Four-of-a-Kind makes a Full House

HamFam Photos

2010-12-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

First Tournament Second Place

2010-09-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Kohl is now playing with the 13U Desert Cats Ball Club. This weekend was their first tournament as a new team and the players show tons of potential. Over the course of four games, Kohl played left field, right field, third base and pitcher.

First Day of School

2010-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our exciting new school year started Monday! Kreg has finally joined the ranks of his brothers by starting Kindergarten at Desert Harbor Elementary. Since this is a K-8 school, all four of them are roaming the same halls -the only year this ever happens. It's a little bittersweet: where Kohl is ending his 9 year term there, Kreg is just beginning. The spring will bring two graduation celebrations for the HamFam. Kyle and Kade are enjoying teachers that their older brother(s) had, which is kind of a cool right-of-passage thing. Everyone is glad to be back in the routine... some are just too cool to admit it.

Vacation Fun!

2010-07-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sea World

LaJolla Shores Beach

Mission Beach

Pacific Beach

Disneyland

We had a full and exciting vacation this summer! This was the longest trip we have ever taken and we experienced so many great new things. Our eleven day trip allowed us to explore several different beaches, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Universal Studios, and three days in California Adventure and Disneyland!

For Him

2010-05-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

My journey behind the steering wheel over the past 24 years has brought me through a large spectrum of vehicles. I started out with a metallic blue, 1970's Chevy Monza that ran even when you took the keys out. Remember the days when you could turn off the ignition and the car would continue to cough and sputter until it finally just seized? One of my "fondest" memories is when a vehicle emissions guy told me to turn off my car and I had to confess that I already had.

I will say, it was better than walking and I was glad to have it.

Over the years, I have had a Buick, a Chevy, a Nissan, a Honda, an Acura, a Ford, a Dodge, a Toyota, and a BMW... but... all the while I had wandering eyes.

It's true. I have always wanted an Escalade.

In March, my hubby obliged.

I wanted to get a personalized plate for "her", but finding just the right one can be a challenge. Well, I came up with one that fits our family and our life in every way. Here it is:

And... if you know us, you know that we are

diligently working to raise four him - for Him!

Boys Crack Me Up!

2010-04-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

I was doing some clean up around the house today and just getting caught up on the daily operations of home. The best thing about boys is that even when you think you know what they're up to, you never really know. Sometimes their "secret missions" are revealed and it just makes your day. I never knew this plant's true purpose until today. See anything unusual?

Probably not. I have walked by it a hundred times and never noticed. As we zoom in for a closer look, we can see that it's obviously providing much needed shelter for our troops!

Boys crack me up!

The Happy Couple

2009-12-13T23:51:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I created Mickey Mouse out of wreaths. Mickey has been a part of our favorite holiday decor for about 5 years and each year I look forward to seeing him again. This year, I decided to make him complete. I finally made Minnie. Now, the happy couple is all aglow!

Club Ball anyone?

2009-09-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

The HamFam has embarked upon a new baseball phenomenon: Club Ball. You're just going to have to get used to way too many posts about baseball on this blog. It fills most of our days, some of our nights and a good number of our weekends. It's a big part of who we are, what we do and what we love!

Kohl and Kyle are now playing for the Peoria Grizzlies 12U team. It's quite an adjustment from Little League and we're learning the ropes as we go. They have had two tournaments so far and they're both learning a lot about the game.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from this weekend:

Rockin' the Beach

2009-08-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from our San Diego vacation...

(Allow me to remind you this kid is only 4. He's not just catching the waves in on his tummy or knees. No. He's standing. Standing!)

Four Brothers x 2

2009-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have to share this really cool picture with you...

Since Doug is one of four boys, I thought it would be fun to see the parallel between his brothers and our boys. Each set of brothers is spaced almost exactly the same in age. The only real difference is that the big guys have a lovely sister sandwiched in their sibling set.

Here are two generations of four Hamrick brothers:

Now... those are some strong genes!

Our Critter-Gitter

2009-06-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Kade is critter crazy! He will gladly catch any life form without an ounce of hesitation. We all think he's going to be like the crocodile hunter, Man vs. Wild, Jeff Corwin or possibly a marine biologist. I have never seen someone so fascinated by nature. He's amazing. Hands down his absolute favorite - Buddy. I thought I'd share a few pictures where I have been able to capture his passion. There are so many more, but here are a few.

Here he is checking out the bugs in Munds Park...

Lizards in LoLoMai Springs. He spent most of the weekend catching them and adding them to the habitat he created.

While all of the other kids were catching waves in Rocky Point, he was catching a duckling.

He found a frog in Granny and Pa's backyard. Had to have it!

And in the same trip, he befriended a stray cat...

He seeks out ocean creatures...

And his latest catch... a bird!

* Update - Here's his latest catch (they seem to be getting bigger!):

I can honestly say that I have never caught any of these things! Nor will I be starting to in the near future. But, I do think it's really cool that this is "his thing". It clearly sets him apart from any of the other boys in this house and what a wonderful thing for him.

Little League Champs!

2009-06-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen... I am proud to announce that Kohl and Kyle's team - the Padres - WON the Little League Minor Division Championship!! What an amazing ride for us all and something to really be proud of.

The only game they lost in this entire season was the first tournament game. That automatically placed them in the losers bracket. So, in order to earn the championship title, they had to beat the best team in the winners bracket TWICE.

Well... they did. I am so proud! Allow me to gush a little... please.

Kohl was the catcher for the team and his type A personality makes him perfect for mastering this position. Baseball is truly his passion. He has been invited to be on the Little League All Stars team, which starts this week.

Kyle played first base and his baseball skills sky-rocketed this season! He hit in many, many runs and proved to be a very valuable part of this winning team. He has been invited to play on the Tops Tournament team, which also starts this week.

Doug was an assistant coach and enjoyed working with this great group of kids! I got a picture of him with his two favorite players. I took on the title of "paparazzi".

All American Boys

2009-05-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Our house is a baseball house. Period. This season we had three of the boys involved in ball and it won't be long before all four are rounding bases. Kade played on his first coach pitch team and did great!

Kohl and Kyle had their last game of the season last night and their team was undefeated, with a record of 16-0. Next week the tournament begins and we're keeping our fingers crossed for another undefeated record. One thing is for sure... these guys will be back for more ball, regardless of the outcome!

Having a Ball!

2009-04-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Each year, Doug and I are fortunate enough to be able to attend the annual Charity Ball for the organization I work for. It's their largest fundraising event and always a treat for us to attend. This event has been taking place for 95 years and we have enjoyed attending the past six.

I am so blessed to work for a non-profit organization that exists solely for the purpose of raising money to give it way. How cool is that?!

I have had the opportunity to work for, and become friends with, so many amazing women! I am honored and flattered to be a part of such a prestigious organization and Valley tradition: The Board of Visitors.

I thought it would be fun to take a look back...

2009

Feeling Lucky

2009-03-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

Here are my top 10 reasons for feeling lucky:

1. I have a Savior who loves me.
2. I have FIVE amazing guys in my life, six if you count Buddy.
3. I love my job.
4. I am healthy and I feel good everyday.
5. All of my needs are met: nice house, food on the table, etc.
6. I am madly in love with my husband.
7. I have wonderful family and friends.
8. I live in the best country in the world.
9. I can pretty much do anything I want to.
10. I feel loved.

Love is blind

2009-02-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you this really great story about love. Take a moment to enjoy it with me...

A number of years ago, when Doug was single, he met a gal while out at the Arizona Center. They hung out, danced and probably tipped a few back together that night. She was a hair stylist and he continued contact with her in the weeks and months to follow, by going to her for haircuts.

I was living at home, going out with my friends occasionally, and working full time. Not much of a social life and definitely no dating in my scene.

One day, my Mom went to the salon near our home and met Viola, Doug's friend. They were chatting away and before you know it, my Mom was talking about her near perfect daughter. [Sorry if you just expelled a beverage from your nose.]

Mom came home and told me about this guy that Viola had called "a babe". We didn't know Viola, so not much thought was really put into it. It was just kind of fun to buzz about it.

A few weeks went by and when I returned from a vacation to San Diego, I asked my Mom to call Viola to give this guy our number. I figured, "How bad could it be?"

So, she called.

That same afternoon, Doug called Viola to check in and say "hey". Viola told him about this girl and gave him the number. He called me a few hours later that day.

Seriously, you should have seen me running through the house squealing. It was complete and utter non-sense.

We set a time to meet for dinner - a blind date.

We walked up to the restaurant door at the same time, entered, and kind of stood in front of the hostess stand looking around.

The hostess said, "Two?".

We looked at each other, exchanged names, then looked back at her and confirmed...

"Yes, two.".

Quatro is 4

2009-01-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it?? Quatro just celebrated his 4th birthday!

The boys were out of school on his birthday, so we all boarded the HamBus* and headed on down to Ghettro Center. We started with lunch at Fajita's, a big hit with everyone! After a quick re-load, we were on our way to an exciting family adventure! We relished the golf and rides of Castles and Coasters on this gorgeous January day.

We tee'd off on Course 4 - could there be any more?!

We hit the rides! What a HOOT!

Stopped in for some ice cream sundaes...

Then, when all was said and done, we loaded up some pretty tired guys and headed back to the fort. What a great day we shared!

Cheers! A big Happy Birthday to our little birthday guy!

*mass transit
–noun
a system of large-scale public transportation in a given metropolitan area, typically comprising of(Ham)Buses, subways, and elevated trains.

Celebrating 50 Years

2008-12-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

This month marks the remarkable 50th wedding anniversary of our parents. I am so excited to have their example leading our family! Our parents are wonderful in so many ways and I marvel at their gracious, unconditional love. I know their half century journey has brought them many challenges and countless joys. I know that life has thrown them some pretty nasty curve balls. But somehow, when the dust settles, there they stand... together.

I wonder if they know that what they have is what others dream of. While I'm sure it doesn't always feel dreamy to be there... it sure has me rubbing my eyes.

Mom and Dad, thanks for setting the bar so high! Because of the love you share, and the family you have created, I now have the love-of-my-life and our four amazing boys. To say that I am eternally grateful would be an understatement. Thank you and I love you both so much!

Did you know?

2008-12-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that it's December! I love everything about Christmas. This time of year makes me feel warm and happy inside, similar to the way a cup of warm cocoa does. I love to decorate our trees and our home. We burn our fireplace, listen to Christmas music and spend more time together. I enjoy baking cookies and making holiday goodies with the boys. It's my favorite time of the year to have our family and friends visit. It's a time of family traditions, some old and some we create new. It's a time to relish and reflect.

In this time of often crazy, over-filled, stressed-out days, please remember to keep the reason for this blessed season in the forefront of your mind. Don't get caught up in the commercialism and materialism that has evolved around this sacred time. Focus on giving of yourself, your heart and your time. Those are truly the best gifts you have to give.

Peace be with you and Merry Christmas!

Magic

2008-11-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

It’s the dawn of a new era in the Ham House. For the first time, Quatro launched without his training wheels. I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve experienced a personal phenomenon of this magnitude, but - quite frankly - for a three year old this is really big. It represents independence and freedom. His brothers have been whirling around him on two wheels for years and he just decided that he was ready to join the fury. There will be no sitting on the sidelines for this one.

As I saw him ride away from me, my emotions welled up inside with the thought that this is the passing of yet another milestone in our family. These training wheels have traveled countless routes, logged thousands of miles and kept our little guy(s) going for close to ten years. I am sad to put them away… forever. But, I have to say that one of my favorite things about being a parent is being right there to watch them accomplish new things and sharing their feelings of excitement and pride - being right by their side through the journey is MAGIC.

40 Fingers 40 Toes

2008-10-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalms 127:3-5

Every couple of weeks, I sit down with the boys and clip their nasty, little, dirty nails. I’ve come to accept that each time I conquer this task, it’s going to require a good set of clippers, 80 nails, about 20 minutes and me. Mind you, I can clip 80 nails in one sitting, and yet mine remain untouched.

Tonight I realized that Doug and I have been blessed with 40 fingers and 40 toes. In conjunction, I also realized that the Bible makes many references to the number forty. I couldn’t help but tie the two together in my mind. This is no coincidence. This is the work of God.

I know that the Bible is everything God and holy. It is true. I believe it all.

I believe that God sends us messages and speaks to our hearts all of the time. I believe He speaks to us through thoughts, circumstances and sometimes even through others.

I challenge you to hear the Lord speak to you - it’s the best feeling! What other explanation can there be for me to feel overwhelmingly blessed tonight from simply tending to the 40 fingers and 40 toes that I have been manicuring for years?

Listen to your heart, He is there. If He is not, all you have to do is invite Him to join you.

He will.

Beachy Keen

2008-10-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we’re back from our wonderful trip to the sandy beaches of Rocky Point, Mexico. There were so many fun things to do with our family and friends - this time there were more friends and family with us than ever before! There were 20 families (36 adults and 38 kids) in all. Our group practically took over the RV park and the beach as we savored five wonderful days of snorkeling, boogie boarding, body surfing, whiffle ball, horseshoes, bocce ball, corn hole, football, volleyball, ping pong, playing in the sand, laying in the sun, discovering creatures in the reef and bonding with those we love. This year the bar was raised with the addition of a projection screen outside by the campfire which provided a super-sized photo slide show of past year’s trips, Monday Night Football, Guitar Hero, and even a showing of the movie Iron Man.

As I reflect on all of the fun we had, it makes me realize that in the blink-of-an-eye our guys will be grown and spreading their wings. I am so grateful to have this time with them now – creating cherished family memories. All of this reaffirms that I don't want to take my eyes off of them while they change from boys to men.

This trip definitely ROCKed to the POINT of no return... and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

Blue Eyes

2008-09-13T22:45:00.001-07:00

I love blue eyes. Maybe because a good number of the people I hold so dear have them. When I think of my Dad’s eyes, they were blue. My Mom’s eyes, also blue. Both of my brothers' eyes, as well as mine, b.l.u.e.. They’re almost a trademark for our family.

These are Kader’s eyes and if you haven’t seen them, let me tell you - they are amazing! These peepers are going to get him a long way in life and possibly out of a jam, or two. Actually, there are days when I'm certain he's going to need them.

Don’t get me wrong, brown eyes definitely rock! Two of my five hunky Hams have the best brown eyes I have ever seen. And green eyes are like jewels. But there is just something about those blue eyes that sparkle and shine.

They say “eyes are the window to the soul” and I am fortunate enough to see the view through many gorgeous windows! And what a beautiful sight I see.

Quick & Easy Recipe

2008-09-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am by no means a culinary expert. As a matter of fact, I am totally lame in the kitchen. I'm always trying to find a quick and easy recipe to get dinner on the table for our gang. Occasionally, you might find a recipe posted here because I constantly struggle with trying to find something new. And who knows, maybe you do, too.

Kraft Foods published this in their Fall 2008 magazine: Food & Family. We enjoyed it with the stuffing, but I have added the suggested variation of rice. I hope you enjoy it, too!

Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

1 pkg. (8 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken (or Long Grain Wild Rice)
1 can (20 oz.) apple pie filling (I used Comstock, no sugar added)
8 boneless pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick

HEAT oven to 375ºF. Prepare stuffing mix (or rice) as directed on package.
SPREAD pie filling onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with chops and stuffing (or rice). Cover with foil.
BAKE 30 min.; uncover. Bake 10 min. or until chops are cooked through (160ºF)

Excuse me... what?

2008-09-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Often times, I try to educate our boys about day-to-day things that sometimes happen in this quirky world in which we live. Today was no exception.

I was running errands with KB and KyDave, trying to knock them out quickly (the errands, not the boys) so that we could get back home, get ready for church, and head on to the next leg of our day.

We were driving through the parking lot, to an exit, and we stopped at a stop sign. I had a stop sign, the traffic in the opposite direction did not. For the second time this week, the person in the opposite direction stopped and waved for me to go. Well, nutty as I am, I won’t proceed. They have the right-of-way, if I go and they decide to go, guess whose fault the accident is?

So, I used this course of events to explain to my impressionable, driving-before-you-know-it boys why going through the intersection would not be a wise choice. I told them how some people will make you think they are being nice, perhaps wave you to go, and then cause an accident in order to collect money from insurance companies. I warned that while that would unlikely happen to them, they should be aware and know this could happen. I explained that we should try to avoid putting ourselves into situations that allow others to manipulate, or harm, us.

After this wonderfully profound life-lesson, from the back seat my [almost] 10 year old very matter-of-factly says, “Oh good, now I know how to get some free money.”.

I was like, “Excuse me… what?”!

Decisions Decisions

2008-09-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Ever have a decision to make that no matter which choice you make, someone is not going to be happy? I hate that painful, awkward place between a rock and a hard spot. And yet, right there I am.

No matter how hard I try to avoid them… sometimes when it rains it pours and these difficult decisions rear their ugly head.

The second weekend in October proves to be very full for the HamFam. We have a wedding anniversary, a landmark 10th birthday on 10/10, and a much anticipated beach vacation to Mexico.

And in the light of this rain, the same weekend is my 20 year class reunion, causing a torrential downpour.

After weeks of sorting through which was the better option for me, and with the support of my man, I told my best friend from high school that I would attend our reunion. It would provide an opportunity for me to reunite with people who were key players in a happy, yet challenging, chapter of my life.

The first three years of high school were good for me. I participated in various activities, had close friends and made good grades. I kept my nose clean and towed the line. My life was simple and good.

Half way through my senior year, my Dad died at 42 years old. Needless to say, it changed me forever. I found that looking through my yearbooks brought back so many of the fond memories of the time in my life that I shared with my Dad. Reminiscing brought healing. And I thought I made a good decision.

Here’s where the hard spot enters. My past collides with my present.

On the other side of the coin, I struggle with missing out on the memories that my family will be making in the here and now. Times that I cannot go back and recapture - memories that I will cherish forever. These are the people I share my life with now. And while the people of my past have a special place in my life, the special people of my present are my greatest gift.

We have many friends and lots of family attending the trip to Mexico this October. It will be five days of rest, relaxation and retreat. I will see hundreds of smiles, hear dozens of giggles and feel countless warm embraces. I will laugh. I will be happy. I will be with those I love. And those that love me.

Frankly, the class reunion does not offer that kind of draw for me. No matter who's there.

In the deep search of what would be the right choice for me, I have found that my heart is truly with those who own it. That is where I want to be.

Through this process, I have learned that my family was understanding and supportive about my desire to reunite with my past, but my past was not as understanding about my desire to savor the present.

Interesting how rain brings rainbows.

Two of a Kind

2008-08-29T00:53:00.000-07:00

In our very early days of dating, Romeo and I took a day drive to Sedona to see the beautiful changing leaves of Fall. We swept through the hills on the curvy roads of Oak Creek Canyon in my little black Honda Prelude with the windows down, the sunroof open, and Garth Brooks playing on the radio.

It was magic.

I don’t know why, but for both of us, this exact moment is burned into our memories. It was like a moment frozen and while we swiftly zipped through canyon roads, all time seemed to stand still. In retrospect, I look back and think “Was God giving us a glimpse of the fate of our future together?” Neither one of us would have ever believed it, and to be honest, I think we’re still rubbing our eyes.

While the memory of that day faded into the back of our minds for about a decade, we now see how it has almost become the theme song of our life together and the family we have been given. It’s as if we are exactly where He told us we’d be:

Two of a Kind working on a Full House.

God is amazing. A-ma-zing. I am continually overwhelmed by His generosity, love and grace in my life. I am so undeserving, yet so grateful. He has given me a most important assignment and I am on the task: Raise four God fearing, Christ centered men.

Yikes. An assignment of infinite magnitude.

But, how blessed I am to have a wonderful, loving husband to balance and guide me through God’s plan. He picks me up and puts me into bed at the end of the day and always, always makes me laugh. He is so patient and understanding, even when that doesn't come easy.

So, what originally started out as two of a kind has ironically turned into a full house. With a slight twist, the song that Garth Brooks made famous is the inspiration for my punny blog title:

Four-of-a-Kind makes a Full House.

And for those Las Vegas literalists who say that Four-of-a-Kind indeed does not make a Full House, I challenge you and say...

Yes, it does.

And as far as I’m concerned, we absolutely are "Two of a Kind working on a Full House" and I am holding all Kings.

Proud Mama

2008-08-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the kind of day that makes a mother glow. I was having a long time girlfriend over for dinner and conversation. The boys always anticipate her visit, they just love her!! She has a very special way about her that everyone is drawn to. She's fun, exciting, lovable and even plays games with them!

When they got home from school, I announced that they needed to get their homework done before she came over. KB and KyDave sat right down and dredged through it, while our first grader wrote a note of apology to his teacher for the yellow light he "earned" today. He wasn't happy, let me tell you. Which now makes it the standard course of punishment for a yellow light offense. I really hope we don't see any red lights come home, I don't know what I'll do. Seriously, I have no idea.

They all move on to something new, scattered throughout the house and neighborhood. Later, as she arrives and we begin to catch up, each of them gradually enter the room and greet her, share a few words, then go about their boyish business not to be seen again until the doorbell rings.

Ahh dinner.

In true guy fashion, they slurped down a slice of pizza and headed back out to their World Series wiffleball game that had been momentarily paused in the backyard.

Sherie and I enjoyed chatting further.

Then, I drew them back inside with the cool refreshment of a dripping ice cream cone. What better remedy for the sweaty boy who reeks like a wet dog? Heaven.

After their treat I instructed them to all go shower. And they did. I told them to get their pjs on. And they did. I said it's time to pray. And they did. I kissed them goodnight and said "I love you. Now go to sleep".

And they did.

Sherie and I continued to visit for a couple more hours, just hanging out and catching up. These are the days that make me glad that I persist and prod them each and every day. These are the days that make me realize that this little herd needs their shepherd and that my seemingly endless efforts are not in vein.

These are the days that make me cherish being a Mom!!! I love you guys! xo

Trying the next new thing...

2008-08-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog! After weeks of obsessively reading the blogs of my friends - and their friends, and theirs - I have decided to embark on this crazy new phenomenon myself. Stay tuned for more of this Full House!