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!