Mark's back from Singapore

It's so nice to have Mark back from his long trip to Singapore.

NOMS beats Shelby East

Robert calling for a throw in

3/29/11 - The North Oldham Middle School soccer team play Shelby East.  The Varsity won 4-0, then the JV team (Robert's team) played.

dribbling our of pressure

celebrating after Robert made a goal!

A great picture of Robert extending to
cross the ball.

Robert had the first shot on goal, but the goalie got there in time to stop it.  We won the game 7-0.  Robert had one goal and two assists.  This team really works as a team while they are playing - they pass the ball to the open person (even if that person is behind them).  It's so nice to see smart and beautiful soccer.

I got an excellent picture of Robert in full extension while crossing the ball.

My Priesthood Boys

Robert is a Deacon

12 years old

6th grade student at middle school

Straight A student / advanced classes

passes the Sacrament

plays Javanon U13 soccer

play ODP soccer

plays NOMS soccer

ran NOMS XC (state champions)

Devon is a Priest

16 years old

10th grade student

Honor Roll

AP and Advanced classes

Eagle Scout

ran NOHS XC (state champions)

runs NOHS track

Today was pretty amazing for me as a mother.  I got to watch Robert pass the Sacrament and Devon bless the water portion of the Sacrament.  They both make my heart glow with admiration!

To Columbus for a CREW game

Today Robert and I left Louisville at 12:37 to drive up to Columbus, OH (3.5 hours away) to see the Columbus Crew play their season opener game again the New York Red Bulls.  The game starts at 4:00 p.m. so you can see we had to make up some time on the road.  It was amazing…I don't know how we did it, but we arrived at the stadium at 3:40.  We had time to get spirit wear, and find our seats in plenty of time.

Today's story starts way before game time.

What a busy day - Mark is out of town and that leaves Betsy to handle all the activities.  At 8:15 am Devon and Jessica leave to get to OCHS for the Oldham County Kick Off Meet.  It starts at 9:00 a.m. but Jessica has to be there early for pictures.  (Devon has to go with her because I have to be somewhere else).  Just 15 minutes later I take Marissa, Meg (Marissa's friend) and Robert to the Stake Center for the Championship basketball game against LaGrange.  It also starts at 9:00.  From the basketball game we drive directly to the track meet to watch Jessica jump and Devon run.  At 11:10, I take Devon to the stake center for a "Youth Stake Planning" meeting (he has to find his own ride home).  I drive back to the track in hopes of seeing Jessica run, but the meet is running way behind.  My plan was to leave for Columbus by 12:00 - and here it is 5 till and I have just fond Robert and Marissa.  YIKES - I am behind schedule (as well).   I drop Marissa at home - grab some snacks and head out.  OH my - we need gas.  Now we are really behind schedule.

Somehow we make it to the game by 3:40 - find great parking and get in the game.  They are handing out free CREW hats so we each get one.  I take Robert to pick out some CREW spirit wear (as part of his birthday present).  We go up to our front row seats!  AWESOME!!!

The pre-game is great!  The fans are amazing - there are cheerleaders, cannons, fireworks - what a blast.  The players are fantastic.  The Crew controlled the possession of the ball 80-90 percent of the game.  They just couldn't make a goal.  Final score 0-0.

We leave the game - stop at the outlet shopping center on the way home.

Robert is a great traveling companion.  We had a great time talking and joking around on the way up, and then on the way back he watched the NCAA Elite 8 games and gave me play by play updates.  The time went by so fast.  It was a busy but brilliant day!

Oldham County Kick-off Meet for NOHS track

Jessica has done one or two jumps and Devon is warming up for the mile.  He is terrified to run the mile.  (His day didn't go too well.  He didn't set his alarm so I woke him up as he was supposed to be leaving.  (Jessica also didn't wake him up); which has now thrown off his whole routine.  It also meant he didn't have time for his usual breakfast (not a good thing).  Devon hadn't gone to practice and forgot to ask about a uniform, so he doesn't have a uniform to wear.  The weather is predicted at 38 degrees - at least he wears warm clothes.  He also forgot his inhaler - bad news!)  So when I get to the track I see him.  He hasn't signed in or anything.  He doesn't want to run.  He's afraid he'll do bad because he hasn't been practicing, he's afraid he'll do bad because he didn't get a good night's sleep or good breakfast; he's terrified he'll do bad because he's never run the mile before and he's afraid he'll do bad because he forgot his inhaler.  He is so afraid everyone is going to make fun of him because he does so bad. 

Well, I convince Devon to run the race and tell him to try not to be last.  Thank goodness he wasn't last.  He ran a 5:40 mile and came in second to last.  AT LEAST HE WASN'T LAST!

It was a very hard to watch him have to suffer through some of the natural consequences of his choices, but it was what had to happen.  He had to see for FACT that if you don't practice you will not do as well.  He had to see how important it is to prepare the night before - have uniform out, medicine, set alarm, etc.  I think it's safe to say he learned.

Jessica only got a 4'4" on the high jump (I don't know why they have her in that event)…ugh! She is a runner!  She did amazing in her two running events.  She took 4th in the 800 meter (coming in behind the three state champion finalists from last year), and her 4x400 team took 1st place.   She had a great day on the track!

Unfortunately, when she got home she felt very sick - having a 101 degree fever, she went to bed with Tylenol, a bowl of rice and water.

Stake Championship Basketball game

We leave the house around 8:30 to pick up Meg and get to the stake center early.   The game starts at 9:00 am.  Well, to start with our team is down one player, Meg O'Brien has a foot injury and can't play.  The game is intense - both teams playing a very tight defense.  Unfortunately in the last 2 minutes of the game two of Marissa's teammates, Allison Cavanah and Chauntel Cromarty go for a loose ball and hit heads.  Allison has to come out of the game.  We lose the game 12-17.  Later we found out the Allison suffered four fractures to her face.  (poor thing).  Marissa had a good game with two great steals!

After Marissa's game we load up the van and head over to the track meet.  

NOMS Scores again!

3/24 - Robert's middle school team played against Henry County, however Henry County only has one Varsity team, so our coach decided the NOMS Varsity team would play the first half and the NOMS JV team would play the second half.  He didn't have to do that - it's great that the younger boys will get the challenge.

Conditions:  cloudy, cold - only 39 degrees and dropping with a slight breeze.  YIKES!

When I got there, I brought Robert underarmor and gloves to wear.  I also brought three more pairs of gloves for the other players that didn't have any.

Well, Varsity ended half time with a 5-0 lead.  Then Robert and his team took the field.  They played great against these very large Varsity players and added 3 more goals to our score without letting Henry County score.  Game ended 8-0.  (JV 3-0).

(Robert had a goal, but the ref called it back saying the whole ball didn't cross the line - questionable….it looked like a goal from where we were, but we were not on the field)

Jessica's last Basketball Banquet

3/23/11 - Tonight is the NOHS Girls Basketball Season Banquet.

Jessica and Coach Pfaff

What a great night - the air is filled with excitement and anticipation of a wonderful dinner and program.

Jessica and Coach Nancy Martin

The banquet was held at the North Oldham High School Media Center to save money for the program.  Betsy worked very hard to decorate and make sure the room was festive for the girls and their families.  Dinner was a mexican spread from Qdoba's - the girls absolute favorite choice.  They got quesadillas (as per requested) and the rest of us had the open taco bar (yum).  After dinner, Nancy Martin started the evening with a bunch of thank you to everyone that helped with the program.  She also spoke about the season and about the Varsity program and each of the girls.  Then Coach Pfaff spoke about the Junior Varsity program.  Jessica never played on JV with Coach Pfaff but he also ran the practices with Coach Grimm, and she has him as her Business Math teacher.  She has developed a great relationship with him and a mutual respect and appreciation for each other.

Coach Martin did an excellent job talking about the season and each of the Varsity players.  Jessica will be hard to replace.  Coach Grimm followed up with the awards and recognitions.  Lucy Gibson was awarded the all-time assist record - 150 club.  Nicole Bryant (during the Bethlehem game) was awarded the 1000 point club award, and Jessica Lowe was awarded the 500 rebound club.  For the best of the season, Lucy Gibson was named as the Best Defensive Player, Nicole Bryant was recognized as the Best Offensive player and Jessica was presented the  MOST VALUABLE PLAYER of the season award.  Grimm said there was no doubt who the award went to this year from a statistical point.  She was #1 in rebounds, #2 in points, #1 in steals, #2 in assists, #1 in charges taken and defensive assists, and #2 in blocked shots.  She had such an OVERALL and all around game, but it wasn't her statistical data that made it so obvious that she was MVP.  It was her presence on the court - her command of the paint and her confidence and example to others that most impressed the coaches.  Coach Martin said she could not remember as day, in 5 years that Jessica Lowe ever complained or griped about a drill, practice or run.  She was so tender and kind in her comments about Jessica.

Jessica and Coach Craig Grimm

Jessica already misses her time with her basketball friends.  I think this group of girls will be together and stay together as friends forever!

Mikayla Roach, Meghan Welle, Jessica Lowe, Coach Pfaff, Lucy Gibson, and Nicole Bryant

Jessica and her friend and teammate Nicole Bryant - both All District Players

Watching Jessica progress and play basketball for five years has been one of the greatest joys in our lives.  We've loved it, pushed through the hard times, laughed at the good times, and cheered the great times.  I can't believe it's come to an end.  What a joy to be a part of it!

Robert's first game playing for North Oldham Middle School

Tonight was a big night for Robert.  After watching the Varsity soccer team beat Spencer County 6-0, that left everyone wondering what will the new JV team do?

Well, they were awesome!  Robert started as a center midfield.  He looked so good in this position - he was fast to the ball, he intercepted the ball, he supported forward and defense.  It was a thrill to watch him play with this team.

The team won 6-2.  Robert made the pass to the assist before the first goal, and Robert made the assist on the second goal.  Then Spencer scored.  At half it was 3-1.   After half time Spencer scored on a drive-long ball all the way from defense YIKES!   Our boys were back at it, we scored three more goals.

Robert played most of the first half and most of the second.  It was great!

March Madness is Making Mark Mad

Mark's pick are going down fast.  Okay - UofL lost their first game.  Pitt is already out - they died in the second game to Bulter.  UK (University of Kentucky) is still in (thank goodness).  Texas is out, Vanderbilt is out, Purdue is out, Syracuse is out.  BIG UPSETS!

Marissa and Devon are in the lead with 25 points from the first round.  Betsy's in second with 24.  Mark actually has 22 (but will soon fall) and Robert has only 19.

Spring Thaw Tournament - soccer game #2

Saturday - game #2.  The boys have some confidence from winning the last game, however as a team they didn't play so well, yet still one.

Ironically, this game the boys played much better as a team, but as the other team scored, they unraveled.  It was mostly due to the ref's call (or lack thereof), but they boys shouldn't let that get to them.  We ended up losing 4-0.   Seems so strange to say, but we should have lost the first game and won the second, but the score just doesn't reflect that feeling.

Robert, again, had a great game.  He defended the ball well.  The other team had a super fast forward that would cross the ball and we would get beat on the weak side.

Spring Thaw Tournament - soccer game #1

10:45 am is the perfect time for a soccer game.  The fields are dry (after all that rain we had the night before), the sun is shining and there is hardly a breeze.

The boys take the field and score a goal in the first half.  We must have had 5 shots on goal, and 5 saves.  Ross really earned those goalie stripes.  Second half the other team played extremely hard to get a goal, but the game ended 1-0  OUR WIN.

Unfortunately, during one of the last plays of the game, Robert got hurt.  The ball was shot at the goal hitting the cross bar.  It bounced around … Robert went down to stop the ball from going in the goal and either got kicked in the hand or his hand got stepped on or both (there were so many players around the area), but he stayed down for about a minute.  A teammate picked him up and helped him to his feet.  Robert stayed up but held his right hand the rest of the game.  At the end of the game I looked at it.  Skin was broken, and the middle finger was swollen, the joint at the base of the ring finger was already bruised and swollen.  We immediately iced it, gave Robert Aleve and found a store with tape and bandages.  He was in a lot of pain.

Robert had a fantastic game.  He stole the ball, and won most (if not all) his one v ones.  He made great passes to the mid.

After the game - everyone went to Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch and to watch the UK game (March Madness).  Great fun - good time with friends and teammates, and UK won!

Betsy's Birthday - 45 and counting

Wow, time really is flying.  I still feel like I'm 25, or even younger when I am around my kids' friends, but today the calendar, clock and everything else that keeps track of time told me otherwise.

Mark was so nice - he took me out for dinner for my birthday.  Devon gave up his "Ordeal" into the "Order of the Arrow" so that Mark could be with me instead of driving him 60 minutes to the campsite and 60 minutes back.

We had a wonderful dinner at Longhorn, then I headed up to Cincinnati for the weekend.  As I start to drive away, the rain begins - then the showers and the lightning and thunder.  I really don't like driving in storms.

Well, I make it to the hotel.  Good thing - because you can't believe this…I accidentally left my keys in the car and locked the doors.  YES!  I think I was 17 the last time I did that, if I ever did that.  CRAZY!  It cost $55 to get them out and a huge chunk of pride.

All ended well, my keys were restored, I swallowed my pride and the rain stopped pouring!
Memorable Birthday to say the least!

March is Madness X2

Well, the month of March has always been "Madness" for us, with Robert's birthday the end of February and then three more birthdays within 8 days.  It's crazy!  Now, add to that that spring sports for the schools and clubs begin, and MARCH MADNESS - NCAA basketball tournament begins and you have a totally MAD house.

We love doing the brackets for March Madness.  Everyone's picked their teams.  This year Mark has picked Pitt to go all the way, Robert & Betsy have picked Ohio State, Marissa has picked Kansas (Jessica and Devon unknown at present).  Things that stand out - this year most everyone has UK and UofL making it to the Sweet 16, and BYU making it to the Final 4.

Time will tell.

Marissa turns 14 years old

It's been said over and over - and it's so true (yet not fun) LIFE KEEPS GOING.  My little girl changed today; she is 14 - she is a Mia Maid, and can now attend church dances.

She had a wonderful birthday celebration with her family - the friend one is to come later.  She celebrated on Saturday at Cheesecake Factory and then again today (on the real day) with a light dinner and super fun Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard Ice Cream Cake.

She opened presents:  she got a PINK camera (and all the trimmings) from her parents, and gift cards from others.  She's in heaven.

Robert on Olympic Development Team

Robert in his State Team Uniform

Robert Lowe -12 ODP

Robert was selected to play on the Kentucky State Olympic Development Team.

He is the only boy from his club team to make the U99 team.  Boys from across the state come together of specified weekends to practice and play together.  They are very excited to start competition against other states.

Can't Believe it

It was around 5:00 and I received a phone call from one of Devon's friends on the track team.  He started to tell me how Devon was being bullied at the track and I needed to getup there right away to pick him up.

This was Devon's first day at track.  Monday,  Tuesday and Wednesday the boys had off, Thursday Devon skipped (even though he wasn't supposed to - but it was his birthday), and so today was his first day.  The other track members decided to bully him for his religion.

He was surrounded by a group of boys ranging from Sophomores to Seniors (including team captains) badgering him about polygamy and other ridiculous things.  At first Devon thought he was answering sincere questions, but then realized they were just trying to tease and badger him.  He felt he was in a "mob effect".

Growing Pains

3/15 - It's been a really rough past two to three weeks at home.  One of the hardest things for a parent to do if to follow through on a consequence they issued when the child doesn't measure up to what is expected.  Well,  here's the story….

Devon ran XC in the fall - did very well and we were all so proud of him.  It was excellent in many aspects of his life.  He was in excellent physical condition (6.06 minute mile), he had to manage his time wisely, he slept great, ate extremely well and made friends and teammates.  All the while, he maintained honor roll grades, stayed active in his scout team and his church callings.

Well, when XC season was over, we gave Devon the month of December off, but then once January came around we encouraged him to do Winter track.  He didn't want to so we decided he could continue running a few times a week at home, just to keep up the physical conditioning and the good use of time.  Week 1 goes by - no running, week 2 goes by - no running.  In the mean time, as a FAMILY we decided to have everyone run in the Anthem 5K run (Triple Crown).  Everyone needed to be conditioning for the run - including DEVON.  Marissa was running, Robert was running and doing indoor soccer, Jessica was in the middle of basketball season and Betsy was running - where was Devon.  Devon was warned that if he didn't run at home, his parents would enroll him in Spring track.  He still didn't run.  To make a 6 week (long story) short … he ran once in six weeks (three days before our big race).  Needless to say he didn't run anywhere near his normal time.  That was 2/26/11.

The next Family Council Mark and I informed Devon that due to his choices not to run during January and February, he would be starting Spring track on March 7 (Monday).  He flipped - no he FLIPPED OUT!  I've never heard him try to argue his case from so many different angles to no avail.  It was pointless, but he was relentless.  He couldn't accept that he had to accept his consequence.

He would try to convince Mark or myself that he didn't actually agree, or that we didn't give him a chance, or it was too cold, or …  you get the picture.  He tried and tried and tried.  I felt so sad for him, but I knew he had to accept the established consequence no matter how painful.

So when track practice started, you can imagine the resistance he put up - "I forgot my track bag, Mom, I can't go."  Mom's reply, "That's okay, I brought it to school for you."  Devon eventually figured out that he was going to be on the team, attending practice after school, but for the days between 2/26 and 3/10 (that felt like weeks) it was torture!

Worse, on his first day of practice that Devon attends he is bullied by the team captain (one of them) and another senior.  What kind of team is this?  These are the same guys that he ran XC with.  CRAZY!  UNBELIEVABLE!

Never in the time that my kids have been on teams (and that's nearly 10 years) have we experienced this.  Poor Devon - he's just had too many LIFE LESSONS or GROWIN' UP Pains to deal with in such a short amount of time.

Devon turns 16 years old

My boy, it's so hard to believe that little Devon is now 16 years old.  A priest, a driver and old enough to date (not that he wants to).

Devon has accomplished so much in his life.  He is an excellent student, team player for basketball and his school cross country and track team, he's an avid scout and a great brother.

Devon didn't want anything BIG for his birthday celebration - even though it was such a BIG milestone, so Mark and I took him out to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate.  He had a delicious steak that he devoured in minutes and a pile of fries.

We are so proud of you, Devon!  Happy Birthday!

Going the DIstance

All day long I looked forward to a good run after subbing at school.  It was after 5:30 (a bit chilly) by the time I got started, but once I started I didn't want to stop.  See, if about two weeks there is another run; this one is a 10K (double the first run).  I am seeing if I can go the distance - 6.2 miles.

Today I ran farther than I think I have ever run at one time.  I think it was just under 4 miles - finishing in 31.28.  I stopped only once at the top of a very steep hill.  It was quite an accomplishment for me.  I usually get mentally psyched out about the distance because of my asthma.  I worry that I'll get farther away from home and run out of air or start wheezing.  Today, was great!  I did it, and I plan to go farther tomorrow.  Maybe I can make it up to 5 miles.

Mark has no problem running long distances.  Last year he ran the 5K, 10K, and the 10 miler.  He says the hardest miles are the first three - that's when I usually quit.  He was right.  After the third mile my body felt really good!  Ready to do more.

Devon is now in Invisiline - Braces!

It's been a long time coming but Devon is finally in "braces".  They aren't the typical braces that I had to wear, they are an invisible retainer that is fitted to his teeth - top and bottom called Invisiline.  

Devon is in braces because his top canine tooth came in behind his bite line - it needs to be pulled forward into it's proper place…which also means we have to shift the other teeth over just a bit to make room for it.  His lower teeth are perfect.

Jessica escaped braces all together - she has beautiful teeth naturally.

Marissa will require braces.  Her initial appointment is next month.

No thoughts on Robert yet - waiting for the 12 year old molars to come in.