Today is a Special Day

On this Date 18 years ago, a very special event took place for Mark and Betsy. They were married for all time and eternity in the Washington DC Temple. The celebrated later that evening with a reception at the Tyson Corner's Marriott. Trust
Adoring Love

"And they lived Happily Ever After ..."

18 years later....

Today I celebrated our 18th anniversary of being married to Mark! What a wonderful accomplishment. I know for some that is a small number - ie: compared to my grandma that was married to my grandpa for 64 years (when he passed away) but to me it is wonderful.

This isn't to say that we haven't had to face many challenges in our married years ... everyone does (at least I think so), but it means our love and our commitment to the things we promised each other 18 years ago still has the same meaning it did when we were so crazy in love with each other. Life has set in and we can't "Be with each other every minute of the day" (not that we ever could before), but our love is still just as strong - it's just seen in different ways - how we can help each other, understand each other, needs, changes, etc. etc. etc.

I am so blessed. I came from a family life that involved a divorce when I was six - then my parents remarried when I was seven and were sealed to each other in the Lord's Temple when I was eight. Unfortunately, things happened that caused them to separate when I was 14 and divorce again by 15. Each went their own ways that time. Each married someone else and live(d) a happy life.

I am so grateful to have Mark as my husband. He is so kind and thoughtful, caring and helpful. He's faithful and obedient to his (our) religion. He is a great father, too! He's grounded and realistic - while I'm enthusiastic and reaching for the star. We balance each other in almost every aspect of life.

I love you, Mark!

Fall at the Lowes

Fall is a challenging time for us. Robert loves soccer so he plays on a premier team that practices two times a week plus has games on Saturday. Marissa runs Cross Country for the middle school which requires her to attend three practices a week plus meets on Saturday. Then add in the usual stuff - Young Mens, Young Womens, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts ... homework, chores, family prayer, family scriptures, etc ... (and that's just the kids schedule).

Now add into the mix the things Betsy and Mark has responsibilities for like, PTSA, AMI, missionary work, VT, HT, yard work, laundry, personal scriptures, personal prayers, cleaning, etc...well you get the idea.

I just want to find time to feed the kids dinner...(yikes)

Yes, life in August, September and October is a bit "busy" if not "crazy" around here. Sometimes there are two or three events on the same night, but with only two drives and sometimes Mark is out of town.

I'm so grateful for friends that like to car pool - Marissa has a car pool for XC so I only drive one day a week (plus meets), and I have a car pool for Robert - yeah! I drive one day a week there too (plus games and tournaments). Even with great friends helping, it still seems there isn't enough time in the day to have one on one time with each of the kids, get homework done, get house work done, and enjoy a moment or two before continuing with the adult responsibilities.

The strange thing is that I sometimes have NOTHING to do during the day - it's the evenings that are killer.

Just so you know - I am not complaining. I really enjoy and encourage my kids to be involved in activities or sports. It's a very good thing for them to be involved and contributing to something outside the home or the church. We've made so many wonderful friends this way!

It's just very busy in the evenings this time of year!

Court of Honor

This is Devon's Boy Scout Troop. They are a great group of boys! I love them all. Several of them are working towards the rank of Eagle. Devon earned 6 merit badges at this Court of Honor and now has absolutely nothing left to do for the rank of Eagle except his Eagle project!
Boys in back: Michael Sampson, Chris Cease, Will Gabay, Sam Matheson, Ethan Hansen, and Devon Lowe.
in front: Jacob Matheson, Hunter Tippetts, Seth Orr, Ephriam Hansen, and Ruston Tippetts.

Devon Lowe - 8/19/09 - Life Scout:

Goal - Eagle Scout by the time he's 15

Third Game of the Season

Robert loves his new white jerseys.

He loves to play soccer.

He loves his teammates.

He loves the game, his coach and the action.

I love watching him play,

doing the play by play in my head (and sometimes outload)

and taking tons of photos.

Robert advancing on the ball

setting up to deflect a header

I love action shots!

Second Game of the Season

Second game of the season went much better than the first, but it was still a loss. Poor guys.
The thing I don't like about taking pictures at a soccer game is that you hardly ever get a great face shot...it's always their back side...In case you hadn't noticed, Robert's number is 26.

Robert receiving the ball from a throw in.

Deflecting a corner kick - Robert on the far right.
Robert on the move again.

FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON

Robert's new tean:

Thoroughbred U11 A-Team (Blue) Back: Coach Rock Thompson

Middle: Noah Wilcox, Parker Vicich, Matthew Morris, Mason Rice, Ben Carper, Max Kaywork, and Logan Hardin.

Front: Andrew Dean, Eric Kirby, Tyler Scholton, Jackson Geers, and Robert Lowe

Our first game of the season was on 8/15/09 in Cincinnati at the Cincinnati United Cup. The boys were all very excited to play together for the first time as a team, however - they had only practiced together twice (one time with others). This would be their first game officially playing 8v8.

Robert making a move on the ball

Robert in motion for a hard kick up field


Racing back on defense

Girl Scout Back to School Party

Girl Scouts know how to start school right - with a pool party on a beautiful day! August 13, 2009, Marissa's Girl Scout Troop held their troop party. They waited all summer to do this so that EVERY girl in the troop could be there. It was too special to have anyone miss out.

Here are the girls: Morgan Uberti, Lucy Sweetall, Emma Brazeau, Carly Rice, Marissa Lowe, Caroline Sadlo, Sarah Foye, Erin Olssen, and Meghan Lee (Katie Rose didn't get off the bus with the rest of the girls, but came later). First the girls divoured FOOD: pepperoni and cheese pizza, bread sticks, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, Qdoba quesadeas, chips and salsa, pretzels, fruit and veggies, cookies and M&Ms, and more...

It was a FEAST!

Next, they enjoyed the pool and bouncy...for hours ... they played in one or the other.

Marissa on the diving board

Then the girls were given their "End of Year" rewards, gifts and prizes for selling cookies and providing service as needed. Each girl was given sunscreen, nail polish, lip gloss and a $30 gift card to the Summit. The girls were also given $10 in "Dare to Care" food to donate to the food bank, and $20 in toys to donate to a charitable organization that collects them (Kosairs Children's hospital, Toys for Tots, Fire station, Police station). They were so surprised!

Back: Marissa Lowe, Caroline Sadlo, Erin Olssen, Lucy Sweetall, Betsy Lowe (Leader), Anne Foye (Leader), Morgan Uberti & Emma Brazeau

Front: Katie Rose, Sarah Foye, Meghan Lee and Carly Rice


Everyone enjoyed the day: The party was a BIG SUCCESS!

Back: Meghan Lee, Katie Rose, Lucy Sweetall, Emma Brazeau & Sarah Foye
Front: Marissa Lowe, Erin Olssen, Morgan Uberti, Carly Rice and Caroline Sadlo

This was my last activity as a Girl Scout Leader. I have been a Co-leader or Leader of this troop since they started Kindergarten - they are now entering 7th grade. It is so hard to let the troop go, but each of the girls are very busy with other things. I love each of these girls so much and hope that they will continue to work towards earning their GOLD.

Marissa earned her Bronze - 2008

Erin earned her Bronze - 2008

First Day of School

The First day of school was Wednesday, August 12 - for some reason it seemed like it came early - but it was the same time that it is every year since moving to Kentucky - always the second Wednesday of the month. Summer seemed so short this year - I was glad for the kids to get some better structure and routine back in their life, and to get back into learning (not wasting time), but I really am sad to have them gone. We had a great summer together!

This year Jessica is a Junior, Devon is a Freshman, Marissa is in 7th grade and Robert is in 5th. This is the last year for Robert to be in elementary school and consiquently - my last year of having a child in elementary school. NO WAY! How can that be...

Jessica and Devon take an early morning religion class called Seminary every day (Monday - Friday) from 6:50 - 7:45. They left too early for me to get photos...

Here is first day photos of Robert and Marissa! Marissa - starting 7th Grade at North Oldham Middle School

Robert and Marissa on the first day - waiting for the bus

Robert is going into 5th grade at Goshen Elementary School

Mommy and Robert waiting for the bus at the end of our driveway.

8/12/09

MY MOM

HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF MY MOM

Going to Toledo

On Thursday, August 6 (only 6 days before school starts) we drove up to Toledo, Ohio to see my Grandma Rennhack and to surprise my dad (going for his 50th high school reunion).

For me it was very special because I got to see very special family members that I rarely can see.

1) Here we are with My Grandma, Vera I. Rennhack that lives there

Devon (14), Jessica (16), Mommy, Grandma Rennhack (turning 90 this year),
Marissa (12) and Robert (10)

Jessica, Marissa and Jern Jern

Most of the time that we visit Grandma (great grandma to the kids) we stay at her condo and visit. She tells us stories from the past and we review photos of my ancestors. She has an amazing collection of photos. We like to take her out to eat at Cracker Barrell, but she always insists on taking the bill (I've got to find a way around that -there are far more of us than there are of her). We were able to visit with her on Friday as well and went to dinner at Bob Evans. The best part about being with grandma is learning so much about my family on my mom's side, and just being with her. I hate that she lives all alone now. She doesn't want to leave Toledo - it's all she's really ever known.

We also got to visit with my dad and Alison. They were visiting from Phoenix Arizona for his 50th high school reunion.

Betsy, Jessica, Betsy's dad, Marissa, Alison, Robert and Devon

Jern Jern and Betsy

While visiting with my Dad and Alison we went to the landmark of the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It was a battle in the war of 1812 that turned the war in the favor of the US. It was the first battle that the US were victorious over the Indians because a tornado went through the valley the night before the battle and tore all the timber down. Hence the "Battle of Fallen Timber"

Devon, Robert, Marissa and Jessica standing in front of a momument dedicated to the Native American Tribes that used to occupy the land.

We drove to the Ottawa Hills Cemetery to see the grave sites of my Great grandma Eva Grace Simmons and my grandparents on my dad's side: Edwin and Dorcas Lingel.

We then drove to Toledo Memorial Cemetary to see the burial sites of the Rennhack family and the Deakins family. The Deakins are my mother's mother's family and the Rennhack's are my mother's father's side of the family.

JERN JERN GOES TO KENTUCKY KINGDOM

On Wednesday, August 5th we took Seth and Jenny Orr and Jern Jern to Kintucky Kingdom! Whay a BLAST! My kids love Kentucky Kingdom! Jessica (16) & Jenny (16)
Seth & Robert in the front car -
Marissa and Jern Jern in the second car

Jern Jern (16) and Marissa (12) at Kentucky Kingdom

Our group (minus Devon whom is taking the photo)

Jenny Orr, Jessica, Mommy,

Robert is in front of Mommy, Seth, Marissa and Jern Jern.

Seth Orr and Robert on the Breath Taker

Marissa and Jern Jern on Breath Taker

Jern Jern, Jenny, Jessica and Marissa on Chang!

IT WAS A FANTASTIC DAY!

PLAYING THAGRA

Before Jern Jern came she asked if there was anything she could bring from Thailand for us. Since Mark served his mission there, he wanted to see if she could bring a Thagra ball. He used to play Thagra when he was there. Getting the ball with his foot
Jessica heading the ball

Mark heading the ball

This ball with bring hours of great fun to the Lowe family

MEET JERN JERN

Hello, This is Jern Jern - she is our new daughter for the next year...

Technically we are a host family for her as a foreign exchange student from Thailand. We are so happy to have her in our home. She is 16 years old. She will be attending North Oldham High School with Jessica and Devon. She is so friendly and helpful.

She arrived on Thursday, July 30 at 3:26 p.m. at Louisville International Airport. She had been traveling since Sunday. Thailand to Japan ... Japan to Chicago ... Chicago to New York ... she stayed in NY for a day for orientation ... New York back to Chicago ... Chicago to Louisville.

That's a lot of flying!

When she got here she stayed up the first day, but she went to bed around 2:00 p.m. on the second day and didn't wake up until 6:00 a.m. the next day. She needed her sleep.

She fits right into the family. Marissa and Robert have really bonded with her. She has a younger brother and sister back in Thailand so I imagine they are a way to help her feel better about being so far away.

For several years and for many more to come we eat Thai food on Sunday. On her first Sunday here she went to church with us and then Jern Jern helped cook the Thai dinner. She brought some "real" Thai food with her - it was delicious.

Jern Jern cooking Namtok to go with dinner!

Welcome Jern Jern to our FAMILY! We love having you here!

The Thorne's come to Visit!

We love having friends come to visit - and it's extra special when it's friends we've had for seven years. Kathy, Susannah and Scarlett Thorne came to visit us from Winston Salem, NC. We enjoyed every minute with them.

Marissa and Scarlett have been friends since Marissa started Kindergarten. It is so strange to see these two little girls grow up to be beautiful young women. Scarlett and Marissa are just like sisters - they loved to play and do the same things (that's why they get along so well).

Marissa (12), Scarlett (11) and Robert (10) being silly

Kathy is and will always be one of my very best friends. We made an instant friendship when we moved here, having her girls and my girls be close in ages and having similar situations with our husbands traveling so much. It was a perfect match. Since we share the same opinion on so many issues - it was an instant connection and friendship that has not only lasted the test of time, but also of distance. We missed their family so much when they moved away.
Kathy and Betsy at Longhorn's for dinner

Jessica and Susannah are more than best friends, they are soul mates. Ever since they met, there was a magic connection between the two of them. They giggle and snicker at all the same things; they are connected on almost every level. It's so nice when you find a friend that you can stay close to year after year, home away from home.


Susannah (15) and Jessica (16) - together again!

Scarlett and Marissa - are they sisters or friends - or both?

Back: Jessica, Susannah and Devon

Middle: Marissa and Scarlett

Front: Robert

While in Kentucky we took them to Kentucky Kingdom. When they lived here, we used to go together all the time. We were able to do almost every ride and roller coaster. These guys are so funny - after eating a multi colored icee, Marissa and Susannah are showing off their colors.

Marissa, Scarlett, Devon and Susannah sharing massive icees!

BACK AT KENTUCKY KINGDOM

Marissa, Devon, Susannah, Jessica, Robert and Scarlett

taking a refreshment break before more rides!

STEAK AND SHAKE!

Friends forever -

Jessica, Susannah and Devon

Actually, Devon got along with everyone really well. He and Susannah are actually closer in age than Jessica, but Devon used to have no interest in girls. This visit the three of them had some really great laughs together! Great times - great memories!

Jessica and Susannah being silly -

this is what Chocolate Chip Milk Shakes do to teenage girls!
As a thank you for coming - Betsy bought the group matching Kentucky Kingdom tee shirts. Here is everyone modeling their new awesome shirts!

Marissa, Jessica, Susannah, and Scarlett