WE HAVE A NEW DAUGHTER

We are so excited. Our family just grew by one, but not a baby - a 16 year old girl. We have invited a foreign exchange student from Thailand to live with us for the next school year. She arrived yesterday! She is so adorable. Her name is Phassorn but she goes by Jern Jern - pronounced (Jun - Jun)

She will be attending North Oldham High School with Jessica and Devon.

Photos coming!

WE ARE EXPECTING

Mark and I are excited to announce that we are expecting a new addition to our family - she will arrive on July 30, 2009. She is an exchange student from Thailand. We are so excited!

WHILE WE WERE GONE

While Mark and Betsy were with Jessica and Devon on the Pioneer Trek...Marissa was having the time of her life with her best friend, Meg O'Brien and Robert was having a terrific time with one of his best friends, Seth Orr.

They didn't even miss us. I have great friends that are wonderful. Thanks Vicki and Sandra for taking such great care of my kids while we were away!

PIONEER TREK 09

Before heading out on the pioneer trek, Betsy was able to take a picture of us happy and clean. The reality of what we were about to embark on had only slowly started to set in. It really started to hit Betsy when she had finally finished all the costumes for our family and loaded all the supplies into the back of the van ... then it hit ... this is real - we are really doing this. Mark, Devon, Jessica, Jenny and Hannah Orr

Since we were driving to the trek at 5:00 a.m. and we were giving Jenny and Hannah Orr a ride to the trek, the girls spent the night with Jessica. It was great fun - but they didn't get to stay up too late. Everyone was happy to get going and slept most of the way there. Just before our exit, we stopped to get Dramamine and breakfast. It would be our last "Modern" meal for three long days. Many of you know that Betsy is a picky eater. You may also know that some of my children have inherited my taste (or lack there of). There are just certain things we won't eat - even if starving. One - is beans. I like like green beans, even Devon will eat green beans, but no other type of bean. Of course, our first meal was bean and sausage soup. great! Mark liked it, but Devon, Jessica and Betsy didn't eat. Anyway - I'm getting ahead of myself.

Here are Jessica and Devon, brother and sister

before the trek

Ma and Pa Lowe -

Mark and I at our first rest stop on the trek.

Looking forward from our handcart on the initial pull to the trials

Jessica was in handcart family #8

Devon was in handcart family #10

Devon's ma and pa were Mark and I

Looking behind us

Jessica getting into the back while at our first rest stop

After our first rest stop, the trail became very rough, rocky and hilly. It required tremendous teamwork and cooperation to safely get the handcarts moved on that part of the trail. After this part of the trail, we were able to stop near a stream for dinner. We cooked biscuits and sausage and bean soup. It took a long time for our coals to light which slowed the whole cooking process. The kids did most of the food preparation while I tried to better organize our cart's weight.

We had a very scary experience after dinner while pulling out of camp. We had two girls on the bar and somehow the back people "the breaks" let go of the back while the cart was going down hill towards the stream. The cart easily could have ended up in the stream with kids - yikes, however something prevented it from going over and put the cart back on the trail. It was a miracle to witness.

Shortly after pulling out, the Trail Boss stopped the pull and gathered everyone together. The men were being called away to serve in the "Mexican American War". It was time for the women's pull. I was very emotional about this. I'd seen how hard the boys had to work on the bar to navigate the cart up and down hills and now they would be gone. "How are we going to do this?" was the question that kept going through my mind. I have two girls with hurt knees and one girl (that is very strong) with a fever. The five girls and myself decided we would put one girl up front on ropes, two girls on the bar, and two girls in the back to push. I would join in on the ropes. As we got closer the the "HUGE" hill, girls from previous carts came running down to help us...it was wonderful. We made it up the hill. Then in kind turn, we ran down the hill and helped the next cart up, and the next one after that! It was so touching to see everyone work so hard.

The boys and men were lined up on the sides of the "HUGE" hill to watch. It was also a "Silent" period so no one was to talk. It was very touching for all. After the last wagon was up the hill, the men were allowed to join their families. We were so happy to have them back. Unfortunately the longest and hardest hill of the day (night) was still ahead of us.

After the women's pull, the two girls with knee injuries really couldn't do anything. One went to the trek doctor, while the other just walked beside us. We were down to 8 workers (one with fever). That was when we came upon "Heartbreak Hill". The good news was the hill was paved, the bad news was the hill was approximately a 40 degree angle and went on forever! I was amazed how well we did. We just kept going, one foot, one step at a time. I was so proud our our young men and women for not giving up and for their perseverance. They were amazing.

At this point it's approximately 10:00 p.m. and it is approximately where we were going to camp for the first night - HOWEVER - we were not allowed to camp at this field because of what the previous trekkers did, so we had to keep pulling for three more miles ... in the dark. Betsy brought out the lanterns and flashlights for everyone except those on the bar. She walked ahead so the people on the bar could see what was coming.

Everything we did was teamwork! Help each other!
We finally arrived at camp at 12:30 a.m., pulled out tarps and bedrolls. Boys slept on the outside of the ring of carts and girls slept on the inside. You would think everyone would have been exhausted and crashed, but girls stayed up most the night. I don't think I even slept an hour the first night.

The next day was beautiful. We got up, cooked oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast and then cleaned up camp. All Mas and Pas had a meeting about the dangerous task ahead. The kids have to take the carts up the side of a cliff. It's the steepest hill. I had faith that our leaders knew what they were doing, but I have to admit, I was extremely scared for them...one wrong move and there would be trouble.
The second day's pull was the most difficult of all pulls. It was taking the carts up the side of a cliff. The incline was approximately 55 degrees. We put two families per cart to pull them up.

Here is one family bringing the cart up a section of the big hill. Jessica is in this family.

She is photographed in the middle with the light green bonnet and cream shirt.

I am looking down on Jessica's cart as they are starting their climb up one of the toughest sections of the climb.

To get a proper perspective, look at the top of the cart in the next few pictures ... these are the kids pulling the cart at the very end of the pull up the steep hill.

See the change in height. It's extremely steep.

Hannah, Devon, Meagan, and Chris

Once on top the kids were able to get fresh cold water and catch their breath before pulling the carts back to camp. They got to explore the cliffs around them. What a sense of accomplishment. It was truly amazing to see what they were able to accomplish. No other trek had ever hiked as far as we did in one day, and no other trek had ever come up that hill.

Best Friends, Jessica and Jenny were in the same family.

Great friends: Jessica and Amanda. Amanda wasn't in their family but she visited often.

After the incredibly hard pull up the hill the kids only needed to pull the carts down (using the same path they took the night before). The Ma's and some of the young women walked down the steep hill to get the lunch started. Everything about this trek involved WORK - TEAMwork and HARDwork. I was glad to be a part of both.

That afternoon was very enjoyable. The youth attended workshops including: 1) Pioneer Games, 2) Music and Stories, and 3) Watermelon and Stats. We learned that we pulled 13.1 miles the first day. We pulled between 750-800 pounds / the carts alone were 350 pounds.

That afternoon also brought one of the most refreshing parts of the whole experience - hair washing - or "lets wash off even though we are in clothes!" I loved it. I finally didn't feel like I was covered in sweat.

Jessica and Mommy after they got their hair washed.

That felt so good.

Saturday Morning we enjoyed hot oatmeal and hot chocolate (again). Just as we were cleaning up and getting into family time - the PONY EXPRESS arrived with mail for all the youth. It was a special time. The parents of each youth were asked to write a letter to their child. Mark and I both wrote letters to Devon and Jessica. I sincerely hope they will treasure the letters.

Devon reading the letters from his parents

Jonathan Ranquist helping Mark with the fire for cooking.

The rest of the day was relaxing...for most. Some had to keep working as seen above by Mark and Jonathan. Mark was master of the coals and he would pick a different youth to help him with each meal. This time we were cooking "Caffeine Free Coke Ham" Oh - YUM! While they were preparing the fire, the rest of our family was taking down camp and returning the cart to the barn. Later we even helped take each cart apart. After our chores were done and all our stuff cleaned up, the youth got to enjoy time with each other. Below is Devon and a few friends admiring the horse from the Pony Express.

Devon admiring the horse from the Pony Express

Jessica and Amanda relaxing (in normal clothes - shame on them)

The Trek ended with a Fireside and Testimony meeting after the delicious Ham lunch. It was so touching to hear all the kids stories. We hiked up the hill and made sure each of our youth found their parents, collected our belongings - loaded up and headed out.

We left the area around 6:00 and stopped for modern food in Lexington - SUBWAY! Mark was so happy to find healthy and nutritious food. We finally got home around 9:30 p.m. We thought we would be too tired to unload and settle, but we found we had great energy.

We had missed Marissa and Robert, but were glad they had fun with their friends!

FreeZe the FEET

Robert had to get a cast put on his foot on Thursday morning.

We got some sad news about Robert last Monday, that was confirmed on Thursday. Robert has severs disease in both feet, but prominently in his right foot. Severs disease effect's kids, with a high probability in boys between the ages of 10-12 (Robert's 10) that are active and outgoing. It isn't anything terrible, but it will affect him until he finishes growing. Luckily, it can be treated and handled.

Unfortunately, the growth plate in Robert's feet is causing him pain and he started limping while playing soccer or with his friends. Then he started limping just walking around, so the doctor's had to cast his foot. Even with cast, Robert is smiling...actually I don't think he understands all that is happening right now - and that's okay. We just need him to take it easy for the next month and give his feet a chance to heal - my new pun "time to heal the heels"

Sporting the latest in Robert's foot appearal -

Thoroughbred Blue casts, accompanied by cast shoe.

A closer look

(even with the cast, his leg is thinner than mine)

Not to worry - Robert is well babied right now -

sisters and mothers to daubt on him.

Okay, this is more realistic.

Robert was home only an hour and he was already outside playing "head it catch it with his sisters. Didn't the doctor say to take it easy Robert?" mom asks. "I am, I'm not running!" Robert responds.

Heaven help me keep this boy from going crazy over the next four weeks.

He's my only child that doesn't have an off switch...(smile)

A DAY OF PLAY!

It was a great day to go to Kentucky Kingdom! Mark had the day (Friday, July 3) off in celebration on July 4th. We started the day by doing service up at the church. It was our week to clean the church with two other families from the ward. We all pitched in and the work was done with glad hearts and quick speed. "Put your shoulder to the wheel."

We were very excited to have Mark home for the day and planned a special day with him at Kentucky Kingdom. We had such a blast riding dry rides and wet rides. The favorites vary:

Robert loves Change and Tornado

Devon loves Thunder Run and T2

Marissa loves the Tornado and T2

Jessica loves them all, but if she had to chose it would be Change and Tornado

Betsy (amazingly) loves the thrill of Greezed Lightning, Chang and Tornado.

Mark loves them all!

My kids hanging upside down on Chang.

Devon is on the edge - you can see his brown "Hawaii" swim trunks.

Jessica is next to Devon with her hands in the air.

Marissa is next to Jessica (not visible), and

Robert is on the other far end with his little hands up in the air.

My kids hanging on T2:

Jessica is in the second car from the back - looking straight down at me

Devon is next to her

Mark is in the car directly in front of Jessica

Marissa is next to Mark

They love this ride!

We also rode Blizard River:

Robert grinning from ear to ear

This is probably my favorite ride because you get completely drenched!

(I'm not kidding)

What great fun:

Betsy and Jessica holding Marissa with two cute boys in front. This is a perfect picture showing what my days are usally like. Me out numbered by kids - but loving it!

After a few dry rides, we hung out at the water park. We went on Tornado as a family - two at a time. Mark and I, Jessica and Marissa, and Devon and Robert! This is one of the best rides ever! What a thrill! Mark heard me scream at levels he didn't even know existed.

After a few rides and some time in the wave pool, Betsy bought the family pizza packet...it was a feast. We ate pizza, cheese bread, salad, and drinks. There was something for everyone - Everyone was happy! (obiviously - I wasn't cooking)

Devon enjoying his lunch, or is that Devon inhaling his lunch - either way - same thing!

Robert and Mommy taking a break.

Mommy gets the chance to have her picture taken with Mark!

Rare moment - take advantage of it!

After a long and fantastic day at the park, it's time to say goodbye! Tweetie gives the kids a great big hug as we are leaving the park. How cute!

(See first photo)

Splish Splash - Pool Time

Oh - WOW! The pool felt great, especially after a long warm day! I wish I could have taken more photos, but I decided I wanted to get into the water too. It felt so good! Shauna, Marissa and Mallory and Jessica enjoying the warm water.

Mallory really liked being in the water but her twin, Preston didn't like it as much.
Marissa can finally lift Jessica (or anyone for that matter)
Thank goodness for the water!
Aren't they cute! I can't believe how fast they are growing up.


Dallin and Devon playing in the water.

This is a favorite tradition of ours. The kids love to stand on Mark's shoulders. Now that Jessica is older and stronger, we've included her in the competition (as a holder).

Marissa is on Mark's shoulders, Robert is on Jessica's.

(Mark will pay for this tomorrow - ouch)

Victory goes to Robert!

After having so much fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, and other family it was very hard to leave. Mark was able to convince the kids to get cleaned up - wouldn't you know, I was the last one in the pool. It's always me - talking. I didn't want to leave. It was just so nice to talk with Julie, Shauna, Tami, and play with the kids. Luckily, we saw Kevin and Shauna before going to IN, and we will see Tami and Steve and kids next weekend...until then. We're off.

Visiting Tami and Steve's family

Family is so very special to us, and we are extremely lucky to have Steve and Tami's family living so close in Indiana. They had moved to Georgia a few years back, but now are happily back in our neck of the woods! YEAH!

This weekend was a very special weekend for my niece's daughter, Jackie. She was getting baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This picture is taken after her baptism with her immediately family. Steve, Dallin, Jackie, and Tami.
This is a great picture of Mark with his oldest brother, Kevin

Marissa and Jackie have always been very close. Marissa loves to play with younger children, and Jackie was no exception. She would play dress up, dolls, pretend, you name it! It's so hard to believe Jackie is now 8 years old. Marissa and Jackie!

Mallory was loved and adored by all:

Jessica and Marissa with their cousin's daughter Mallory!

Trying to get a group photo is quite an accomplishment. We must have had four or five cameras that had to take a photo and 18 people in the photo! I don't know how we did it, but we did. In the photo below are Kevin and Shauna - Mark's brother and sister-in-law, their daughters Tami and Julie with their families respectively, and Mark and his family. Tami is the oldest in the family followed by Julie. Scott and Julie drove down from Brighton, MI with their four children (two sets of twins) for the special day!

All the Lowes!

Devon and Dallin have been best buds since the day they met. Dallin is just one year younger than Devon. I love seeing them together. They are very good for each other.

I don't know why this photo is so small, but it is - so there's nothing I can do...It's so cute though I wanted to include it. I am holding Mallory and she is leaning over to give her Grandpa (Kevin) a kiss. It's so cute!

I love this photo of Mark and I

I can't believe I can't get it to enlarge...(help)

If I didn't have Mallory, Jessica and Marissa did. Here's Jessica enjoying the fun of a toddler baby girl.

Marissa loved playing with Mallory too! She is all pinked out!

At the end of the Harry Potter Clue Game;

I am going to guess Robert won!

The right to seniority! Mark and his brother relaxing and enjoying some free time.

The kitchen help - Tami, Betsy and Cherri

After we cleaned everything up - we all went to the pool - continued in the next blog...