GLEN OAKS LADIES

My Neighborhood Friends!

Paula's friend, Paula, Maureen, Me, Anne, Marilyn, and Fran

(Kelly missing)

Awkward - to say the least

Okay, Today I am driving home on the interstate - get to my off ramp and see someone ahead of me chuck their aluminum can out the passenger window over the car to the grass.

I can't stand people that litter. They are lazy, disrespectful and disobedient to the law. Our world is already a mess of trash - we don't need jerks adding to it.

Second, I spent months collecting aluminum cans from the sides of road to help Devon with his Eagle project. They litter almost every road. I am sick of it...

Well, I pull up to the car and immediately (almost without looking at them) say, "I am reporting you for littering." As soon as I say it, I see that the driver and the passengers are several of Jessica's classmates. I wouldn't call them friends, but they know each other - actually I know them from basketball, cross country and track. YIKES!

I know they recognize me as well. AWKWARD! What do I do?

6-5-4-3-2-1

My life broken into numbers:

6 sports

5 hours sleep

4 kids

3 cars

2 pets

1 crazy mom!

explanation:

6 - (Jessica - b-ball, Devon - XC, Marissa - XC, Robert - XC and two soccer teams)

5 - (while Mark is out of town)

Mockingbird Tournament - game 3

Last game of the Mockingbird Cup. It was early in the morning and under 60*F. We played against Zion Soccer Club from Indianapolis, IN. I was amazed at the size of most of the opponents U13 players...huge. One, #6 was so tall, Robert came up to his chest line.

Robert played defense the entire game. He would creep up into the play. For the first half of the game we were chomping at their goal the whole time. It was aggressive and strong. We scored first making it 1-0 at half.

For the second half we scored another goal and then they scored off a penalty kick from the side. Somehow (again) near the end of the game, they score again to tie up the game. Final score 2-2.

Second half - defending a corner kick. Robert is matched up with #99

Robert on the move

Chef Betsy

This is so funny and doesn't have anything to do with today, but I thought I should include it in my blog for the years ahead, when I will come back to this and read about this year....

Marissa has some wonderful friends at school that she runs cross country with. They are lucky to have lunch together. Well, near the end of last year we started sending pasta with sauce in Marissa's lunches. It smelled so good, her friends wanted to taste it. They liked the taste so much, they started to ask Marissa to bring extra so they could have some. Honest...

Okay, well, so that Marissa could have enough to eat (she is a growing girl and needs a full lunch), I started making enough pasta for all the girls. I sent in four individual containers at a time. The girls love me and ask me to send "Marissa's Mom's pasta" in every week. It's hilarious.

To Sarah, Kelsey, Kinsey, Mallory and Marissa - enjoy your pasta!

Exhaustion strikes

It's official...I'm exhausted. After Mark being gone 4 out of the last 5 weeks. What does 6 sports teams, 5 hours of sleep a night, 4 kids, 3 cars, and 2 pets add up to ... if you said ONE EXHAUSTED MAMA - you are correct.

I guess it's survival, because I just keep going, like the Ever Ready Bunny, but now that Mark is back and we had time to relax on Saturday afternoon, my body just felt exhausted. I had chills and felt hot at the same time. I just didn't feel right.

Thank goodness exhaustion is easily cured with lots of water and rest.

Time to play

Saturday night was the best. I felt so happy for Robert. Robert's best and longest friend in Kentucky came to see him play at the second game. Robert and Aaron played the rest of the day together. They had such a great time.

Since Aaron plays on the Legends team, and Robert plays JSC and runs cross country they rarely have time for just pure "boy" time.

It made my heart fill with joy to know Robert and Aaron could have some "real fun" time together.

Mockingbird Tournament - game 2

same day - game 2: 2:50 p.m. against LSA East

LSA East is ranked in the top division - JSC Red is ranked in the third division. This ought to be interesting.

This game started out just like the first game. We looked strong, good and connected. Robert was back on defense - like he has been for the past few games. He had to play up against some very large, aggressive forwards. At the end of the first half LSA had scored one on us. It was an unlucky play - our goalie fell going for the ball and missed - the ball was tapped in.

Not a problem - we can get that back. We look pretty good.

Robert being tripped by the LSA player

Robert racing to cut off a pass

Robert racing back to get on defense

Robert squaring up against #17

In the second half the other team came out strong, while our mid-field stood around watching the ball, but we had amazing defense so we held them. Second goal was by Ben #98 on our team. We are now tie. It was a very physical game with two of our players receiving yellow cards: Harrison and Drew. In the end, the other team scored a goal. Final score 2-1 loss.

Robert, Butch, Ross had an amazing game - great defense.

Mockingbird Tournament - game 1

9/25/10 - Bright and early Saturday morning with the sun just lighting up the fields at Bullitt Estates, 16 anxious soccer players arrive ready to win three games, advancing to the finals.

Their first game against Indianapolis Revolution stated at 9:10 a.m on the back fields. It was an evenly matched game; both sides attacking, both sides defending - good teamwork. At half time the score was 0-0.

Love this shot - look at that stride

Keeping an eye on the ball

Robert passing the ball upfield

Robert dribbling the ball to open space

Robert defending the ball

Robert anticipating a header - he nailed it!

Robert had a great game. He played almost every minute and made great passes and connections. It isn't easy for him to stay on defense all the time - he likes to be up in the front as well.

The game didn't end the same way. We scored on them, and then the other team scored one. With about seven minutes left in the game, the other team scored a second goal. We spent the rest of the game trying to play catch up instead of playing soccer. We lost 2-1.

Marissa medals at Dunbar Invitational

9/25/10 - What a crazy day. Marissa had to be at the Dunbar Invitational in Lexington, KY while Devon had to be at the Hillbilly Run in Bardstown, KY and Robert had two soccer games in Louisville, KY all around the same time on the same day. YIKES! so ... this is how it went down...

1) Devon went on the bus with his team, check - he runs at 9:30 a.m.

2) Mommy took Robert to his game, he had to be there by 8:10, game time 9:10 a.m.

3) Daddy drove Marissa to Lexington for her race; they left at 8:30 to be there by 9:45 to race at 11:20 a.m.

This is the first 4K of the season. Marissa is a little nervous about running the longer distance, but longer distances have always been her forte. Today was no exception ... as a matter of face ... it was an amazing race. Marissa already got a PR on her first 4K race, and medaled as the 5th runner for her team, and 11th overall. She ran a 4K (2.5 ish mile) in 17:03 but the times were a little off - scoring her at 17:11. That's okay. Her best time last year was 17:35 which won her 2nd place in the State Championship Open Race (this time was better than all but 2 runners on her CC team that went to the official race). WATCH out for Marissa - she is on fire.

Her favorite memory of this race, is that the runner actually had to jump over a "horse jump" while running the race.

The Dunbar took place in Lexington, while the 2010 World Equestrian games took place. The course had to be moved a bit, to accommodate.

WAY TO GO MARISSA!!!

Hillbilly CC meet - Devon

9/25/2010 - Devon woke early, was at the school by 6:30 and boarded the bus by 6:45 am for Nelson County's Hillbilly Run. The run didn't actually start until 9:30, but it take approximately 1 1/2 hours to get there.

It was a very busy day for our family - Marissa had a race in Lexington, Devon in Bardstown, and Robert had two games in Louisville. The problem for Devon's parents were - three events, three cities, two parents...what to do.

Since Devon had a bus to his meet and he being the eldest, he went to the meet without parents (boo). Luckily, several of the boys were in the same situation, so Devon was with Josh and other friends.

Devon had an amazing race. Actually the whole team did. The JV team took first place winning with a perfect score - 15. Devon was the 10th runner to cross the line. Not the 10th runner for his team, but he was number 10. What was amazing was runners 1-9 were also North Oldham HS. There were more hills in this course - everyone's times were a little higher. Devon finished in 19:03.

I am so proud of him for following our advise even though we weren't there. He kept a great pace and placed in the top 10. WAY TO GO!!!!

No photos (unhappy)

Robert's 9th Game JSC vs Legends - second game

Another tie is how it ended, but that's not how it was played.

9/20/10 - Monday night soccer game.

This game (almost the entire game) was played in the middle of the field. There were very few shots from our team or there team. There were lots of saves from both teams.

I don't know why, but I never take a picture of the big action moment - I guess I am watching it without being tainted by viewing it through a lens. I missed getting pictures of Robert on the night Robert had a HUGE game. Robert was right defense again.

This was a crazy night. To start with the Legends started with 12 players on the field and scored in the first five minutes (with the 12 players on the field). I wrote down all the jersey numbers (11,12,5,23,20,8,14,6,10,9,80,and 32 was goalie); that's 12. WOW...talk about not fair. Oh well, let's get it back.

Their one goal was a long ball that bounced over Robert's head, and Ross advanced too far out of the box, bouncing over him as well. It was such an unlucky situation.

The first half ended us down one goal (that goal). The second half was more heated. We were determined to score. Ben scored the first goal on a foul inside the box - PK. Big victory for our boys. The second goal came shortly after with Ross dribbling the ball upfield and passing to Ben, Ben scoring. Great teamwork. After that, it went crazy. Robert had two HUGE saves ... he took a line drive straight to the chest (mid air to block a goal), and he headed another line drive out of the box. He went down on each save, but was back up (making mom feel better). Well, with (according to my stopwatch) no time on the clock (3 minutes over) the other team scored from the other side.

Game ended a tie: 2-2, but I know they didn't earn the first goal, and they didn't earn the second goal. Oh well!

Stake Conference

Sunday, September 19

Today was Stake Conference. What a great conference it was. As the speakers expounded on their talks, I felt like I could relate to everything they said. The Stake Primary President spoke about the importance of what we learn in Primary - all I could think about was how, when I had drifted away from the church (for a short while) it was the memory of the things that I learned in Primary that brought me back. The saying is true: Everything you need to know you learn in Primary. I also thought of how it was while I was only four years old that a dear friend, Stephanie Doorman shared the gospel with me by inviting me to Primary. She set a course of action that changed my life forever.

Another speaker spoke on the power of prayer - not just that the Lord answers our prayers but that we need to express gratitude unto the Lord for when he does help us. I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift to how I felt when I suspected Devon of having Autism. How I prayed to the Lord with my whole heart. I NEVER prayed for the Lord to heal him, but rather for the Lord to guide and direct me to do and say the things that would help Devon become all that the Lord wanted Devon to become. As the days, weeks, months and years have gone on in my sweet boys life - I have always - EVERY NIGHT, given thanks for the things we have learned, for keeping my family safe, for protecting them at school, for giving them such wonderful teachers and church leaders, etc. You know I NEVER prayed for a miracle but I received many in return. Devon would never be considered Autistic today (although there are times :)) and my family has been so blessed by the love and protection of the Lord. We have so much to be grateful for.

We also heard from the Patriarchs and the Mission Presidency. I asked Devon and Marissa to pay careful attention to the words of the Patriarch. They will be receiving their blessings soon.

I left the conference feeling more than spiritually fed; I felt solidified in my testimony of the Gospel and the proof of it in my life and the lives of my family. What a blessing to be a member of this church.

High School at the Trinity meet

Saturday, September 18 Devon's Cross Country team ran in the Trinity Meet held at Tom Sawyer Park. It is a nationally recognized course that draws superb competitors. Devon ran in the JV race that started at 9:15 - it was nearly perfect conditions.Before every race the boys; Varsity and JV huddle and do a cheer! It's great bonding!

About a mile and a half into the race you can see the runners. Devon was going so face I couldn't focus my camera fast enough. All I got was a semi-side shot.

Then around the 2 mile mark, Devon had almost caught up to Jordan Yates. Wow, he is really focus and has a very determined look on his face.
Devon at the finish. OH MY GOODNESS. At first I couldn't believe it...he was the 5th runner for his JV team and he not only got a PR, but he ran a 5K (3.1 miles) in 18:47 minutes. AMAZING!!!

He ran the best race so far. He was focused and driven. He knew what to do and how to keep going. I am so proud of him.

Later that day, I took Marissa, Robert and Devon out to The Grill for lunch and Dairy Queen for a Blizzard treat - they deserved it.

Middle School Trinity Meet

Friday, September 17 was a perfect day for cross country. The Trinity Invitational is one of the best in the state because it is an approved nationally accredited course. It has hills but not steep hard hills. Before the race I was able to catch Marissa with her cross country friends:Left: Kelsey Hall, Erin Edmondson, Christina Ausley, Amber, Caitlyn Roberts, Mallory Price, Kenzie, Kelsey Wohlgemuth, Sarah Carey, Marissa, Trina and Allison Teasdale. They have so much fun together and really push each other. Not show: Katie Walker and Jesse Sanders.Robert ran a great race. He had to run in the 5th/6th grade race which was a 2K. He came in 20th place, only _______ minutes. Only the top 20 receiving medals. AWESOME!!

Robert, after the race with a bunch of 6th grade friends from the team: Robert, ?, Tyler Scholten, Jackson Fithian, and Nick Anders.Marissa ran in the 7th/8th grade race which was a 3K. She and Katie pushed each other to a new Personal Best (PR). Above: Katie followed by Marissa. Marissa ran it in 12:26 minutes and came in 34th place. WAY TO GO!

Marissa with her friends after the race: Marissa, Emma Brazeau, Katie Walker, Rowan McWilliams and Kylie Dombrosky.

After the race they hold the Awards ceremony. Since Robert medaled - we stayed for it.

Here is Robert with the top 20 runners in the 5th/6th grade race.

The girls 7th/8th grade team came in 1st place. Here is Marissa and Erin receiving the T-shirt and trophy with the coaches Mark Wattley and Mark Levdahl.

Mark is across the POND

A week ago, Mark left for England. He's been up in Manchester since Tuesday. He was actually supposed to leave on Monday, but work kept him here one more day. He was able to attend the Preston Temple Saturday morning, before returning for a full day of work in the office.

My life is busy - his life is busy. Just the way it is. We will be so happy to have him back soon.

National Honor Society

As of September 16, 2010

Jessica Lowe

has earned all

rights and privileges

to be a member of the

National Honor Society

at North Oldham High School

Congratulations to Jessica!

We miss Jern Jern

Jern Jern has been gone almost three months now. It's hard to believe how empty the house feels without her here.

It is true - we are a very busy and active family, but that doesn't take away from the missing one heart feels for another. Jern Jern was a very special part of our family for the past year, and now she is where she is supposed to be, with her real family, but that doesn't stop me from loving and missing her.

I hope she is well. I hope she is faithful and happy. I hope she is having a wonderful school year and meeting new friends. I hope all the best for her, and that we can see her again some day.

Robert's Rumble in the Jungle

9/11/10 1:00 PM - It's 12:20 and Robert has just finished playing a long game that started at 11:00 AM. He played most of the game and was able to be more involved, which means he is winded.

Robert doesn't want to run in the race because he doesn't think he will do good. "It's okay - let's just try our best. You are young and in great shape! You can do it."

Robert and I get there just in time to find his number and pin it on. The gun goes off. Robert has a great race - staying up with everyone that he normally runs with. He finished about a minute behind his normal time at 13:24, but that is okay. He did an excellent job, coming in the top 40% after playing an entire game of soccer.

It was a very busy day for Robert. He is happy to have the activities and sports events over so he can relax and enjoy the rest of his day.

Marissa medals at the Rumble in the Jungle

9/11/10 - 12:30 PM

Marissa doesn't like the Rumble in the Jungle. The first year it was rainy and wet; the second year (last year) she had a broken arm and they made her run with this huge cover over her cast. This year she is afraid she will have a bad race.

Marissa takes an inhaler (2 puffs of Albuteral) before every race due to asthma. Today, her inhaler seemed to be empty. Half way through the race she said it became so hard to breath. She finished the race and was able to take 2 more puffs (this time getting the medicine), but she was unhappy with her time. She came in 14:01 and medaled in 31st place. It was a great race. If she had been feeling better she probably would have been in the top 25.

Robert's 8th game: JSC vs JYSA

9/11/10; Robert's team played JYSA Storm at 11:00. It was cloudy and humid. He started on defense and then was moved to forward. I really like his coach - he does a great job with the boys.

Robert setting up the play

Robert crossing the ball

Robert fighting for ball control at our net

Robert shielding and protecting the ball

Great game by all!

At the end of the first half we were ahead by 2 goals and held them to none. At the end of the game we had 7 goals and they had none. 7-0 WIN!

It was a great game because other people scored: Ben scored the first two goals, but then Matthew "Shews", Alex, Drew (2), and Matthew "Butch" also scored! Great to see the team work together.

Devon Medals at the Rumble in the Jungle

9/11/10

9:15 am

The start of the JV Run

Devon takes off strong and continues throughout the entire race. He slowly passes other strong runners. He is gone in the woods for a while. As the runners advance towards the finish line here comes Devon way ahead of when I am expecting him. WAY TO GO DEVON.

Devon at the finish!

He took over 45 seconds off his last PR for a new record of 20:14. He came in 40th in the race and received a medal.

WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF HIS EFFORT!!! WAY TO GO.

On the way home, Devon tells me he has some bad news. I say, "What?" He says, "Someone told me I was disqualified because I wore my watch." My heart sank. I can't believe that happened, but when we received the results - it was true - Devon was DQ. I told him, we know the truth - I saw you run and you ran an amazing race!!!

Rumble in the Jungle

9/11/10 - Not only is today a very sensitive and thoughtful day for all those that lost their lives back in 2001, it is a very busy and CRAZY day in the Lowe household. There isn't even a spare minute until after 2:00 p.m.

7:45 AM - Mark report for volunteer duty at the Rumble (volunteer until 12 PM)

7:45 AM - Devon has to be at the meet for warm ups

8:30 AM - Robert & Marissa go with Mommy to the Rumble to see Devon run

9:15 AM - Devon runs in the JV 5K race - he does awesome. 20:14

10:15 AM - Robert has to be at River Road fields (Betsy drive from the Rumble)

- Mommy race Devon home to work on homework and race back to the fields in time for game

11:00 AM - Robert game against JYSA - win 7-0. Race back to Rumble for Robert's 1:00 run

12:30 PM - Marissa runs 3K race at the Rumble in the Jungle

1:00 PM - Robert runs 3K race at the Rumble in the Jungle

Every once in a while I can handle a day like this, but let's not make it a habit. One word about it - CRAZY!

(both cool down and we all leave)

Robert advances to Black team

9/10/10

Robert was asked to come practice with the Javanon Black (A Team). He is so happy to be with them. He loves his old team, his new team, but his long-term goal is to play professional soccer, so all the soccer he can get makes him even more happy.

For Robert - SOCCER = HAPPY!

Friday as Family Night

Crazy and hard to believe but the family decided that they would prefer to have a Family video night instead of going to the NOHS football game.

After we got back from Robert's soccer practice, we watched a new Feature Film for Families DVD called "Believe in Me" It's a true story of a girls basketball team in Oklahoma that went from being terrible to the State Champions.

We had Snappy Pizza, popcorn, DVD, laughs, fun and family time. SO NICE!

Mark came back from being out of town - BLISS!

Robert's 7th game: JSC vs CUSA

What a great group of boys: Robert's Red Javanon team

The team

Robert on alert

Robert on the move

Robert ready for action

Receiving the ball and advancing the field

It was a tough game. We didn't really play as a team - kicking long balls instead of passing it up field. Robert did well, but didn't get the ball much. He was always ready, but they just didn't cross or look for the open guy. Final score: 0-2 loss

Excellent Labor Day

It was so nice to have a day together, with Mark home from work.

After Mark played tennis (real tennis) with some friends, we had a late yet delicious family breakfast. Then tennis followed by lounging at the pool for a few hours. Then off to Creasey Mahan for Devon's CC practice. While he had practice we played softball and soccer.

What a great FAMILY DAY!!!!

Game 6: JSC vs OP Eagles

This game should have been a blow out, but as a team we didn't play as a team. In the picture below, Ben is surrounded by three defenders. He has Robert and Tyler open on the left side but he tries to dribble through instead. This would have been a great give and go situation.

Robert on defense

At half time the score was 2-1 (we are behind). The second half we came back scoring two goals. We are winning. Then in the last 30 seconds of the game the ref calls "foul" on one of our players in the box, giving the other team a penalty kick. They score to tie the game 4-4. Unlucky!

Robert's sick with fever

We don't know why or how, but Robert has come down with a fever. Friday after school, Robert didn't feel good - I took his temperature - 101.7. Thirty minutes later - 102.2. He took tylenol and felt better - 98.6.

The next mooring we left for Dayton at 6:30 a.m. He slept in the car and played a great game. After the game I checked his forehead as a precaution - 102.6. YIKES! Time for more medicine and straight to bed. Later that day - not much change - 102.2.

We were supposed to visit friends in Columbus, OH or my Grandma in Toledo, OH, but now I don't dare go anywhere with Robert's fever.

The weird thing is, he doesn't hurt anywhere and he's running around and feeling fine. Could it be the medicine that makes him feel fine, with one exception - a cough came about Saturday morning. I hope and pray he recovers soon.

Robert's team plays in the Mead Cup against Hammer FC

/10 - Robert's team goes to Dayton, OH to play in the Gold division of the Mead Cup. First game is against Hammer FC. It didn't start good, with our main goalie being taken out by a Hammer player within the first 5 - 10 minutes of the game. Ross was taken off the field on a Gaiter. The team regrouped but not enough to win. We kept a strong defense, but didn't connect offensively.

Marissa Medals at Shelbyville Meet

9/4/10

Marissa ran an amazing race receiving a time of 12:46 coming in 21st place. The top 25 get medals!!! So so excited. She ran faster than some of the best runners on the team - Jesse and Kelsey. She has really found her stride and pace!

Devon's Eagle Court of Honor

Friday, September 3, 2010 was and will always be a very special night for our family, especially for Devon Lowe.

Betsy had spent several months in preparation for this special evening. Printing invitations, inviting dignitaries, organizing the program for the evening, confirming speakers, etc.

Finally the night is here. It starts with Brett Thiess, as the Master of Ceremony, welcoming everyone out. The US Marine Corp has a special presentation of honor for Devon, and then Dr. Jim Fitzgerald, National BSA representative and Dan Boone Eagle Advancement Committee Chairperson declares the meeting official.

Dewey Amondson presenting Devon with the US Marines Award

From there the scouts in Troop 170 did the Scouting Segment of the program: describing the meaning of the Scout Oath

Hunter Tippetts led the Oath

while Jake, Ruston and Robert gave definitions or examples

It was so nice to see Robert participate in Devon's ceremony

Next, Richard Bird, YM Advisor shared "The Legend of Eagle Mountain"

Richard Bird has been on several scouting activities with Devon

Third, Tyler Madsen, Assistant Scout Master

shared the Requirements for Eagle Scout

Brother Madsen has been on almost all of Devon's campouts

including the "High Adventure"

Following Tyler Madsen, Zane Underwood shared the "Obligations of being an Eagle Scout"

Devon's Leaders: Zane Underwood, Brandon White and Tyler Madsen

The conclusion of the program was Mark Lowe being the "Voice of an Eagle"

sharing what Devon's journey has been like going from Scout to Eagle.

The second segment of the evening was the presentation of awards:

First Betsy presented Devon with his Eagle Scout Medal.

Devon thought I might need tissues - he was so thoughtful.

It took a while (what seemed like forever to get the medal untied from the box)
Finally Betsy was able to pin the prestigious medal on Devon's uniform.

Which was followed by a huge hug.

I am so proud of Devon -

he deserves this award so very much

In return: Devon pinned his mother with the "Mother's Pin"

Next: Mark presented Devon with his Eagle Scout Certificate

and Devon presented him with the "Father's Pin"

and last, Devon presented Brandon White the Mentor Pin

Brother White has been Devon's Team Coach of the Varsity Team for the past 18 months

He was with Devon on the High Adventure.

After a few more awards, their was a brief video presentation of Devon's life in scouting. Following the ceremony, there was reception in the Cultural Hall.

There were some special pictures we forgot to take. We will have to get them later: especially Devon with all of his leaders.

The very happy mother with her son, Devon!

The food table

The cake

The history wall

Devon with Brother Wright

Devon and one of his best friends, Norman Stumler! They have been friends since we moved here in 2002.