Jessica's new hair cut

Jessica got her hair cut the other day.  She had 2-3 inches cut off, but you can't really tell there is much difference since she has long hair.

Game #17 - Bethlehem

On January 25, Jessica's basketball team had a game against Bethlehem.  Last year this team was very strong, beating us by over 20 points.  They also had several seniors.  This year the Lady Mustangs dominated the entire game.  This game was special because Jessica's teammate Nicole Bryant made her 1000 point.  She was awarded the game ball and a trophy.  Meghan Welle was on fire - she had 23 points and 9 rebounds.

First quarter:  11-7
Second quarter:  25-17
Third quarter:  42-29
Third quarter:  56-40 WIN!!

Jessica had 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocked shots.

SNOW SNOW SNOW

There have been seven, 7snow days this year.  CRAZY!!!!  The kids are loving it, but we will have so much to make up at the end of the school year.  I'm going crazy because it seems like they are out of school more than they are in.

Last week, missed 2 days

This week, Monday-Holiday, Thursday & Friday - snow days.

Jessica's Birthday Celebration

We all know this day will come, but it still catches you by surprise.  Today, Jessica turned 18 years old.  Yes, she's an adult, by legal terms.  She's all grown up.  It was also a snow day - she was so disappointed not to be at school with her friends on such a special birthday.  We made up for it, but taking her out to Qdoba for lunch, balloons, decorations  and having the birthday celebration.  

 At first she blew out the 18 candles on her Birthday cookie.  She left one burning - wonder who the "boyfriend" will be.

Blowing out the candles

 





She was very excited and (even better) had no idea what her presents were going to be.  Earlier in the day, Marissa and Mommy went shopping for the kids present to her.  She and I decided on a beautiful dress outfit (including a belt, necklace and earrings) to be from the kids.

First, Mommy and Daddy's present.  Jessica got a new camera (this is because the camera she got for Christmas a year ago, doesn't work).  She loves it - it is mint green Cannon.

After the delicious sharing of cookie cake - made of lime green frosting with bright pink writing, we took Jessica into the family room for the traditional "open present time"!

 Jessica got lots of mushy cards that say how special she is.  We all love and adore her.  She also is treated to a haircut make over at a time convenient to her…hopefully sometime soon.

Happy Birthday Jessica - We love you!

January 20, 2011

Today, my lovely amazing daughter, Jessica turns 18 years old.

I am so bless to have such a wonderful daughter.  She is kind, considerate, thoughtful, obedient, conscientious, smart - very smart, creative - extremely creative, productive, determined, strong, funny, happy, righteous, humble, giving, helpful, valiant, and so wonderful

My heart is full:  I've been so blessed to be her mother.  I hope I served her well.  I hope I taught her the things she needs to know to make good decisions, be kind and helpful to others, and follow her faith in the Lord.

I am speechless to think of the wonderful times we've had together, her beautiful and radiant smile that lights up my face just thinking about it.  Jessica has been a joy in my life from the very minute she was born and henceforth.

There were some struggles - like why did she like to eat dirt when she was 15 months old?  go figure.  Thank goodness she overcame that.  And, who said she could grow taller than me by the time she was in 8th grade - really.

 
Now she's all grown up, mature, radiant, positive, strong and ready for the next chapter in her life.  I trust her with my whole heart to make good decisions, walk the right path, and find great joy in this life.  I know she is strong in her faith, and her faith will carry her through any rough storm she has ahead of herself.

Happy Birthday Jessica, I not only love you with my whole heart, I admire everything about you!

Game #16 - South Oldham - BIG RIVAL

1January 19 - Today Jessica's team had to play their BIG rival South Oldham HS in basketball.  South Oldham is ranked #17 in the state.  This is going to be a tough game.

Jessica started the game off with a good touch on the jump ball, but a South player jumped in front of Nicole.

First quarter:  Jessica had 4 of the 6 points for our team.  The other team had 18 - YIKES!

Second quarter:  Jessica added another basket, but for some reason her teammates aren't passing the ball to the inside.  The score is now 13-36 - DOUBLE YIKES.

After half time we came back a bit and out scored them 13-8 bringing the score to 26-44.

Forth quarter ended 35-57.   A difference of 22 points.

 Nice play her by Jessica - go for the loose ball, win and pass out!

Since I do stats I see a lot of facts.  South made 21 points on turnovers, that would have made the game very close.  The other factor is that one of our girls (at the start of the game) was 19 points shy of making her 19th point.  I think she was under too much pressure, because she only had 2 points in the first half.

As for Jessica, she had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Uncle Dave Weaver came for a visit

What a nice surprise.  On Friday, January 15th Mark's x-brother-in-law, Dave Weaver came to Louisville for a show.  He stayed with us for three days.  He was here in town for a home builders show so we didn't see him much during the day (which was fine because we were off at kids basketball and soccer games), but we were able to enjoy dinner out with him Friday and Saturday.  Sunday Devon helped him take down his exhibit for a few hours.  

We love having friends or family come to stay with us.  It was so nice to have him hear and catch up on everything that's been going on.  

Jessica's & Maddy's Surprise Birthday Party

1/15/11 - All week Amanda and I have been working out details for Jessica and Maddy's surprise 18th birthday party.  It's unbelievably true, but Jessica and one of her best friends, Maddy share the same birth date.  To celebrate the whole group:  Andrew, Frannie, David, Maddie, Paige, Jessica and Atelee went to the North vs Oldham boys basketball game.  (so sad, we lost by 1 point).  After the game, Jessica's friends came here while Amanda detained Jessica.  Then, they all surprised Jessica in the basement!

 Jessica loves chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, so we got Maddie and Jessica an ice cream cake made with that flavor.  It was a big hit.  Eighteen candles around the cake.

 They each made a wish … and then they blew out the candles together.  

 They blew them all out - way to go girls.

After the ice cream cake celebration, they all went back to the basement for games and a sleep over.

Jessica has the best friends!  I love having them at our house.  They are like sons and daughters to me.

The next morning I made homemade waffles and bacon for everyone.

Game #15 - Western at home

Betsy always wears her "Proud Parent" button of J-Lowe #22

January 13, 2011 - A home game against Western.  We've already played Western HS twice this season.  We won the first game 45-44.  They won the second game 41-38.  This is anyone's game.  Glad it's a home game - maybe that will give us an advantage.

Jessica with the rebound

 From a steal, to a dribble, drive and the basket

First quarter - 5-8 (their lead)
Second quarter - 20-19 (our lead)
Third quarter - 31-30 (our lead - but still so close)
Fourth quarter - 52-45 (we pull way ahead)

Nicole made the first points for our team with two free throws, and Jessica made the first basket for our team.  She had 4 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 charge taken.  She isn't afraid to get right back in it.  Now we just have to get her team mates to look inside for the "pick and roll" or "give and go".

Lady Mustang's record:  8-7

More snow days

It seems like the kids have had time off since before Christmas.  Let's review.  The two days before Christmas break were snow days.  Then they had a snow day last week, and two snow days this week.  They are enjoying the 

snow, 

sledding, 

hot chocolate 

and free time, 

but it will catch up with them at the end of the school year.

Game #14 Henry County

January 12, 2011 - This is Jessica's first game back since she had her concussion.  She started the game; the coaches are anxious to see if she is back or if she is tentative.

It was a tight game.  First quarter 11-11 (tie).  Second quarter we pull ahead by six 23-17.  Jessica didn't play as much the third quarter and there were a few too many turnovers that turned the score to 28-31 (their lead).  Forth quarter the lady mustangs were out scored by five.  Final score 31-39 (a loss).

Jessica was really down on herself.  She didn't have as great of a game as she usually does - her stats are:  2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot.

It's hard to go back after having 8 days off.

Jessica's BACK

Wow, it took 5 days, but late in the day on Saturday, Jessica started smiling more, and she even laughed.  She was walking a bit faster and able to keep up with conversations.  She seems to be coming around.

I could really tell she was feeling better when I saw her jump up off the couch while watching a football game!  She cheered.  She is taking less anti-inflammatory and having less head aches.

It's so good to see her being herself!  Welcome back, Jessica!!

Robert's 3v3 Tournament

For the past two years, Robert's 3v3 team has taken the championship of the Thoroughbred 3v3 tournament for their age bracket.  This year they decided to make it more challenging, so they registered to play in the U13/14 age bracket.   3v3 is different than regular soccer.  The boys play two 12 minute halves on a small pitch with very small (1 ft by 2 ft) goals.

Well, that maybe wasn't a good idea.
GAME #1:  They won their first game even though the guys were bigger and stronger.  We are off to a great start with the exception that Parker got hurt in the game.  (I hope he's okay).  Robert made several shots, but missed the goal by inches.

GAME #2:  They lost their second game 7-0.  Oh, wow!  Those guys were a whole head and shoulders taller and much bigger and stronger, than our little guys.   Robert was disappointed because he made shots, but the other team deflected them, or he missed the goal by inches.

GAME 3#:  It was back and fourth for a while, but we relaxed our defense and they took advantage of it.  We lost 8-4.  Robert finally scored a goal.  Ben had two and Eric had one.

I think we should have stayed in our own age bracket, but it was good experience for the boys.  Next year they will have to try again.

Devon's first game of the season

Today was Devon's first game of the season.  Unfortunately, most of the players from last year's team have graduated or moved away.  Chris Cease, Rustin and Hunter Tippetts moved away.  Most of this year's team is very small and young:  Trevor Underwood, Ben O'Brien, Max Miller, D Jay Cromarty are all 12.  

Ethan Hansen and Will Gabay didn't show, so Devon was the tallest guy on the team.  He did the tip and rebounded the ball most every time.  Having such a small team, they didn't stand a chance against LaGrange (mostly 16-17 year old guys).  Devon's team lost 12-52.  Devon scored 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.  It was great to see him be such a good leader to the younger boys.  He showed good sportsmanship and poise while playing the game.

Marissa's first basketball game of the season

Marissa is playing church basketball.  She really doesn't like it but we make her participate.  #1 - it's good for her, #2 - they need her, we only have a few girls playing this year.  We lost Jenny Orr to Michigan, and Hannah Dowdy went to college, Jessica isn't allowed to play because she's Varsity ... so that leaves Chauntel, Alison, Marissa, and Lisa and Emily Pina.  Sometimes Alex Adams comes.

Marissa had a great game.  The team won 26-1 against Louisville 1st.  She made the last basket of the game, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.  She was aggressive and shot a lot.  She didn't have any turnovers.  She was very defensive as well.  She never let her man score on her.  She played the whole game!

THAT'S MY GIRL!

Game 13 - KCD

Jessica couldn't play in this game.  I think it almost killed her to have to sit on the bench while watching her team.  Before the game started Lucy Gibson said, "Jessica - we are going to win this one for you."  … and they did!

They won 55-44.

She was very happy to see the team win.

Jessica didn't like sitting the bench.

Robert home sick with tonsillitis and strep

Okay, so Jessica is home Wednesday resting ALL DAY.  Wednesday night Robert has 3v3 soccer practice.  On the way home he mentions that his throat hurts and asks me to look at it when we get home.
After looking at it, I tell him to suck on a throat cough drop and get a good nights sleep.

Well, the next morning he woke us all up by coming up the basement stairs and throwing up right then and there.  We help him to the bathroom.  He is SICK!  Fever, throw up, soar throat.  Poor little guy.  So I thought he had a sore throat but now it looks like the flu.  He threw up most of the day, but by dinner time he was able to keep down some chicken noodle soup.  His fever gets up to 102.

He is home sick, Jessica is home sick.  This is Thursday.

Friday, he still has a fever and looks terrible, but now he can't talk without it hurting his throat.  Around 9:30 Robert and I pick up Jessica from school and the two of them go to the doctor.  Jessica wants to see if she can be cleared to play in tonight's game, and now I am sure Robert has strep.

We are at the doctors' forever.  Jessica is not cleared to play (I can see why), and Robert has strep and tonsillitis.  Jessica is so disappointed that she can't play against KCD.  Robert start's antibiotics as soon as the prescription is filled.

While waiting for the prescription, I take Robert and Jessica to Panera Bread for lunch.  Robert has more chicken noodle soup and Jessica and I enjoy their delicious greek salads.

I so hope they both feel better soon.  Rest for both of them.  As for me, I think I have definitely earned my mommy dollars this week...

Jessica gets a concussion

So after the game, Mark and I drove back to Prospect.  I took Jessica to the Norton Hospital ER to see if she was okay.  She was dizzy and woozy while walking - she needed someone to hold her and guide her.

I've never seen Jessica like this; it was a bit surreal.  Jessica is such a tough player that she will play with broken fingers, twisted (taped) ankles... but I've never seen her like this.

The ER did a cat scan to make sure there wasn't any bleeding on the brain (they didn't tell me that until after they came back).  She was good,  but she did have a severe concussion.  

Jessica is to rest until she is symptom free (hopefully 24-48 hours).

Game 12 - Walton Verona

On January 4, Jessica's basketball team traveled to Walton Verona (1.5 hours away).  Walton Verona is ranked #5 in the state - they are very good and for good reason.  They have three girls that are 6 feet tall, and two girls that have a 3 point shot.  This will be a difficult game.

Everyone cheers as Jessica enters the game

Jessica trying to block a shot

Look at the size difference.  #45's elbow is in Jessica's face

Jessica driving to the hoop 

Rebounding and dribbling out

Jessica is on the floor every game for a loose ball

Tough defense

Jessica is KEY to defense

Going for a steal

Making the shot

Well, the game started out really bad for NOHS.  We got behind 9-26 in the first quarter, and we were only 16-39 at half time.  We came back in the 3rd quarter to 31-52, and lost 42-66.  The worst part of this game happened in the last 2 minutes.  Jessica took a charge and was knocked to the floor, hitting at the temple side of her head.  She was woozy when she got up, and was taken out in one minute where she rushed to the trash can.  She dry heaved (she hadn't eaten any food) for 5 minutes.  I jumped out of my stats chair to rush onto the court, but of course, you (I) can't do that so I sat anxiously watching her while her coaches comforted her and took care of her.