Year in Review 2011

A family can come in various shapes and sizes. My family consists of a loving wife and 3 wonderful kids. Our kids are constantly learning what it takes and means to be part of a real family. We remind our children that they should never take being part of a family for granted. Having a family takes work. It is not always easy or fun, but if being a family is done right then it is forever.

A family is supportive, loving, caring, available, and honest.

Supportive - A family should support you through the good and bad. Helping along the way.

Loving - A family should love you unconditionally. Saying "I love you" and showing that you love someone are two totally different things. Love is a verb and is never a word that should be used as "filler" for a sentence.

Caring - A family should care and show interest in you and your life.

Available - A family should be available to you. Available to be supportive, loving, caring, and honest. Being available is not always convenient; however, a true family makes an effort to be available in your time of need.

Honest - A family must be honest. Always! No matter the situation. Partial truths, the hiding of events, and outright lies do not belong in a family. If you subscribe to this theory "I have never lied to you, I have always told you some version of the truth." then there is something terribly wrong.


As we approach this Christmas season, I believe that it is important to remember that a family can not be bought. Spending money on someone is never as important as the time that you spend with them. Memories are not bought and paid for at Wal-Mart. A warm embrace, a smile, and a conversation with the ones that you love are the memories that will last a lifetime.

I once heard someone say, "I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Our family is a product of me and my wife.

Christmas is rapidly approaching. I will receive gifts and open presents. What I will treasure the most is the time with family and the memories we will make.

I have a wonderful wife, and 3 special kids. I have a family!

Nothing else matters...

Sterling

I tried = I failed

I can do many things...

I can successfully change the oil in the car.

I can accurately discharge my firearm.

I can install and re-wire a light fixture.

I can remove and unclog the U-Joint on the bathroom sink.

and much much more.

How is it that I am totally incapable of correctly wrapping a @#$%&* Christmas present?






Thankfully, Shauna is the family wrapper.



Just another example of how...

I tried = I failed!

I'll try = I'll fail!

Funny how the stuff I say to our kids comes back to bite me!

Sterling

Decorating for Christmas

Click title above to watch us decorate.

Sent from my Cricket mobile device

Say what?

The Kansas City Royals have fired Frank White. Frank White will no longer be doing the Royals TV broadcasts. Really?

Frank White is Kansas City. Frank White has a statue at the stadium. His number has been retired. Frank White was a 5x All-Star and 8x Gold Glove winner. He was also the 1980 ALCS MVP. Frank White has given his life to Kansas City and the Royals organization.

Frank White did an outstanding job on the Royals broadcast. His insight and analysis was second to none. The Royals made the decision to fire White, because he is "to negative during broadcasts".

Uh......Memo to David Glass, Dan Glass, and Dayton Moore: Your team SUCKS and has been a disgrace for over a decade!

Who the hell do the Royals think they are? This organization is a joke.

The Royals wins and loss record for the last ten years...

2000 Kansas City Royals 77 85
2001 Kansas City Royals 65 97
2002 Kansas City Royals 62 100
2003 Kansas City Royals 83 79
2004 Kansas City Royals 58 104
2005 Kansas City Royals 56 106
2006 Kansas City Royals 62 100
2007 Kansas City Royals 69 93
2008 Kansas City Royals 75 87
2009 Kansas City Royals 65 97
2010 Kansas City Royals 67 95

Pay attention Glass Family and lap dog Moore. Numbers don't lie, fellas! These numbers are FACTS! How can you be anything but negative about this team?

Ewing Kauffman is rolling over in his grave. Frank White is a class act and deserves much more than he got from this CLASSLESS organization. So in the same year the Royals will be hosting the All-Star game, they have now fired one of the most beloved Royals of all time. One step forward and 3 steps back!

I'm done with both teams at the Truman Sports Complex. I will no longer root for teams that are owned and run by inept, money grubbing owners. For the last several years, our family has taken our "entertainment dollar" to Kansas City, Kansas. I applaud the T-Bones and Sporting KC for running their organizations the right way. These two franchises care about their fans, the game day experience, and the product that they put out on the field.

#20 was one of my favorite players when I was a child. Thanks for the memories, Frank.


This is a sad day for Kansas City and par for the course for the Royals organization.

KU today

Sporting KC

Tonight, the family attended the second, home Sporting KC playoff game. We all had a great time cheering and chanting for our home town team. Despite the loss, we had a wonderful evening.

A job well done...

Marshall and I attended the Sporting KC playoff game last night. Temperature at game time was a chilly 38 degrees. Rain was pouring down and the wind made things even worse. We drank hot chocolate, braved the weather, and saw a great game.

Marshall had all A's on his first quarter grade card. In recognition of his hard work, Shauna and I decided to reward him with playoff tickets. Congrats to Marshall for a job well done.

Down to the wire...

Last Saturday was Marshall's final soccer game. Sydney's season had already come to an end. Sydney was holding on to a narrow lead (7 - 6) in the house scoring competition. Marshall was held scoreless in the first half of his game. Sydney was starting to celebrate her victory as house scoring champion. With 30 seconds left in the game, Marshall received a pass just beyond midfield. He moved past two defenders and was left one-on-one with the goalie. Marshall took forever to line up his shot, and then he finally buried the ball in the back left corner of the net. Sydney dropped to her knees on the sideline as Marshall came running by yelling "No trophy for you, Sydney". The referee sounded his whistle and with that the game was over. Marshall had scored with literally seconds left.

We are proud of both kids for having a great fall season. Marshall and Sydney identified areas that they need to improve on, and they both will be striving to win the scoring trophy in the spring.

I can Trick-or-Treat

I had so much fun in my Halloween costume. I liked to take a piece of candy and then drop it in my bucket. Carrying my bucket was my favorite part.

Moriah

Bonus time

Today, we attended Boo at the Zoo. The kids had a great time collecting candy and seeing the animals. After the zoo, we went to Matt Ross Community Center for another Trick-or-Treat celebration. The kids added to their candy buckets and loved the free cotton candy.

Sydney dances at high school football

Sent from my Cricket mobile device

Shauna

Road Trip

Shauna, Moriah, and I took a day trip to Jamesport. Shauna got all of her favorites at Countryside Bakery. Moriah had a great time looking at all of the fall mums. I did some grocery shopping, in order to restock the pantry. We had a relaxing drive and really enjoyed the cool fall weather.

Enjoy the fall, we are!

Sterling

A man, a goat, and a dream

I want a goat!

Actually, I want a gaggle of goats. Yes, I realize the definition of a gaggle is a flock of geese. Nevertheless, I have always wanted goats. The kids think that this is a great idea. Shauna is totally, and I mean TOTALLY, against it. Shauna isn't a big animal person. She wants nothing to do with a petting zoo or animals. The thought of a goat or goats gives her chills.

Last night, I was on Craigslist looking for something for the kids and stumbled across a Fainting Nigerian Dwarf goat for $75. Yes, $75. I had no idea that goats were so reasonably priced. I immediately showed Shauna and so began the goat discussion. We discussed goats, the practicality of owning goats, and then looked at the various types of goats for sale.

I'm convinced that with the right house, and the right amount of land, I can pull this off. I picture myself waking up at sunrise, walking outside, and seeing my "gaggle of goats" over to the left of the driveway. I have roughly 20 months to make my case and convince Shauna.

Until then, I'm just a man with a dream of owning goats.

Sterling



P.S. My research starts today...

Soccer

Marshall and Sydney only have 2 soccer games left in their fall season. The kids have had a great time playing on their new teams. They have both made lots of new friends and have improved throughout the season.

Marshall battled tendinitis in his left foot all week. X-rays concluded that there was no break, he just had severe swelling. Marshall returned to the field yesterday and today. Marshall's foot was back to normal and he was able to score 2 goals in the game today. Marshall also received his first booking of the season. He was pursuing a ball in the air and accidentally kicked another player in the chest, resulting in a yellow card.

Sydney played a great game today and had one goal. She took numerous shots and almost had several more.


Sydney leads the house in scoring by the slim margin of 6 goals to 5 goals. In two weeks another season will be in the books. They will both be counting the days until the spring and the start of another season.

Just Dance

Tonight, I played Just Dance (on the Wii) with my dad. Mom and Marshall were at school working. Dad and I danced for over an hour. We danced to lots of fun songs and got a good workout. Dad won every dance challenge that we did. He is so good! I love to have special time with my dad.

Sydney

Time to pony up the dough...

Attention wealthy KU boosters:

It is time to put an end to the Turner Gill era at Kansas.

At the end of this season it would cost KU around $6 million to fire Gill.

As of 10/9/11, Kansas ranks 120th in total defense! DEAD LAST in the NCAA.

The Jayhawks gave up 768 yards to Georgia Tech.

KU has given up an average of 566 yards per game.

Saturday's loss was the most points given up by KU since 1987.



As Gill points out above, He has won only 5 games since his arrival on campus.

Turner Gill should have never been hired and it is beyond time to rectify that mistake. I predict this team will not win again this season.

It is time for Sheahon Zenger to show Gill the door. Gill and all of his ridiculous team rules may be helping to mold these guys into "men", but it sure as hell is not helping them play better football.

Stop the embarrassment, FIRE TURNER GILL!

Playing in the leaves

The kids have always loved to play in the leaves.




Moriah has fit right in.

Fall has arrived

It is that time of year again. We took in our first high school football game on Friday night. It was a beautiful evening to be at the stadium. Attending high school football brings back a flood of memories. I vividly remember Shauna cheering. She would come up into the stands at halftime to sit and talk.

We will be attending several more games this season. In a few weeks, Sydney will be participating in the annual high school dance clinic. She will then be performing her Golden Girls dance rountine at halftime.

Fall has arrived...



Sterling

Pizza West

Today, Shauna and I ate at Pizza West in Shawnee. Pizza West is locally owned and operated. These guys are doing pizza right! We had an outstanding experience. This was our first time to visit this establishment and it will definitely NOT be our last. Their pizza is to die for. The crust is perfect, and their pizza is loaded with high quality toppings. We got the buffet and that allowed us to try numerous different kinds of their pizza. The staff was very friendly and willing to make any pizza for the buffet that we wanted. @ $5.99 it is an excellent deal! We highly recommend it and will be returning with the kids in the very near future.

Shauna's favorite pizza was the...

Clear Creek Carnivore
Hamburger, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, pork sausage, pepperoni and hickory bacon

My favorite was a tie between the...

Masterpizza
Sliced chicken, red onions, pineapple, hickory bacon and jalapenos over KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce.

Mill Valley Muchacho
Taco beef with cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone over refried beans finished with lettuce, tomato, black olives and jalapenos. Served with salsa.


Check them out.... www.gopizzawest.com

Pizza West
5436 Roberts, Shawnee, KS 66226
913-422-9010

It does not get any better than this!

Sterling

My letter to the editor...

Once again the Kansas City Star has published my letter to the editor. My letter to the editor appeared in the paper today.

AMC loss for Kansas

Let me see whether I have this right. The state of Kansas complains of money woes and cuts the education budget, but then it offers $40 million plus in tax incentives to AMC (9/15, A1, “Kansas prevails in bid for AMC”).

As the spouse of a teacher and a parent who has kids currently attending public school, I am outraged. Does it really make sense to give money to a business that will create virtually no jobs in the state of Kansas? I long for the days when funding education was actually a priority.

What a terrible message to send to families. Schools get dealt budget cuts, and AMC gets a $40 million handout. What a joke.



Sterling Hammett

Time to dance...

The spin move started last week. The fist pump is sure to follow.

Marshall Answers

Marshall had his first game today. He had a goal and an assist. He took both of the team's corner kicks. Marshall played center-forward for most of the game. It is awesome to watch Marshall play at this level, but we can't help to remember his very first game over six years ago. Even then, he knew how to find the back of the net. Some thing never change, like how proud we are of our son!


Shauna

What a start...

Sydney had her first soccer game today. Sydney scored 2 goals in the first half and her team won 2-0. This is Sydney's first experience playing on an all girl team. All of those years playing against and with the boys has made her a talented forward/midfielder. The household scoring competition has started once again.

Sydney is out to an early lead. Marshall assured us all that the scoring title would be his this season. Time will tell...

Soccer is so much fun, for all of us.

Not just noodles...

I just finished reading a book about Momofuku Ando. Mr. Ando was the inventor of instant ramen noodles and became a billionare. He founded the Nissin Food Products Company. Nissin now produces numerous flavors of what it calls Top Ramen and Cup Noodles.

Momofuku Ando was also very well known for sharing his wisdom through various sayings and quotes.


The time allotted to a man in one day is limited.
Within that time, he works, he sleeps, he eats.
If he saves time performing these activities, he can invest it in
improving his mind, making his life more abundant and
long lasting.
Indeed, time is life.
--Momofuku Ando

I appreciate Mr. Ando's words and wanted to share them via this post.

Sterling

1st day of school

School started today. Both kids are very excited to start the school year. Marshall is entering 5th grade and Sydney will be in 2nd grade.



We continued our family tradition of eating out for dinner after the first day school. We all enjoyed Jason's Deli and the kids filled us in on their day.

So it goes...

Married 13 years.

Together for almost 19 years.

Survive the good and bad.

Love Endures.

Enough said!

That time of year

Soccer has officially started. Sydney and Marshall have both had their first practices of the season. This year, the kids are on new teams and will be playing their games in Overland Park. After many years of coaching, I decided not to coach this season. Instead, I will be cheering from my chair on the sideline. Shauna and I love to watch our kids play soccer. We are all looking forward to a great season.

Sterling

On a side note, Marshall got new boots. After 4 months of "shopping" he decided on the Nike Mercurial. (pictured below)

He is more and more like his dad every day!

RIP

RIP Astro.

I will never forget you. I will always remember the time that you escaped from your cage. You left my room, scurried down the hall, went into Sydney's room and then headed to Mom and Dad's room. The whole house was awake at 3am. We spent 20 minutes trying to catch you and put you back in your cage.

You were a good hamster and I will miss you.

Marshall

Time for a Vacation? Of course it is

They "worked" for about 2 weeks and "solved" the debt crisis. They have earned a month long vacation. Right?

Harry Reid thinks so and had this to say...

“It‘s been a pretty hard work period we’ve had. The last two weekends, working late. And I think the Senate deserves to be able to go home as soon as we can. If there was ever a time we need to work with our constituents, it’s now. And for me personally, I’ve been here for a long time. I have a home in Nevada that I haven’t seen in months. My pomegranate trees are, I’m told, are blossoming — there’s pomegranates on them, I have some fig trees, roses and stuff that I just haven’t seen. So I have constituents that I’m anxious to see, friends I’m eager to visit with, relatives I need to visit with. So as soon as we can complete our work, I would like to move as quick as I can to the summer recess period.”

Uh Harry, do you know what real Americans call "hard work, working weekends, and working late"? A JOB!

How much more out of touch can this guy get? All of this "hard work" to solve the debt crisis and now it is time for a vacation. Enjoy your fig trees, roses, and pomegranate trees. Unbelievable!


Not to be outdone, House majority leader (The #2 Republican) Eric Cantor today said via Twitter, “We must keep focusing like a laser on jobs & stop Washington from getting in the way of growth in this country”. Of course, this was right before taking off for a five-​week vacation. Yeah...you Republicans have been really concerned with jobs. Uh...no!

For those of you keeping track it has been 210 days and counting since House Republicans have had the Speaker's gavel. ZERO job creation bills!

Gotta love the House and Senate. Good "work" if you can get it.

Sterling

My first birthday...

Today, I woke up to streamers, signs, and 100 balloons. Mommy and Daddy told me all about the day that I was born. I slowly tore the paper off of my first birthday present. It was a gumball machine. I got to put all the balls inside and then watch them come out of the bottom. I also got a vacuum, and a See N Say. Then, I played on my new rocking horse and castle. I love to go down the slide. Mommy and Daddy took me to Johnny's BBQ for lunch. I ate ham, beef, and french fries. I even had my very own little tiny birthday cake. I ate the icing first and then tried to share fistfuls of my cake. I am now 1 year old. Come Christmas, I will be ready to tear off wrapping paper like a pro.


Moriah Grace Hammett

The Show Goes On...

Well, another birthday has come and gone. Since my last birthday I have...

1. Been blessed with another beautiful daughter.

2. Watched Sydney and Marshall continue to mature and do great things.

3. Said goodbye forever to the evil & drama that for too long occupied my time and energy.

4. Supported Shauna through another school year.

5. Taken steps to rebuild myself and the things that are truly important to me.

6. Watched gas prices sky rocket, seen education funding be cut, and saw no job bills introduced to help the MILLIONS of people that are STILL out of work.

7. Encountered more disappointment from people that claim to be "family".

8. Managed to make it through another year without having knee surgery.

and much much more.

I suppose that the bottom line is, I am thankful that I was given another year. Through the years, I have learned to appreciate the good and the bad. Life is just that, good and bad! People are going to disappoint, anger, and fall short of your expectations. Things are not always going to go your way. Learning to take those things in stride, and in turn cherish every moment that you are given is the key.

In the words of Lupe Fiasco, "The Show Goes on!"

The Chorus of his song reminds us all that...

Alright, already the show goes on
all night, till the morning we dream so long
anybody ever wonder, when they would see the sun up
just remember when you come up
the show goes on!

I'm happy to report that my "show" does indeed go on!

So I will leave you all with this...

So no matter what you been through
no matter what you into
no matter what you see when you look outside your window
brown grass or green grass
picket fence or barbed wire
Never ever put them down
you just lift your arms higher
raise em till, your arms tired
Let em, know you're there
That you struggling and survivin' that you gonna persevere
Yeah, ain't no body leavin, no body goin' home
even if they turn the lights out the show is goin' on!

Sterling

Bloody Brilliant

Today, we saw the new Harry Potter. Dad made sure that we were at the first showing of the day. The theatre was sold out and very crowded. The last few days we re-watched the whole Harry Potter saga. I really liked the character Dobby and was sad that he died in Part I of the Deathly Hallows. In my opinion, I think that Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part II was the best movie in the series.

I rate it 3 and a half stars. DAD rates it 3 stars. Sydney rates it 3 and a half stars.

I love seeing movies in the summer. We have seen Transformers, Super 8, and Potter. We will be seeing Captain America next week and then Cowboys & Aliens on July 29.

Summer ROCKS!

Marshall

Vacation

WATERMELON

Summer smiles look like this around here.

Air Conditioner Maintenance=Mini Vacation

SO, what do we do when the air conditioner needs maintenance in the month of July? We think fast and plan for fun. On Friday morning, the air conditioner was being replaced. High temperatures were in the forecast, so we made last minute plans for an overnight, in town.

The house was hot, time to start our adventure. First stop, Sydney's favorite place to eat in the city, Salty Iguana. Even Moriah enjoyed a Mexican treat or two. Next, we took the family to Charming Charlie's a fabulous jewelry and clothing boutique. Followed up by a tour through Crate & Barrel. It was a busy afternoon. We then went to check in to the local Holiday Inn. When I say local, I mean about mile from our house. We changed and proceeded directly to the pool. After a quick dip, we drove out to Jason's Deli for a healthy dinner(unheard of for us to eat-out twice in one day). Just because we got back to the hotel after eight, doesn't mean we didn't go right back to the pool. The kids loved swimming at night. Moriah was quite upset that I kept her out of the water this time. We swam until the pool closed and then fell asleep watching a movie in the hotel room. First thing in the morning, we were right back in the pool. Moriah demanded to get in first. It is hard to determine which kid loves the pool more.

It was a fantastic impromptu get-a-way.
Shauna

Fourth of July

Travelin' to Jamesport

Our family loves to day trip to Jamesport, Missouri. We recently took our summer trip and we will be returning in the late fall. While in Jamesport, we love to shop at the numerous Amish bakeries and country grocery stores. Shauna fell in love with Countryside Bakery's cinnamon rolls while she was pregnant with Moriah. The kids agree that the sour cream cookies are to die for. We always purchase a loaf of Jalapeno Cheddar bread to eat that evening with our dinner. Mmmmm.

This trip we found many great money saving deals at Yoder's Store and the Jamesport Country Store. We were able to buy numerous things to fill the pantry and even bought some things to prepare for the kids' school lunches. By the time we were done shopping, and ready to leave, our trunk was filled with 4 huge boxes of food. The kids decided that the trip to Jamesport would be much better if they didn't have to spend an hour putting away all of our "goodies" once we returned home.

Yumm

First ice cream cone all by myself!

Gotta love Jason's Deli. Yummy!

Sent from my BlackBerry®

T-Bones

We all braved the heat and took in a T-Bones game this morning.



It was hot, but we had a great time.

Adventure Oasis

Today, we went to Adventure Oasis. Last year, we went in August before school started and promised the kids that we would return in 2011. The kids enjoyed the various slides, rock wall, and the dumping bucket playground. Shauna, Moriah, and I enjoyed relaxing on a tube in the lazy river.

A great day of fun for all!

Sterling

Father's Day 2011

Everyone knows that Sterling is an incredible father. He gives all three of his children time, attention, patience, and love. He plans quality time and encourages each of them to be the best that they can be. Most of all, he never misses an opportunity to goof around with them. He is a one-of-a-kind father.

Father's Day started with breakfast and the Sunday paper in bed. Marshall was excited to present him with a new KU coat and KU t-shirt. Sydney's gift included watching Glee-Season 2, part 1 with him this morning. After watching several episodes of Glee, we headed to the yard for backyard grilling. Sterling manned the grill and produced the most delicious house-burgers and sausages. In the afternoon hours, we enjoyed watching Gold Cup Soccer and a trip to the swimming pool. For dessert, we treated Dad to Sylas & Maddy's. (The world's greatest ice cream place.) Dad had a scoop of Butterfinger and a scoop of Snickers. After a busy day of activities, we headed home. Marshall and Sterling spent some quality time playing video games. Finally, Moriah honored her father, on her first Father's Day, by giving him a new watch.


Shauna

FOTZ

Our family has been Friends of the Zoo since Marshall was a toddler. Sydney and Marshall have always enjoyed going to the zoo. Marshall loves seeing the chimps and Sydney is amazed by the polar bear exhibit. Both of them love to play on the various slides and playgrounds. Moriah laughs, giggles, and claps when she sees the animals. There is no doubt that she is having a good time. I'm sure that Moriah will enjoy the zoo for many years to come. We have told the kids that we will commit to going to the zoo once a week this summer.




The Friends of the Zoo membership allows a family to attend the zoo as often as they want for $79 a year. This membership pays for itself in only 2 visits. With the FOTZ membership, we do not feel the need to stay at the zoo all day to get our moneys worth. Sometimes, it is nice to go and only stay for an hour. Needless to say, we all look forward to our weekly "zoo time".