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