Oaks Day in Kentucky

The Friday before the Kentucky Derby is called Oaks Day. The horses from Kentucky run a "Derby" race. It's is such a festive event.

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Derby Cup game 4 - Championship game

Just as the game started the rain started to pour. It was the sign of not good things to come.

Right off the bat the other team scored. Robert had played this team two years ago for State championship - they were at least a head taller, and a leg faster. It was the game a boy was yellowed carded for fouling Robert in the goal box.

New found freedom

Hi,

Well, after nearly 12 weeks, I have my first day off from subbing. At first I was very sad to say good bye to the kids I'd been teaching for the past 12 weeks, but on Wednesday morning - when I went back to bed after family scripture reading - I felt great. Even though it was only for a short nap - it felt great!!!

I had a jam packed day of places to go, things to get done. It felt like my life had been on hold for such a long time - and now it's time to catch up.

Three Day camping trip for Devon

Devon went with his Scout Troop and Varsity Team on a repelling trip at Red River Gorge, KY. They had a fabulous time. This was Devon's second time repelling and so he was much more comfortable with the activity. They left on Thursday after work, camped and then hiked over to the repelling site.

Charles Cease, Riley Burton, Chris Cease, Rustin Tippetts, Hunter Tippetts, and Devon Lowe camping in Red River Gorge, KY.

"Who wants to have fun?"

Devon ready to start his decent.

They hiked, camped, repelled, cooked their own food and somehow survive for the three days. So proud of all the boys that went on the trip - way to go!!!

4/24/10 - Day of Service at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve

What an amazing experience.

Photos and journaling coming.

Derby Cup game 3 - vs Boco

Another great game - the boys won 4-0.

Robert played mostly a defense game, but still had one shot. He also had one save.

Blast from the past

A very good friend, well actually it is the mother of a very good friend sent me photos from long ago when I was in middle school. I loved seeing these photos. What an amazing trip back in time.

I am the one in red an the left back side. My little sister Kirstie is in front of me in baby blue, and my sister Sandy is on the far right in red.

My sisters and I on a trip up the mountain with the Mowers. I am standing, wearing blue.

This is what it looked like where I grew up during my middle school years. I honest and truly grew up in the middle of a desert in the middle of nowhere.

I am on the left and my best friend, Ginny is on the right.

We are hanging out at her pool.

Ginny and I at her pool.

I made my own swimsuit.

I really liked that I made it,

But I was self-conscious that it wasn't as pretty as a store bought suit.

Dear Sister Mower,

Thank you so much for sharing the memories! I love them!

Derby Cup continues with success

Robert's team wins by a landslide 7-1.

I forgot to bring new batteries - so I have no photos! BOO!

Robert played well, but mostly in helping others have success. He had one shot, though his position was mainly defense.

Worldwide LDS Day of Service

photos and report to come.

Derby Cup begins on a great note

Robert with the ball on the side line.

getting in position to assist

winning a 1 v 1 situation

another shot on goal by Max

One of the great things about playing soccer in Kentucky is the Derby Cup. Every year around Derby time, the Thoroughbred Soccer Association hosts the Derby Cup. Robert loves it.

Our first game was against United Navy 99 on 4/23/10. We played on a beautiful Friday night.

Robert's team won 5-0. Robert had three shots, scored one goal, and one assist.

Day of Service coming up soon

I'm so excited for the Ward's community DAY OF SERVICE project that we are doing at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Goshen, KY.

My kids run cross country and track at Creasey, Robert and Devon camp at Creasey, we play soccer at Creasey...and so do so many other families and organizations in the community.

This coming Saturday, we are organizing a Day of Service. We will finish building and expanding a pavilion with shelter for the runners; staining picnic tables, painting fences, arbors, dugouts, and outside doors; painting the inside of the field house; planting 500 flowers; planting 200 trees, tuck pointing (filling in concrete in holes in walls), mulching and trail maintenance.

We are expecting 200 volunteers. Betsy is the volunteer and media coordinator. Mark and Darrell Hanson are overseeing the entire project. We have team leaders over each project - it's wonderful. Everyone is doing there part and more!

Now, we just need to get the rain forecast to go away!

Athletes = Trip to the Physical Therapist

I don't know what is it about my kids, but I seem to spend more time at the PT office than I would like.

Robert's severe's disease has kicked back in - really giving him a painful time in his feet. He is now in orthodics, icing his feet three times a day and exercising at home regularly with his PT drill.

Jessica's knee has patella tendonitis, but we also found out she requires orthodics (the expensive kind since she has stopped growing). Her issues are a little more complicated...YUCK!

You know the song - the foot bone's connected to the leg bone, the leg bone's connected to the knee bone, the knee bone's connected to the ... and so on... well, that's why there is such a bigger problem with Jessica's situation. Feet problems, causing knee problems compounded with knee problems - all causing leg/hip problems.

It will all work out!

High Jump - PR for Jessica

Jessica set a new PR of 4'7" at the Oldham County All comer.

Unfortunately, she has developed patella tendonitis. YUCK!

New First for Devon

Devon has watched the members of his family, one by one, end up in a splint or a cast. Jessica has broken her fingers 4 times playing basketball, Marissa has had two broken arms in two years, Betsy's finger broke playing soccer, Mark had shoulder issues and Robert ended up in a cast from Severe's Disease.

Devon escaped all calamity --- that is until Saturday night.

While playing on the trampoline - oh by the way, the kids bought themselves a new trampoline - Robert accidentally fell on Devon's face - braking his nose. Devon screamed in pain, and held his hand to catch the (well you know).

When the doctor came back from looking at the x-rays he said these words, "there is a crack in the nose, but it is in alignment, which is good." Devon hearing this thought he didn't have a broken nose. He says, "Yes, it's not broken!!!" The doctor corrects him, "crack, break, fracture - it's all the same thing - a broken bone." "NOOOOO!" exclaimed Devon in disgust.

It took over a week to convince Devon a fracture, crack and break all mean the same thing in medical terms. He can be that that way.

Well, he is now on his way to a nice recovery. Luckily, the break was in a straight line and kept proper alignment.

Get well soon, Devon - We love you!

Robert's so sorry!

Jern Jern's Baptism - Sunday 4/11/10

What a beautiful day - in every sense of the word. Jern Jern's smile was from ear to ear. She looks so happy and at peace. She has been looking forward to the date with excitement and a bit of nervousness for a few weeks.

We are all so happy for her and her decision to be baptized. I know this will bring her and her family great happiness and joy as she lives the commandments and serves the Lord.

Jern Jern's program went as follows:

hymn: Choose the Right

Jessica said the opening prayer

Sister Hick gave a talk on baptism

Robert and Marissa bore their testimonies

Mark baptized Jern Jern (in Thai language)

Betsy gave a talk on the Holy Ghost

Alison Nixon welcomed Jern Jern into Young Womens (youth leader)

Vicki O'Brien welcomed Jern Jern into Young Womens (adult leader)

Bishop Eric Hicks welcomed Jern Jern into the Ward and church

hymn: I am a Child of God

Devon said the closing prayer

Before Jern Jern's baptism we gave her a CTR (Choose the Right) ring - hope she likes it!

Jern Jern after her baptism (in the water)

Mark said the prayer in Thai. Jern Jern had to be baptized three times. The first time Mark's hand was up, the second time her dress came up, the third time was perfect!

The water was a bit too warm (or should I say hot)...

After the Baptism!!

Jern Jern and Jessica

Looking beautiful

Betsy, Marissa, Jern Jern and Jessica after the baptism - 4/11/10

Back: Jessica, Betsy, Mark, Devon, Elder T...., Elder Stauffer

Front: Jern Jern, Marissa, Robert and Elder Sessions

Jern Jern will receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost next week in Sacrament meeting.

Third leg of Triple Crown

On Saturday, April 3 Mark ran the last leg of the Triple Crown. The Papa John 10 mile run! So proud of him!

Mark did so good - he finished 10 miles in one hour and 21 minutes and 29 seconds. And still had energy to spare.

It was a beautiful course through a park, but it was a very hilly course!

Congrats to Mark - again!!!

Spring Break - NASHVILLE, TN

For FUN, I took the kids to Nashville, TN over Spring Break. It's only a short drive from where we live. We thought it would be good to take Jern Jern to a city she hadn't seen (and probably wouldn't while in America).

We started the day with lunch at an old favorite, the Rainforest Cafe'. Jessica, Devon, Marissa and Robert remember going to the Rainforest Cafe' in Las Vegas, but only Jessica and Devon remembered going to the Rainforest Cafe' back in Tyson Corner, VA.

We had so much fun admiring the surroundings and the delicious food. Unfortunately, Jern Jern didn't like her meal.




I think the kids like the gift shop more than the restaurant!

Next stop - Opreyland Hotel. It is gorgeous . The kids loved touring the gardens.

Marissa, Jern Jern and Jessica in front of the waterfall.

Total Fun! Jessica - Robert - Devon - on one railing

Jern Jern and Marissa on the other.

I love this photo of Jessica.

The kids at Opreyland.

2010 Girls Basketball Banquet

On March 31, 2010, the girls basketball team held their "End of Season" Banquet. It was so nice. The event was catered by Qdoba - the girl's favorite.

Jessica was awarded with "All Tournament" player, and "Best Defensive Player of the year!"

Jessica with the Head Coach, Nancy Martin

The starting line up - missing Lucy Gibson: Olivia Raffli, Nicole Bryant, Jessica Lowe and Amanda Mattern
The best team ever! Nicole Walton, Olivia Raffli, Amanda Bryant, Nicole Bryant, Claire Sinnott, Jessica Lowe and Amanda Mattern.

The team finished 14-10. Great season!!! The first winning season in NOHS history!

Easter 2010

This Easter was so special because we had Jern Jern with us. This was her first Easter.

In the morning the kids found their Easter candy. Because it was General Conference, we were able to stay home and watch Conference from our computers.

Betsy cooked the traditional (and delicious) ham dinner. Spiral sliced honey baked ham with a glaze, rolls, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, and salads. Dessert was the kids favorite - ice cream!

Devon (15), Jern Jern (17), Jessica (17), Robert (11), and Marissa (13)

Awaiting the dinner!

Betsy wanted pictures of everyone.

Jern Jern took a picture of us (so I could be in the photo!)

Back: Betsy, Devon and Jessica

Front: Marissa, Mark and Robert

The most amazing and particular moment of Easter is the atoning sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross.