back to Pitt, back to KC to watch both my boys play, I won't think twice about it. In fact, I never did!

Batter Up!

Summer at the Simmons house means one thing....Baseball! One week I think we had practice of some kind (Rookies, Rockies, Marlins) every night but one. And while that really makes preparing my 4 course dinners somewhat difficult, it just makes sense to be busy, I just don't know any different. Now ask me in a few years as I'm driving each one of them to different ballpark locations for games and practices. I'm already dreading it from the standpoint that I hate missing any of their games. (I make Eric text me play-by-play when I can't make it. Thank goodness for technology!)

The other thing I'm dreading....washing baseball pants. It is, by far, my least favorite chore. No wait...toilets are, but scrubbing ball pants is a close second. And then the thought of "the smell". You know what I'm talking about. The "Locker Room" smell. Yep, that will be what my house smells like soon enough. The other thoughts that make me nervous: these little boys will all be BIG boys with BIG bodies here before too long, their little ball bags will be BIG ball bags, their small, scratch that, medium appetite will become an even BIGGER appetite.

But I LOVE it. I can't get enough of it. (Must be the Tomboy in me.) I love watching them play ball. I love watching Coop aka "Crusher" get so pumped for a ballgame. Now, telling him every 30 minutes how many sleeps till his next game gets old, but seeing him dressed at 6am for an 11 o'clock game is priceless. (It's also the LONGEST 5 hours of everyone's lives.) It's been a blast watching Cooper become his own little player. You can tell he's been to a few games. The other day he asked me if I'd pack him the froggtogg for his game. (Froggtogg = a shammy like towel that helps you cool down quickly) LOVE IT! :)

Now don't think Carston and Colton are getting the short end of the stick. They, as well as Cooper, are spoiled rotten at these ballgames! They have tons of buddies to play with them, when they aren't actually playing their game. They also get the benefits of swimming with the team, eating with the team, and hanging with the team. The moms load them up on candy, pop, you name it. We bring toys, we park the car in rightfield so they can watch videos, we fill the cooler, play catch, bring tents and blankets, water-misting water bottles, and their own chairs.

And while I'd LOVE to sit with the other moms and just watch the game without taking kids to the bathroom or stopping a fight because someone ate the last Twizzler, I know that the day I do get to sit, means I'm probably missing out on one of the boy's games.

It's been a good summer in the Simmons house so far. And by the looks of it, we'll have many fun summers at the ballparks ahead of us. The cooler will be stocked, the chairs packed, baseball pants washed, and sunflower seeds bought. I love this time of year. BATTER UP!

Graduation Day!!!

Yesterday Cooper graduated from SME Preschool! He was super excited and couldn't wait to show us the songs they had learned for their special day. And we've pretty much milked it for all it's worth. Cooper got a treat after the ceremony, went to lunch with Dad, and talked me in to ice cream and Dad in to letting him camp out in the livingroom! :)The day began with Coop and Cade outside practicing their pitching. (Cade usually pitches to Eric every morning before school.) This morning since Cooper got to get up and go (he usually goes in the afternoon) he asked Eric if he could practice pitching a few. Good thing, because he said he wants to be a baseball player when he grows up.Mrs. Jill giving Coop his diploma! It was hard to get pictures because it was a full house watching our little grads. He LOVED Mrs. Jill, Mrs. Carol, and Mrs. Cathie and will miss them a ton!Our Graduate! We are so proud of him and can't believe he'll be in Kindergarten next year. I'm going to miss having him at home all day with me. Oh, and his graduation "outfit"...a 45 min. trip to JCPenneys! Thank goodness they wear uniforms. :)We are very blessed to have such great preschool teachers! This is Cooper with his teacher Mrs. Jill. He LOVED her! He would always try to sneak in to the classroom without her seeing him. Hope those teachers rest up! We have another Simmons boy heading to preschool this coming fall. I just hope we don't get the "Ugh...another Simmons boy!" look/sigh. Do us proud Carston so they won't take it out on Colton! :)

Birthday Boy turns 2 today!!!

It's my baby's 2nd birthday today! Hard to believe it's already been two years. I remember it like it was just yesterday. Colton was definitely our "surprise" child. (Except after having 4, can you really say it's much of a surprise?)

Here's the stats for our birthday boy:

BORN: MAY 19, 2009

TIME: 12:41 PM (yes, I was STARVING)

WEIGHT: 8LBS 8OZ

HEIGHT: 21"

PERSONALITY: Colt is our daredevil! It can be jumping off the couch, climbing out of his bed, driving the jeep at full speed, picking a fight with any one of his older brothers, or trying to pour himself his own cup of fruit punch. He is also our cuddler! He'll come sit in your lap and watch the Royals blow a lead in the 9th inning, watch Mickey Mouse figure out what tool to use to figure out the problem, or even guess with me what house new homeowners are going to pick on House Hunters. He loves to give hugs, kisses, or just lay his head on your shoulder...which I LOVE! Colt also has a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde side to him. He can be the happiest little guy one minute, and the devil the next. He lets you know when he's mad about something either by head-butting the wall, screaming at you, or stomping off with his arms crossed, or maybe even a combo of all 3. (It's cute now, but I probably won't feel the same way in another year.)
LOOKS: To me, he looks like Cooper minus the freckles. But when we look at baby pictures, he'll sometimes resemble Carston. He's got an infectious smile, a HUGE laugh, and adorable cheeks.HIS LIKES: He loves his brothers. Cade and him like to snuggle on the couch, Cooper helps and takes him everywhere...always watching out for him. And Carston and him play so well together one minute, hate eachother the next, and then are loving on eachother after some time has past. He never was a "baby" because he's right in the middle of it all. He's throwing baseballs, waving those lightsabers, and wrestling with his brothers like he's 4. I don't know how many times I've heard, "Mom...Colton is hitting, biting, or scratching me!" He's definitely a survivor! He likes juice, spaghetti, shoes, going outside, going anywhere with Dad, and hanging out with Mom. He likes giving hugs, smoothies, and 5. He likes his naps, blankets, and pillows.

HIS DISLIKES: Being left at home when everyone else gets to go do things, washing his face (which I'm sure you can tell by some of the pictures)having to give Mom hugs when he's not in the mood, and sitting in the cart at Wal-Mart. Oh, and when his brothers have messed with him a little too much!

The past two years he's been a wonderful surprise!!! A surprise I wouldn't trade for the world!Happy Birthday Colton!

The Power of Prayer

I had originally planned on posting a little something about this topic closer to July when our oldest son, Cade, had been involved in an accident that eventually led him to be air-lifted to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

His accident, which can be found in more detail here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/note.php?note_id=404961610508 was a very humbling experience. We had so many family, friends, neighbors, and people we didn't even know praying for Cade and our family. Cade's classmates went up to the chapel to pray for him, school kids and their parents went up to church to say a rosary, and we had prayer lines from parishes all over the state and country spreading the news and offering up prayers.

I remember sitting in that helicopter and watching Cade's condition getting worse and worse. It wasn't the most pleasant experience. While I watched him, lifeless, lots of things went through my head. I prayed, I cried, I begged, and I pleaded. Things definitely turned out for the better. And after we got home he was spoiled. We retold the story of his amazing recovery countless times. And I'll never forget the stories people told us. There were a few, not just one, of people telling us that they remembered seeing a helicopter in the sky and praying for the person that was in it. And then when they found out who it was, were in shock.

This past weekend, our family had another miracle take place. My cousin Nick, Colton's Godfather, collapsed at the end of a race that was coincidentally in honor of a friend of Nick's that passed away a year ago. The race was also under the direction of my brother Paul and other friends of Nick. My uncle, who is a doctor and was visiting town, just happened to be there to perform CPR on Nick. Nick was down for 10 minutes before he came back. But the amazing part was that my Grandmother, who didn't know this was happening, was driving home and pulled to the side for an ambulance. She said she immediately said a prayer for whoever it was inside. She had no idea it was her grandson.

This continues to give me chills and brings me to this. It hasn't yet reached the 1 year mark of Cade's accident, but I've found that I haven't been as good about praying every time I hear that helicopter or those ambulance sirens. I tend to forget that there is someone in there in trouble, and that the family members of those patients are hurting, scared, and in need just like I was. No matter how busy I am, or how loud the kids are screaming in the car, just lifting up a little prayer for that person and their family can go a long way.

This Mother's Day was even extra special as the fears and worries of Cade's accident were brought back so vividly in the events of what happened to my cousin. As a Mom, and having gone through something so traumatic, I could understand what my aunt was going through. And while I enjoyed the flowers, hugs, cards, and smiles, I was most proud of my oldest son, who while playing 2nd base, made the sign of the cross as a helicopter had flown over the ballparks.

I said my own prayer for whoever was in that helicopter and then I thanked God that we were there at that ballpark watching Cade love life and for giving my cousin his! The way I pray has definitely changed this past year. And while God's plan may not always be on the same page as ours, He hears us. He'll help us. And you've got to remember that no matter what, He'll always love us!

What they don't tell you in the "Mother Manual"

First, I have to begin by saying I am truly blessed to have such an amazing Mother. (And just as amazing Mother-In-Law!) It's sad that it takes becoming one to fully understand just how great you had it as a kid. I can remember those times I gave my Mother hell and some of the situations I got myself in that caused her to worry. And I know I took all that she did for me for granted. What's amazing is that no matter how old you get, or whatever your situation, your Mom will still do anything and everything for you! So now that I have kids of my own, my eyes are open to all that she did for me and all that she continues to do for me, which makes me love and appreciate her more and more every day!

So what have I learned in the 10 years I've been a Mom? Well, let me share some with you! Things you don't think of when you are busy registering for all the cute baby clothes, and bath towels, when you are deciding how to decorate the nursery, and looking for that perfect name!

*Only a Mom has the ability to find whatever is missing. (Even if it's "missing" in plain sight on the bedroom floor.)

*A Mom can sleep in a chair, a twin size bed, or a couch (sitting up) with a sick kid.

*That even though the bathroom door is closed, you still don't get a minute to yourself!

*That your body will never look like it did before the 4 c-sections.

*That being a Mom is the most thankless-yet most rewarding "job" there is. (And keep in mind, they'll thank you when they have kids of their own.)

*Once you become a Mom you will ALWAYS worry about your kids. The worry just changes from..."Will he be potty trained before preschool starts?" to "He better not be texting and driving." to "Will he find the right girl?" to praying for a healthy grandbaby, to "Hope they can get through the teenage years with little Susie." (I'm hoping I at least get a granddaughter!)

*That sometimes you are more nervous than they are. (Especially when the 5 year old shares story after story after story.)

*That no-bake cookies ALWAYS make a bad day better!

*That rotel can be considered a serving of veggies.

*That you will be your kid's #1 fan and that watching them compete is soooo much better than your own playing days.

*That EVERYTHING is your fault. (Even though you don't wear the retainer, you didn't play the Wii last and lose the remote, you didn't set the glass of fruit punch on the living room floor, and you didn't predict the weather.)

*That the only word that your 1 year old knows and can say clearly at 3am is MOM!

*That they REALLY need to talk to you when you are on the phone! (And only when you are on the phone.)

*That you should always, always, ALWAYS go with your gut when your 9 year old says he still doesn't feel good and isn't acting right!

*That you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Your almost 2 year old will talk eventually, your 3.5 year old won't be going to 1st grade in a pull up, your 10 year old will eventually learn his multiplication facts, and your 5 year old will figure out wearing jeans in 100 degree weather probably isn't a good idea. (All summer projects!)

*That a dandelion can be the most beautiful flower when your son gives it to you with a HUGE smile on his face.

*That nap time = YOUR time! And you NEVER, EVER wake a sleeping baby!

*That if you could, you would take away every pain, every heartbreak, every tear and make it your own.

*That even though they can drive you CRAZY...their smiles, hugs, and kisses make it all worth it!

*That vaseline comes out of hair after soaking the child in the bath and covering him with baking soda, shampoo, dish soap, and about anything else you can think of. (Took about an hour!)

*That you hope they don't embarrass you, just like they are hoping you don't embarrass them. :)

*That when your sweet boy comes to give you a hug and really buries his head in your shoulder...he's really probably just wiping his nose on your clothes! :)

*That your kids become your entertainment!

*That Mom is the only one that knows how to fold the washcloth right when someone has a temperature or their eyes itch.

*That a Mom can use 1 wipe for a 5 wipe kind of mess!

*That Sonic cherry-vanilla-dr. peppers can get you through those tough days!

*That you can spend 3 hours grocery shopping at WalMart when you don't have kids with you!

(And you can spend 30 min. grocery shopping at WalMart with a week-long list if the kids are with you!)

*Sleep? What's sleep?? Being a Mom means you can totally function with no to little sleep!

*That even though they look small and can't move around well, turn your back on them for 1 minute and expect destruction.

*And that no matter how old I am, or how many kids I have.....I still need my MOM!!!!

Hope all you wonderful Mothers out there have a FABULOUS Mother's Day!

Where Has the Time Gone?

So I felt the urge to change my blog background. (I do this in place of changing my nail and hair color.) Do you like my girly "bling" background? This is about as girly as you're going to see from me! And while I'd love to be more girly. Me trying to be girly would be perceived as just that, TRYING to be girly! Basically it would turn out in epic fail! But this entry isn't about my lack of girly know-how. It's about the fact I haven't posted in almost a month! A MONTH! I almost went the entire month of April without a post. And while I'm still new to all this blogging stuff, I feel like I've let my followers...all 7 of them down! :)

So I asked myself what had me sooo busy that I was 2 days shy of 1 month without a new post? And then I remembered.

The first weekend in April Eric and I, along with our awesome neighbors Shane and Amy, went to Oklahoma for the Kenny Chesney concert! It was so much fun! The four of us were able to eat dinner without ordering off the kiddie menu, have adult conversation, and stay out past bedtime. Oh, Kenny Chesney was pretty good too!

Then the next weekend ROOKIE Baseball began. While we've had practices weeks leading up to this, it was our first tournament of the new season. Since then we've had our first out of town tournament, and we picked up another tournament for this Saturday. Unfortunately we've placed 2nd in both tournaments so far, something these ROOKIES aren't used to, but I'm pretty confident we'll get our first place trophies soon! The upside, we've watched Cade pitch himself out of a horrible inning, pitch a nearly flawless 2 innings, and hit his first OUT-OF-THE-PARK-HOME RUN! Way to go Cade!

We've also had soccer! Something Eric and I were totally regretting doing, but something Cooper has totally excelled in! He's had a blast. It's so fun to watch him. He's aggressive and really goes after the ball. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, tonight is his last game. But no worries, tball will be starting up soon and he's already been outside working on his catching, throwing, and batting!
Then came Easter. Because the weather was crazy, I offered to host the Dellasega Easter. (Mainly because I needed a reason to clean my house.) I was hoping the 30% chance of rain would go to 10%, but no such luck and the house was cleaned, the Dellasegas all converged, and a great time was had! After waking up the kids to go to 7am mass, we headed home, hunted eggs, and took it easy the rest of the day. (FYI...If you go to 7am mass thinking everyone is home hunting eggs, you are wrong!)

Sprinkle in Cade's spring music concert, baseball practices, soccer on Wednesdays, baseball, Eric's week long trip to Denmark, soccer, baseball, family math night at school, homework, more baseball/soccer, Cade reading at church, and the fact I've been lazy and haven't uploaded pictures and you can see how a month can almost slip by without a peep from me. So with Eric on the road again, and the house still somewhat clean, you can prepare yourself for
Simmons' Blog overload.

(By the way, it took me over 4 hours to write and post this, so chances are the overload will be slow and sweet....if at all.)