There are car stickers for everything, such as someone's political choice, their love of a breed of dog or their pride in their honor student.

Then, of course, there might be that sticker that identifies the kind of mom that is behind the wheel of the vehicle: Soccer Mom, Tennis Mom, Field Hockey Mom and Baseball Mom, to name a few.These vehicles cannot only be identified by the proud rear window display, but also by what can be seen through the windows. Multiple children lining the seats of even the smallest of cars, all dressed in freshly washed uniforms, scarfing down meals from the drive-thru en route or snacking for energy before their big game.Inside these "taxis" you will see piles of gear, sports bags, lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and extra clothing, and maybe even a pop-up tent or two for the die-hard sports family. These vehicles have been equipped to handle any sports situation. These moms prepare for games and practices with love and true commitment. These are "summer sports moms."All sports are a commitment. Not only for the children playing them, but for the parents who coach and drive and launder uniforms and work food stands and so on. It is a choice we allow our children to make as well as a choice we make as parents to do what is necessary to help them honor their commitment.But just because we choose it doesn't mean it's easy.Baseball season is in full swing and has been since March, and for these two Lehighton-area moms, spring baseball to all-stars to tournaments to fall baseball, the cycle seems never-ending. But the joy and satisfaction they feel from watching their sons play on this year's Franklin Township All-Star Team is unbeatable.Lisa Failla, a Lehighton Area High School Spanish teacher, is one of these proud "summer sports moms." Her son Richie has been involved in sports since he was 5 years old and now plays on Franklin's 12-year-old All-Star team.Between Richie and his three sisters, there's a lot of commitment."Luckily, I have been fortunate that everyone's schedules haven't conflicted too often. If that does happen, I have great friends and coaches that are willing to help me out."With a large family, it can be difficult when siblings have to tag along to "Big Brother's" games."My daughters have been carted to Richie's games for many years now," says Failla."We always make sure we pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied, especially in the event that there isn't a playground available. Gianna, Maria and Victoria have become accustomed to the baseball game routine. There are times when it is frustrating for them, but for the most part they really enjoy it."Dealing with summer sports can also be a challenge to a family vacation schedule."All-Star baseball interferes with summer vacation plans because the game schedule is so unpredictable," says Failla. "However, you are well-informed of the expectations before you make the commitment. I do think I prefer having a full sports schedule during the school year."Failla's son is also part of Lehighton's middle school football team."I would like summer vacation to be a nonscheduled time where we can do things on a whim. Although I am sure we would miss the baseball routine," she says.Jen Lorenz of Mahoning Township has similar feelings. Her sons, Jack and Drew, are also members of Franklin All-Star Teams, Jack and Richie are not only teammates, but longtime baseball friends as well.Lorenz, too, finds having children on different teams with different schedules a bit of a challenge."It's a little tricky at times, but luckily, I am a teacher and off in the summer. I am also very blessed to have a really close network of friends who help with the carpooling."The boys' older sister, Grace, is very supportive, says Lorenz."My daughter does not do a summer sport. For the most part she likes to go to her brothers' games. She has made many good friends through their sports teams. The families spend a lot of time together and form really close friendships," says Lorenz. "Grace will sometimes help in the food stand so I can watch the game. Otherwise, she is right beside me cheering them on."Like the Faillas, the Lorenz family has a difficult time scheduling summer vacations."The hardest part of summer sports, because they are very time consuming, is planning anything," Lorenz says."The games are usually on a win/loss contingency so sometimes you have to sacrifice preplanning or give up invitations to events. But the boys love it and we all enjoy watching sports in general. So that's the trade-off, but at least the games bring everyone together as a family, to cheer each other on."Sports teams with supportive coaches and families can be an unforgettable experience."I love to see my kids interact with their friends," says Lorenz. "These kids truly become like a small family. They build one another up and help each other to succeed. They learn teamwork. They learn to feel proud when they win but they also feel success in the small accomplishments they make individually and as teammates. They learn to respect authority, something that is lacking in today's society. They learn that what the coaches and officials say is what they must listen to."Failla's favorite thing about watching Richie play is, "the excitement I see in his eyes. I also love how he has learned to be a part of a team. He has made so many great friends and great connections with many terrific coaches that have become role models for him."There are always positives and negatives, ups and downs, and although Lisa and Jen know that disappointment is part of life's learning process, it is still difficult."It's hard to see them in a losing rut, when as a parent you know the endless hours they have spent practicing and devoting to the sport and then the team just can't seem to pull it together. It breaks your heart for them and their team," says Lorenz."My least favorite thing is when Richie becomes too hard on himself and loses his confidence, it affects him as well as the team. It's important for all of the children to know that as long as they try their best that they should hold their heads up high," Failla says.These moms may or may not have a sticker on the back of their vehicles identifying them as "summer sports moms," but if you happen to see a vehicle with a few minor dents from foul balls, driven by a determined-looking mom with a car full of rowdy, excited kids, you may want to yield to her this once.She's probably just a mom trying to get her crew to the field on time.