Christmas pictures

Sterling
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Doin' it all...

As the month of November draws to a close and our family briefly catches our collective breath, I thought that I would update our blog.


Sydney has been playing soccer at the New Century Fieldhouse in Gardner. Her first session of the winter season is almost complete. Her team has been playing U10 girls (a year older) and is currently undefeated. Session 2 of winter soccer will be starting after the first of the year. Sydney loves playing soccer and her skills continue to develop. This year, Sydney is also participating in basketball. Shauna and I are coaching her team. We started practice this week and her games will start in January.

Marshall is wrapping up his first session of indoor soccer. He is practicing and playing his games at All American. Marshall's team is currently in third place and headed to the playoffs. Marshall will take a few weeks off from soccer and then resume with his second session after the New Year. Basketball also started for Marshall this week. I'm coaching his team this year and we both are having a blast.

Needless to say, our schedule is jam packed. Soccer, basketball, Student Council, and Mathletics occupy most of our weekdays and weekends. We are so proud of our kids. Moriah will be starting soccer in the spring and is anxiously waiting her turn. In the meantime, she has been practicing her "footwork" at their practices and cheers them both on during the games.

On a side note... if you are not watching Homeland and listening to Lionel Richie's new cd Tuskegee you are missing out.

Sterling
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***After many years of having a Crackberry, I switched to an Android. I have experienced no dope sickness and find myself adjusting rather well.***

Thanksgiving

Our family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This morning, Moriah enjoyed watching the parade. After reading the paper and putting the turkey in the oven, we headed to the soccer field for our annual Turkey Cup family soccer game. We dined on a delicious 24lb bird and all of the trimmings. This evening we attended the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Everyone loved watching the fireworks. What a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful weather. As we concluded our evening with pumpkin pie, we all commented on just how lucky we are to have each other.

Yo-Ho-Ho

Trick-or-Treating at Matt Ross Community Center.


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CSI Champions

Sydney's team played in the CSI soccer tournament this weekend. Tonight they played in the Championship game. Sydney's team won the game 2 -1 and they were crowned U9 Tournament Champions.
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KU Weekend

We took advantage of a soccer-less Saturday and headed to Lawrence for the KU football game.
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Halloween decorations are up. Kids enjoyed playing dress- up all afternoon. I am looking forward to fall and all our family traditions.

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First Day of School

The kids are dressed and ready for their big first day. They have switched to a new elementary school and are both anxiously awaiting new adventures. As usual, we will be going out to eat tonight to discuss the events from their first day. School, Mexican food, and soccer practice will make this a very busy day. Such is life...

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At the end of the school year, we gave Marshall $100 for having all A's for four quarters. After months of deliberation, he purchased a personalized Sporting KC jersey.
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Sydney with Matt Besler and Marshall with Aurelien Collin.

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KC FUSION

Marshall and Sydney have always been very successful playing recreational soccer. After Sydney became a MUSC All-Star and Marshall scored 15 goals in eight games, we knew we had to make the move to a more competitive soccer program. They started the try-out process with a week long training camp. Then on Saturday and Sunday the true try-out portion began. Marshall and Sydney were both offered spots in the KC Fusion program. This competitive soccer program is a 10 month commitment to soccer.

Sydney made the Academy team for U9. Academy teams play in the top division in their age group. They practice 3 days per week during the fall and spring and twice a week indoors in the winter. Academy teams play Futsal during the winter and attend six tournaments per year (3 in the fall and 3 in the spring).

In the U12 division there are 4 teams. Marshall made the Club B squad. They practice two days per week during the spring and fall and once a week indoors in the winter. Marshall will be playing indoor soccer during the winter. In addition, he will attend four tournaments per year (2 in the fall and 2 in the spring).

Between outdoor, indoor, futsal, and then also attending Sporting KC games we will be getting our fill of soccer. 

Endings and New Beginnings

The spring soccer season has come to an end. Marshall's team finished the season with one loss. Marshall scored 15 goals this season and had 8 assists. Sydney's team did not fair as well in the win-loss column. However, Sydney personally had a fabulous season, finishing with 20 goals and 5 assists. Sydney was selected to play in an All-Star tournament over the Memorial Day weekend. Sydney's team of All-Stars played 3 games at the new Overland Park Soccer Complex and her team was one goal from being in the finals. Sydney loved playing on the "turf" fields, even though it made for extremely hot conditions. Sydney did a great job in her tournament, scoring 2 goals. As parents, it is fun to watch both of our kids learn new things and have new experiences. Both of our kids have decided that they want to try and take their soccer skills to the next level. They both will be trying out for KC Fusion teams next week. Soccer has become KING in our home. Who woulda thought?

KU Spring Game

Today, we went to the KU spring game. Marshall and Sydney participated in the morning football clinic. They both had a great time doing "drills" with the KU players on the practice field. After the clinic, Moriah enjoyed her first time in a "bounce house" and even got a helmet at the bike rodeo. During the game, we sat directly in front of Kevin Young (basketball player). Marshall shook his hand and told him that he enjoyed watching him play this season. It was a great day! The weather was perfect and everyone had a blast.

It has begun...

Today, Marshall and Sydney played their first soccer games of the season.

Marshall played first and his team started the season with a win. Marshall's team worked together and numerous players were able to score. For his effort, Marshall was rewarded with 3 goals and 2 assists. The game was an excellent way to start the season.

Sydney played at 4pm this afternoon. Sydney has joined a new team this season. She has moved to a more "elite league". Sydney has enjoyed making new friends and is having fun, finding her role on her new team. Sydney's game was outstanding. Not to be outdone by her brother, Sydney scored a personal best 5 goals.

Obviously, Shauna and I are very happy that they both scored today; however, we are most proud of their attitude, sportsmanship, and teamwork. They both understand what playing team sports is all about.

It was a great day!

Sterling

Spring Break 2012

Our family had a very busy Spring Break this year. Of course, we took our yearly Spring Break trip to Jamesport, MO. We also spent a couple of days in Oklahoma City. Marshall and I attended an Oklahoma City Thunder game. The girls enjoyed OKC by doing lots of shopping. After we were done in Oklahoma, we traveled to Springfield so we could eat at Lambert's Cafe. We all reminisced about the last time that we were at Lambert's. It was 2 years ago, we informed the kids that they would having a baby sister. We wrapped up our week by attending the Sporting KC home opener. With 7 days and 1400 miles in our rear view mirror, everyone returned to school. It was great to have the week to spend together. We made many memories and already have ideas for Spring Break 2013. Not to mention, we are all ready for SUMMER!

Sterling

MIZ-ZOU

Perhaps you shouldn't have been whining about your seed and the location where you had to play. You probably should have been focusing on beating #15 seed Norfolk State.

I guess being Big 12 Tournament Champs was enough. No need to make a run to the Final Four. Why bother, right? You idiot MIZZOU fans were to busy chanting "SEC" and booing Chuck Neinas to worry about the real tournament. Real classy!


Enjoy the SEC, losers!

After ending the regular season 7-1, Marshall wrapped up his basketball season with a tournament last weekend. We traveled north where Marshall's team played three games on Saturday and one game on Sunday. His team took fourth place in the regional tournament. Marshall averaged over 17 rebounds per game over the weekend. We are proud of the progress that he made throughout the season. In this tournament, we saw him have much more confidence in his shot. Marshall attempted and made shots from the top of the key, and from his baseline drop-step move. He also emerged as a leader for his team, motivating and encouraging his teammates.

Marshall showed his heart and determination throughout the weekend. Marshall was battling a tendinitis flare up. He received "treatment" after every game and managed to play through the discomfort that he felt in his foot. His right ankle had swollen so severely that he could barely wear his shoe, but he refused to sit out. When the last game ended on Sunday, he had to be helped to the car. He never complained. In reflection, Marshall said that the tournament was a great experience.

The winter basketball season has come to a close. Sydney starts soccer this week, and Marshall will be starting his soccer season, next week. In addition, Marshall has been asked to play on a spring basketball team. This means that for the first time, he will be playing two sports at the same time. Needless to say, the next few months will be very busy for our family, as we attend various sporting events. We love to watch our kids play. So, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Spaghetti Pie

I HATED spaghetti pie as a child. Recently, for some unknown reason, I had a hankering for spaghetti pie. I could not find a recipe that looked appealing. So, I took bits and pieces of several recipes and made this dish my own.


Spaghetti Pie


Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
2 eggs
2 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tbsp minced garlic (more or less depending on personal taste)
3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce (I make my own)
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 package reduced fat cream cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef/sausage. Drain and crumble. Put crumbled meat back in the skillet. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic, bell pepper and pasta sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. In a bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese and set aside. Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the eggs, butter, Parmesan cheese, and spaghetti. Form the spaghetti mixture into a "crust" on the bottom of the pan. Spread (layer) the cream cheese mixture over it, add the meat/sauce mixture and sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.
5. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Side Notes
1. This dish reheats very well.
2. Depending on your personal taste, Cheddar cheese can be substituted for the Mozzarella.
3. If you like your "pie" a little more moist, you can combine the cream cheese/sour cream mixture directly with the pasta.
4. Mushrooms, oregano, thyme, and garlic pepper are all great additions to this recipe.

Enjoy!

Sterling

Not Your Average Country Gravy

This meal has quickly become a family favorite.


Not Your Average Country Gravy


Ingredients
1.5 pounds pork sausage - I'm a huge fan of Scimeca's Sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
4 cups milk


Directions
1. In a skillet (I use a 6 quart pot) on medium heat cook pork, onion, green pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until pork is crumbly. Leave a small amount of fat in the pan.

2. Combine butter, salt, and pepper with the meat mixture and stir until butter melts. Add the sage and thyme.

3. Cautiously start to add a little bit of the flour to the mixture. Then slowly stir in milk, about a half a cup at a time, and incorporate it well. When the mixture thickens, add more milk. The key is to add milk and flour a little at a time. You can adjust the flour and milk to obtain your desired thickness.
BOILING gravy can and will burn very easily. Do not walk away from your pot. Keep stirring.

4. Serve immediately over biscuits or hash browns. Keep in mind that the gravy will thicken quickly as it cools.


This recipe can be altered to coincide with your palate. The desired thickness of the gravy, heat factor (red pepper flakes), and etc are all very easy to adjust.

Sterling

Letter to the Editor

My letter to the editor is shown below. This letter was published in the KC Star on 1/30/2012.


Red-light cameras

The red-light cameras installed in Kansas City were never about safety (1-24, A1, “Red-light cameras don’t add to safety”). They were about one thing: money.

The city saw the installation of these cameras as an opportunity for revenue. This was nothing more than a cash grab disguised as a way to “reduce accidents.” Meanwhile, thousands of tickets and possibly millions of dollars have been generated for the city.

Any chance these “Big Brother” cameras will be going away soon? Of course not. They are a cash cow for the city. As long as these red light cameras are generating green for Kansas City, they will be there.

Don’t worry, Kansas City. I will continue to do my part to reduce accidents in your city. I will come to a complete stop at all intersections and obey the rules of road.

In the end, that is what you want, isn’t it — safer roads? Yeah right.

Sterling Hammett

Overland Park

Double - Double

Marshall played a great basketball game today.

Marshall's team cruised to another win and in the process he achieved a double-double.

Marshall finished the game with...

12 points
10 rebounds
3 assists
3 steals
1 block
4-4 100% Free Throws


Shauna and I are proud of the hard work that Marshall is putting forth in order to become a dominant post player.

Sterling

Apple Crisp

I do not do desserts!

Shauna does the desserts.

The following is the exception to the rule:


Yummy Apple Crisp

Ingredients
6 apples - peeled, cored, sliced (cut apple pieces to your desired size)
1 cup water
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 cup quick oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange apples in an even layer in bottom of baking dish. Pour water over apples.
3. In a medium bowl mix together cake mix, oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter or margarine until ingredients are thoroughly blended; mixture will be crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

Additional Tips...
This can be served hot or cold.
Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream is a must.
I use - Granny Smith apples.
The apples will cook down. Keep that in mind when slicing them.


Sterling

Mulligatawny Soup

Excellent recipe for Mulligatawny Soup. As usual, I have made changes to make this my own. (aka better)

Ingredients
1 cup chopped onion
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons (minimum) curry powder
8 cups chicken broth
1 apple, cored, & shredded - I used a cheese grater to make apple FINE
1/2 cup white rice
2 skinless, cooked boneless chicken breasts - cut into cubes
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste - I highly recommend Garlic Pepper
1 pinch dried thyme
1 cup half-n-half


Directions
1. Saute onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.
2. Add apple, rice, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done. You will have to stir this periodically.
3. The last 5 minutes, stir in the half-n-half.


This is a huge hit with everyone in our home.

Sterling

1/2 Slab Celebration

Marshall loves ribs.




Yesterday, I took him to Bates City BBQ. We celebrated his 2nd quarter grade card. Marshall received all A's and made the Principal's Honor Roll. Shauna and I are very proud that our son is such an excellent student.


Sterling