Game 11 - North Bullitt Tournament against North Bullitt

12/29 - Since the girls lost to John Hardin they are playing tonight for the 3rd/4th places in the tournament.  The game started out very defensive, with the Lady Mustangs falling behind in the first quarter by 4 (8-4).  Jessica had to protect the inside.  At half time the girls went to the locker room down by 2 (12-14).  

 Jessica going up for a lay up.  She did great- showing no fear!

On the floor - once again!

Moving it to stop the play

Jessica is very strong on defense - many time the other team doesn't
even try because of her presence in the paint

 When the Lady Mustangs came back from half time - they were on fire.  They took the lead and never let up.  They outscored North Bullitt by 6 by the third quarter (26-24).  This was a very close and defense - intense game.

Jessica was fouled on shots many times in this game which sent her to the
free throw line 

on the floor again

more points for #22

 Down to the last seconds of the clock the game was intense.  We were able to gain control of the ball even though it went out of bounds with 6 seconds giving the ball to NB.  Congratulations to the Lady Mustangs for another win and taking 3rd place in the tournament!

Bree, Morgan, Emily, Jessica

Mikayla, Meghan, Lucy and Nicole

Jessica was named MVP of the game!

She had an amazing game with an almost triple double:

She had 10 points, 14 rebounds, 1 defection, 7 assists, 1 steal and 2 charges taken.

So proud of our girls

2 time MVP over the Christmas holiday!

She's a great leader on and off the court!  

Game 10 - North Bullitt Tournament against John Hardin

12/28 John Hardin is one of the best teams in our district that we play so this game will be one we have to play very well in order to win.

Jessica is in a difficult situation because (for the most part) she requires someone to feed her the ball while she cuts at the baseline, through the paint or key - unfortunately in this game that didn't happen and therefore she didn't get many opportunities to score.

Having said that, she had a terrific drive to start the game, got fouled and made the first 2 points of the game from the free throw line. :)

The game was close until the last 3 minutes of the first quarter and then we just kept making turnovers...boo!

First quarter: 9-22

Second quarter: 16-40 (down by 24) not good!

Third quarter was the best - we actually outscored them by 3: 29-50 (down by 21)

Forth quarter: 34-61 (down by 27)

Jessica's stats: 3 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 charges taken. If she could have gotten a pass to the inside she would have had an even better game.

Game 9 - North Bullitt Tournament against Atherton

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There isn't a game that Jessica isn't on the floor -
 this time the girl really fouled her

Taking the shot

All the way to the hoop!

Coaches Pfaff, Martin and Grimm (Mark in the background)

That's my girl #22

Jessica at the free throw line

And it's another 2 for Jessica!!!!  Go girl!

The Lady Mustangs played in the Capital One Tournament at North Bullitt High School the week after Christmas.  Their first game was against Atherton.  It was a great game for the Lady Mustangs - we held the lead the entire game.  First quarter 18-4, Second quarter 27-16, third quarter 45-30, fourth quarter 56-40.  Nicole Bryant had 26 points.  Jessica almost had another double double 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 deflections, 4 assists, 2 blocked shots.  She made 5-7 shots (71%).

Christmas Day!

Santa left a note on the Christmas tree since his present was too big to fit under the tree!  The kids were thrilled to find a pool table in the basement's play room.

Devon really liked Robert's gift to him

Robert went to a lot of work this Christmas to make sure everyone received the right gift - everyone loved them:  Here's Jessica giving Robert a big hug

Big smiles from Marissa

and hugs too!

Mommy loved her present from Robert - she loves Robert too!

Daddy and Robert - Daddy got trail mix (2 bags)

Robert opening Marissa's present to him

A happy daddy!

Big hugs and smiles from Marissa to Jessica

Devon didn't let me take pictures of him with presents, but he would let me take a photo of him with Jasper

 We had a wonderful Christmas.  Everyone was happy with what they gave and with what they received. Our family celebrated a smaller Christmas this year.  The ping pong table from Santa was wonderful - what a special surprise.  Marissa got boots and clothes, Robert got indoor soccer shoes and a suit for church, Jessica got a computer (Mac) for college, and Devon got clothes - a suit, shirt, tie, wallet, jeans, etc.  Mark got a pass to Snap Fitness, and Betsy got a bracelet, candles and candy.

Betsy loves to make a delicious ham dinner for the Christmas feast.  This year was better than ever.  Ham with glaze, rolls, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and Jessica made Macaroni and Cheese.  We were stuffed!   Doesn't daddy look great in his bow tie!

We love Christmas and all of it's traditions!  Mostly we love the spirit of giving that it brings to us and everyone around us.  

After church on Sunday 12/26:  we took a family photo.  

Jessica 17, Devon 15, Marissa 13, and Robert 11
all about to be one year older

Mark and Betsy:  still love birds

Marissa loves our kitty Jasper

Precious:  Jessica and mommy!

Unique Traditions on Christmas Eve

Our family has a very unique tradition that started many years ago, while we were living in England.  One year mommy had made many costumes for Christmas and thought it would be fun to dress up as if we were the shepherds on Christmas Eve and eat like they would have 2000 years ago - well, now 2010 years ago and it has stuck ever since.  

The meal is a Mediterranean meal with flat bread, fish, kabobs, mediterranean vegetables, and rice.  It was a huge hit - we even had shrimp for Devon.  

The guys:  Robert, Mark and Devon

The girls:  Jessica, Betsy and Marissa

Jessica and Marissa with a kabob

After dinner is done and cleaned up, we sang Christmas Carols by the fireplace.  It's such a great way to get into the spirit. Then Robert, Jessica, Devon and Marissa surpassed Mark and I by putting on a "Joy to the World" nativity play for us.  The four of them did such a great (and humorous) rendition of Christ's birth story.  I'm not saying anything more than that except that Robert was Mary, Jessica was Joseph, Marissa was the angel and and donkey, Devon represented all three wise men, and later the shepherds.  Very creative!

Well, when it gets around to bed time, the Lowe children like to snuggle up in the master bedroom for visions of sugar plums as they fade off to sleep on the very special night.  Robert slept on the chase, and everyone else pulled in a mattress.  They love this - but they don't get to sleep for a while...

Robert is all ready for Christmas - robe, froggy slippers, etc.

Devon playing with Jasper before tucking in for the night