JV Boys continue to struggle - Loss to South

The rivalry between North and South is a touch mental challenge.  We beat them last year, but the challenge is still there - new team, new coaches, etc.

Robert ready to start, Ryan Dodson opposite him

Robert starts the game and is off to a great start.  Robert has some great plays and sets and delivers several perfect passes for a shot on goal/ goal ... but we just don't finish.  The NOHS team possessed the ball the majority of this game.  I just don't even understand how the score went from 0-0 to 4-0 (our loss) by the end of the game.

Somehow our defense is not understanding the coaches new formation and they just don't get back.  South picked up on the "weak" side and utilized it to their advantage every time.

Devon - week 15

While on the mission field I have never been this stressed out for a week.  There has just been many changes that have happened since Elder Bodine has left.   This is Elder Crowley first time being a senior companion.  He is used to being junior companion and since he does not know the area, I  feel like I am senior companion.  There are times that i feel like I am dragging him as we walk and teach and do missionary work but those are just feelings.  We are doing great as a companionship and stress is expected when your trainer leaves.  We have found many new investigator ever since we have been given the goal to find a new investigator each week which is exciting.  Plus it shows that you can accomplish tasks when you set goals for them.  The lord is giving us miracles when we least expect it during the day.  It has happened daily.  Elder Crowley is really helping me grow more then he think he is because of the way he lives.  It is not the example way its more like I have to push myself more way.  Which I learn from better so that's great and it strengthens me.  Things are looking bright for the future.  So many things go on each day that are outstanding.  When you endure and are patient, great things will happen.    

Love you all have a great week.

Elder Lowe

Devon with Elder Crowley

Devon didn't mention it - but you can see he got a BUZZ!!!

St. X - High HEAT - tough MEET

Immediately following Robert's game, Mark and I drive north to Cincinnati to see Marissa race in the St. X invitational.  Typically this is a very fast course - fast race equalling fast times; however today will not be the case because it is a scorching 84 degrees with no wind.

The race starts at 12:25.  For starters Marissa has not been getting the sleep and rest she needs to run at her best.  Second, the temperatures are very high and there is no shade in this race.  It is all open around a football and baseball fields.  The course repeats itself three times so there is lot of opportunity for spectators to witness and cheer on the runners.

Marissa doesn't get a good start this time - very unusual, but she makes it up as the course continues.  She runs hard the whole race and finishes just past 21 minutes at 21:03.  I thought she made it under 21 but she must has slowed right at the end.  Everyone ran a slower race than normal - everyone's times were about 20 seconds slower than last weeks races.

Erin 19:36
Avery 20:28
Marissa 21:03

Marissa had to leave right after the JV race to get to work on time.

There was a very SAD moment for Betsy at the race.  She loves to take photos of Marissa running, and since she is taking photos of her, she also takes photos of the other runners - well, it was after Marissa's run that she realized that the photo chip WASN'T in her camera for the whole Varsity race (and Robert's game)!!!!  BUMMER!!!!

There isn't any way to get those photos back.  I felt so bad!!!  After the JV race - I got some cute ones of her and her friends.

Top 3 runners for NOHS

Marissa is so cute

Tough Loss to Trinity (need photos)

This was a tough loss for Robert because he was playing against most of the boys that he plays with on his KFJ team.  Yep, Ben Carper, Ben Levech, Garrett Goodbud, Ian Wyatt and others were there.

We were doing okay but they capitalized on our weak side.  Robert played a great game and played almost the entire game - unfortunately this is the week his coaches decided to change up the formation, and the play movement.  Several of the players are still lost in the transition.

We held our own and the game was intense 100% of the time.  We had some good shots that just didn't turn into goals.  It was a bummer.  Robert had a great pass to Dylan but the goalie blocked it (great block) and he had a great header for a goal, but the goalie jumped to catch it.

The game ended 2 (NOHS) - 4 (Trinity)... any other day we could have won this game.

Tough loss to Collins 2-1

Once again - we are excited to be in this tournament at OC, but the coaches have made it clear that they are changing up the formation and don't expect the boys to adjust very quickly.  They have really tried to make sure we know this season is a season of learning ... not necessarily winning.  BUMMER!

We have a lot of talent on this team.  I hope they can figure it out without getting down.  Today was a day that we could have won the game, but because some players aren't adjusting to the new formation very well, we aren't getting back on defense fast enough, or we are out of position and ... the other team scores.

We had a close game and just needed another goal to tie it up, but we lost 2-1.  So close!

Tough loss to Dunbar

I felt so excited for this game - the boys JV team has gone undefeated all season so far until our last game, but I've been afraid to be excited about it so that I didn't jink it ... well tonight ended their run.

Robert has earned a solid starting position for the JV team however the coach still switches the players so that everyone gets playing time.  Robert starts and plays for 18-20 minutes.  This was a competitive game.  The ball went back and forth but Robert had two great shots on GOAL that the goalie stopped.  BUMMER!  Then the coach subbed out 8 or 10 boys all at once.  UGH!!!!  For the rest of the half we didn't do anything statistically... and we let Dunbar score two goals!  SUPER BUMMER!!!

In the second half of the game the starters are back on the field.  I'm trying to say things to encourage the boys to get in better position but my words get all jumbled up and I end up saying ...

"Make yourself Useful" at a pretty loud voice ... oh my gosh ... how embarrassing.  I had no intention of saying something like that...

The very next second I say "That was so stupid... I can't believe I just said that."

HOWEVER, in the next minute Nolan Ruggles steals the ball and scores on a lone run.  WAY to go!!!
the whole stadium says, "He made himself useful..."  TOO FUNNY.

I will never live this down, but at least everyone is laughing about it.

We ended up losing the game 4-1

Devon - week 14

Elder Bodine has now been transferred and is now a District Leader in Meridian south stake.  I am now with Elder Crowley.  I am a bit nervous because Elder Bodine was always their in the clutch or what I mean is that I didn’t have to worry because Elder Bodine was there.  Now that he is gone I am going to have to help Elder Crowley with leading the area.  I feel like these two past weeks have slowed down from the fast pace success that we have been having.  These past two weeks we have had less then 15 lessons which we have never had before.  It is a bit discouraging but we have to realize that you cant keep the area progressing high and higher.  There are ups and downs in areas and in life. It is natural.  The ups are awesome experiences and the downs are learning experiences. I believe that I will need to change things with the area and even myself and it might be hard and it could turn out good or bad but even if it turns bad you can look on the bright side and see it as a learning experience.  

My emailing Time is cut short since it is a transfer day.  I will respond next week. 

Finding comfort and direction

Sometimes the members of my family really hurt my feelings - they say things that are mean and hurtful or do things that are rude and disrespectful.

Never before has it been like this and Mark and I have spent a few months trying to figure out "How or What is the BEST way to handle this."

I have felt useless, unappreciated and quite honestly like my family would be happier if I were just not a part of it.  I'm the one that makes them go to bed on time, I'm the one that asks them to do their chores, and I'm the one that deals with most of the disagreements, bad actions, etc. around the home.

Well, today at Stake Conference we were blessed to hear some wonderful words of advise and some good council and examples of others that have had to continue through challenging times.

I just hope and pray that through all of this our four children will stay close to the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and feel the LOVE of the Savior in their lives.  That they can feel his extending hand as he reaches to influence each and every one of us for good and bring forth blessings of happiness and joy in our lives.

Roberts games against Ryle hs

This was a tough game for the JV boys to take.  The Ryle JV team wasn't that good and we should have won with more determination, but because of the way the events took place - it turned into a loss.

Robert arrived at 1:45 just like all the other boys, but we didn't have refs - so the JV coach (Cory) and a dad (Mr. Farmer) were the two referees for the game.  That will come into play later.  The game started at 2:30 pm with Robert as a wing.  Grey Kinnison had a shot but the ball was deflected and then Ryle made a run.  While Ian Miller was trying to clear the ball, he accidentally shot it into the net.  Goal Ryle.  Bummer!  That's okay - we can get it back.  The game continued and we had some more runs and shots including Robert, but then while the ball was in the box in front of our goalie - then ref (our coach) called a handball in the box.  Ryle got to take a PK shot against us and score - Alex dove the other direction.  Now the score is 2-0.  BUMMER!  It will be much harder to bounce back  after this.

Half time 2-0.  This is the first time the JV boys have been down by two goals the whole season.

Robert played for another 18 minutes of the second half and had some opportunities but not any shots.  Conner had two shots and Nolan had a shot before our crazy play that landed us a goal.  Conner passed to Gray in front of the goal - Gray missed it but Luke Williams hit it right into the goal.  We score.  Unfortunately we also allow them to score in this half.  Final score for JV:  lost 3-1

               -------------             ----------------             ----------------           ----------------

The Varsity game immediately followed the JV game.  That was the first JV loss of the season so everyone is wondering how Varsity will go.  They started out very strong but then went on a losing streak.  At the Meade County game the Coach said, "we are starting a new season 0-0.  Then they won 5-1.  Great game.

Today was very similar.  Ryle was a very good team, but we just played better.  We scored two in the first half.  We had a great first half - up by two.  Ryle worked hard the second half, but we controlled the ball more.  We scored again!!!  Robert made it into the game with 8 minutes left.  It was great to see him playing at home!  He was open and calling for the ball.  Not sure what to do but one defender  (the one that should feed him the ball) will not pass him the ball even when Robert is open.  It's so obvious.  I hope the coach can fix this.   Varsity won 3-0.  GREAT GAME!!!

Marissa Runs At the Trinity Invitational

The night before the race Marissa and Robert went to the NORTH vs SOUTH Football game.  The game was fantastic - NORTH won 28-14.  Marissa went with her friends and stayed in the black hole.
She also went out with her friends after the game to Stake and Shake.  She had a great time but got back late.  She didn't get to bed until 12:30 / 1:00 am the night before the race.

This morning she was allowed to meet her team at the tent - we arrived around 9:15 am to support the JV racers at 9:45 am.  They did a great job with Caitlyn Roberts coming in first for the NOHS girls.

This is a very competitive race - the best teams from Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana race at the Trinity Invitational held at Tom Sawyer Park.    The Varsity race started at 11:00 am.  Marissa, Erin and Avery got a great start.   Erin had pulled ahead but Marissa and Avery were very close at the 1 mile mark.  Since it is such a competitive race it is a very crowded race.  It's hard to get ahead of other runners.  Erin finished at 19:06, Avery at 20:15 and Marissa at 20:42.  They have a very good 1-2-3 punch.  Our next runner, Grace was a minute behind Marissa, and Christina was a minute behind her.  If we can get the two of them to move up in places we will have a very competitive team for state!

There were a few strange things that happened during the girls Varsity race - there were several girls that passed out or had to stop running.  One runner, Kayla Alsop passed out right in front of me (just before the two mile mark).  She was out - I went running to find someone to radio for the South Oldham Coaches to find her and administer to her.  Jesse Sanders, one of NOHS runners stopped to see if she was okay while still in the race.  She probably wasn't supposed to do that, but that was so nobel to me.  There were three SOHS runners that just ran past her (which is what they are told to do).

Overall it was a great day for the NOHS girl runner!  They took 15th overall but that is out of some 45 teams or so....

That was Marissa's best time on this course - EVER!  Last year she was an crutches and not allowed to run.  It's so good to see her healthy and strong.

Varsity VS Meade County

The Varsity game started immediately after the JV game - again - no warm up time on the field (but they at least had time to warm up during the JV game) and Robert was warmed up from playing in the JV game.

Right from the start it was a great game.  Mason Rice scored within the first 5 minutes (or so) of the game.  Yahoo!  We had several shots and shots on goal.  Then there was foul and Will Alan scored the second goal on a perfectly placed free kick. PERFECT to the left corner!!!

The half time score was 2-0.  I was hoping they would have three so that Robert could get more playing time.

In the second half Josh Stone had a great opportunity but just missed the goal - the second time he had the perfect opportunity he was sure not to miss.  3-0.  We dominated ball control in this game.  Near the end of the game somehow our defense let up and the GreenWaves scored while Alex was goalkeeper.  

Robert was subbed in to play for 10 minutes he had some great runs but didn't get a chance to score.Near the end of the game Cameron Gray also got a goal

Final score 5-1. 

Great job Mustangs!!!!

29 minute Game in Meade County

Thursday was destine to be a long night just based on the location of Robert's school game.  Tonight they are playing against Meade County HS.  They played them last year and won something like 6-0 or so.  Varsity also won 5-0.

Meade County is over an hour away near Fort Know so the boys had to eat lunch quickly and load the buses.  Then they got stuck in traffic - bad traffic.  They were 30 minutes late to the game.

I also had a long drive there.  I was supposed to get off work at 4:30 so that I could be at the game by 6:00 pm (start time), but didn't get on the road until 4:45 - ugh!!!  Then I also got stuck in bad traffic, but at least they traffic I was in kept moving.  I arrived at the fields at 6:08 only to find that they Oldham County bus hadn't arrived yet.  Whew - I made it, but now the question is where is the bus.  The bus arrived 10-15 minutes later.  The boys immediately took the field and really didn't get any warm up time.

The officials reduced the playing time to 20 minute halves so that the Varsity game could still start on time.  Robert started the game as a wing.  Robert set up Nolan Ruggles with the perfect shot but it was just wide.  We had two more shots by Holden and Parker when Grey Kinnison was on a run with the ball for a shot on goal, but the goalie and one of his defenders collided just as Grey was approaching the goal.  That happens from time to time, but this time the goalie didn't get up.  For the next 20 minutes he wasn't allowed to move because he had pain in his neck.  They called an ambulance to take him to the hospital.  Everyone hopes he is fine!

In the mean time the clock kept ticking and the half ended while we were waiting on the ambulance.  CRAZY!  Robert and his teammates only played 8 and a half minutes.  Then the coach started the second string players the second half since they didn't get any playing time in the first half but they also didn't get any good plays.  Both teams looked unorganized.  Holden Thompson and Grey were the only two to get shots off.  Robert, Dillon and Parker were subbed back in with 6 minutes left in the game.  Robert was anxious and ready to score, but not really given the chance.  The JV game ended 0-0.

JV Beats Eastern 3-1

Well, the weather certainly has changed from Summer to Fall (starting over the weekend).  Tonight's game started at 6:00 and the athletes were all fine because they were running around but us poor spectators were freezing.

Jessica, Dad and Betsy went to see Robert play.  Robert started the game as a striker!!! Go Robert!

He played the first 18 minutes and then the coach switched players up.  While in he had two shots on goal and the perfect pass for a goal, but Dillon went just wide on the shot.  It was rather interesting to see that the boys that played the first 18 minutes of the game had a total of 7 shots on goal and a goal by Dillon, and then in the remaining 12 minutes of the first half there were NO stats to record ... nothing.

Nice move by Robert

Half time 1-0 (goal by Dillon)


The second half started with the starters on the field.  Robert had two shots and Dillon had one.  There was an amazing play that I recorded on film on the camera.  It was a corner kick by Dillon - it was coming for Robert - Robert actually pushed someone out of the way to get to the ball, got his head on it and then fell to the ground ... at the same time Ryan Goeheaghan came running up from mid field and also jumped into the air to head the ball at the same time.  Well, when all was said and done - Robert was on the ground, Ryan there, the ball in the net and a goal scored.  Robert thought it was his goal, but then the announcer said it was Ryan Goeheaghan - crazy!  It didn't matter - it was a goal !!!! YEAH!  

At about 18 minutes into the game, the players switched again.  This time the second team did score (but that was their only stat).  We scored one more with a pass from Nolan Ruggles to Conner Frazee for our third goal.

Final score 3-1.

Fi

Devon - Week 13

no news this week - ugh!!!

Are you READY to RUMBLE!!!!

WHAT A PERFECT DAY FOR A RACE!!!!

It's the RUMBLE!  Which means that Mark and I both work the meet and have to be there early.  Robert has to be there by 8:15 am to run at 9:15 am.  It's the PERFECT day for a race.  The sky is clear with wispy clouds and the temperatures are in the mid 60s.  the week before Robert ran at the Shelby Invitational but it was very HOT!

PERFECT DAY to RUN!!!

The Girls JV runs the first race of the day, followed by Boys JV, then Girls Varsity (where Marissa would run) and then Boys Varsity.

Robert got to the race and started warming up with his teammates.  The JV girls ran ... now it's time for the boys.  Robert gets a great start - he is up with Nolan and Luc Brazeau. 

Nolan is leading the JV boys at the 1 mile mark, but Luc and Robert are side by side close behind him. 

The thing about this race is that you don't get to see the runners very much - they start in the open, but then go back into the nature preserve for the first mile, come back out for about 800 meters and then are back running a repeat loop until they come out for the finish!

As the boys are approaching the finish you see Nolan in 11th place, but in a very short distance you see Robert and Luc still side by side. 

I'm sure that throughout the race one would get in front of the other but then the other would get their wind and pass the other. 

Right now they are neck and neck along with another runner from another school... Luc finishes in 25th place and Robert in 27th - all a split second between each other. 

They finished with a time of 19:02 - 30 seconds faster than his race the week before!  WAY TO GO ROBERT!!!

Shake Down with Robert

It was time to get Robert up for his race this morning.

Since he practices soccer or has soccer games every day after school, he doesn't practice cross country with the team.  He feels he could do better at cross country if he had a chance to practice with them, and because of that he doesn't like to run the races - BUT - running the races is good for him and soccer season will soon be over and then he can run XC for the remainder of the fall season.

Anyway, this morning Robert refused to get out of bed.  He told me to my face that he wasn't going.  I called mark and did all the things that you are supposed to do.  I even took a moment to contemplate what is the right thing to do.  I wanted to be long-suffering, patient and kind - but we were running out of time AND I wanted Robert to learn to respect and honor his parents.

He had some pretty choice bad things to say to me, and accused me of all sorts of horrible parenting skills, but in the end I grabbed him and pulled him out of bed and told him to get ready!  I was pretty forceful.  He HAD to go to the meet - HE had to tell his coach if he was running or not.  I brought his uniform and running bag just in case.

On the way there things cooled down and I expressed how proud I was of him for all the things he does and how I would be disappointed if he didn't run, but that would be up to him.  I told him he would be allowed to play in his soccer game even if he didn't run, but that I would really like him to consider the opportunity to run with this team.

Marissa takes ACT

Marissa was nervous about taking the ACT on Friday night.  She has never liked timed test.

She got up and headed to South Oldham High School by 7:35 to be seated and ready for the test to begin at 8:00 am.

In the mean time she had to miss her senior year run at the Rumble for the Jungle.

When she finished she said it was a hard test.  I hope she did well!

Rival Game - NOHS vs OCHS in Soccer

BIG night for NOHS soccer. We are playing a county rival; Oldham County High School.  Last year the JV team lost to OCHS 0-1.  It's a perfect night for soccer.

Robert starts the game on the right wing.  He played almost the full first half - he was subbed out with 5 minutes left in the half.  He had a beautiful shot on goal early on in the half.  He may have had more, but I'm not sure I recorded all the shots.  Holdon Thompson did a free kick from behind the mid-field line to Dillon Smith for a perfect goal!  At half time we are up 1-0.

OCHS came out very strong after the half.  Mark said he heard their coach yelling at them during the half time.  We, on the other hand came out very flat.  Robert and most of the starters didn't start the second half.  I have no idea why, except that they played a busy first half and the coach is giving the other players playing time.  We were getting beat to the ball, it was only a matter of time until OCHS would score ... and they did with 12 minutes left in the game; however, our coaches didn't do anything to fix it.  Robert and Parker didn't get subbed back in until 8 minutes left in the game.  In those short 8 minutes Robert had the first shot on goal of the whole second half, and would have had an assist if any of Dillon's shots or Andrew's shots went in.  Parker, Dillon, Andrew and Robert played very well together.  I really hope the coaches saw this.

The game ended with NOHS chomping at the goal ... 1-1 TIE!  Better than last year, but not the WIN we were looking for. 

The Varsity game didn't go so well.  First - it was a very physical and "foul" worthy game that the refs let get out of hand.  Flagrant pushes, shoves, holds, etc were going on throughout the game.  I took several pictures as proof of what was happening.  With only 5 minutes left in the first half, Alex Foote is called with a red card and is ejected from the game.  He's our goalie!!!!  Seth Junion came in, but he hasn't played all season - out on an injury.  We were up 1-0, but then after that we got down as far as 3-1.  With only 5 minutes left in the game we scored from a corner kick making the final score 3-2 - our loss.

Devon - Week 12 - Best week Ever

 Last Saturday we had a baptism.  This one does not count as a convert baptism because we baptized and confirmed an excommunicated member.  Her name is Ann.  many missionaries have worked with her and she has finally rejoined the church.  over 15 missionaries taught her and some have goon home already.  Their were about 30 missionaries their at her baptism.  Out of all those missionaries that have worked with her she asked me to be a witness to her baptism and also to confirm her. I for the first time got to give the Holy Ghost to someone.  That is amazing.  I have always had a deep respect and testimony of the Holy Ghost.  I am so happy that I got to do that service.  Something amazing happened this week.  A week ago one of our progressing investigators regress to just investigator and we thought that she was less interested.  She has been recently hanging out with an less active member that is against the church, which is a horrible influence for her.  She had not been to church for along time but she came last Sunday.  She sat through fast and testimony meeting. Then she went to Gospel essentials and the lesson was on the millennium.  I was scared and worried because I thought that the millennium was to deep doctrine and that she would not believe in it and would drop the discussions. We were going to talk to her before she went to relief society but a member stopped us and kept talking to us and we never got time to talk to her. After church we got a five page text and we were super stressed and our hearts were sadden. This is what the first page said, "Hey guys! It was great to see you both at church today. We obviously couldn't chat much but I wanted to let you know I'm in a really good place right now..."    We both thought  oh no (she is in a really good place right now) and probably is going to say that she doesn't need us any more.  Then we were shocked by her next text.  It said, "..., I've had some significant experiences and feelings since we last met and I'm coming to feel more and more like the church is true and like baptism may..."  Next  "... be in the not too distant future. Carrington and I had a great talk on her birthday Thursday and she suggested we go to an institute class, so we will be..."  "...doing that on Thursday.  It's very clear to me that I need to put more value and time in reading the scriptures. Anyway, thank you for all you have done,..."  "...I really appreciate it!"  We were ecstatic after reading the text.  We were bouncing off the walls happy.  Then we humbled ourselves and knelled down a gave a pray of thanks to our Heavenly Farther because we recognize that the Lord had done so much for her and that without him we would have lost that investigator.  He helped her recognize what she really needed.  With God we all have a bright future. 

This is the entire text.

"Hey guys! It was great to see you both at church today. We obviously couldn't chat much but I wanted to let you know I'm in a really good place right now, I've had some significant experiences and feelings since we last met and I'm coming to feel more and more like the church is true and like baptism may be in the not too distant future. Carrington and I had a great talk on her birthday Thursday and she suggested we go to an institute class, so we will be doing that on Thursday.  It's very clear to me that I need to put more value and time in reading the scriptures. Anyway, thank you for all you have done, I really appreciate it!" 

Robert Runs at Shelbyville Invitational

Well, to start with, to be honest - Robert is not happy to be running in this meet today.  He says he feels unprepared because he never gets to go to XC practice.  I feel bad for him, but it will be good for him to get a race in and see where he is compared to his team and where he is compared to last year. 

Even though Robert and a few of his teammates are running first thing in the morning - it's already a hot day. 

We drove to the Shelby County HS Invitational.  This is where Regionals was Marissa's freshman year.  Robert has run here before but only as a middle school race.  It's a tough course - running around a few corn fields, up and down hills, zig zags, it's crazy, but it's a great course for spectators - Mark and I can see him at several places.

CRAZY enough, because only three boys, Robert, David Terkula and Danny Walker are running, Robert gets to run in the Varsity race.  The race starts at 9:15.  We are all pumped.  We wish we had reminded Robert to put water on top of his head - it would help with the heat!!!  OOPS!

David Terkula takes the lead for the first mile of the race.  Robert works his way up and passes Danny around the same place.  Robert keeps a good pace the whole race and doesn't slow down on the hills.  I'm so proud of him for giving his BEST even though he didn't want to run.  He doesn't even know that he is running in a Varsity race.

Robert finished in 29th place with a time of 19:32.  David Terkula (who normally runs under 17) finished at 18:06 and Danny came in at 19:55.  Robert has a great time.  I'm so proud of him.

After the race they had a "cool" bath - close to an ice bath.  The boys were just dipping their heads in until I said something like - the boys are so matcho just dipping their heads in while the girls get all the way in.  Once another boy heard that he said, "We can get in?"  I said, "Yes, that's what it's for."  He immediately climbed over - spikes and all - and then so did a few other boys.  Robert joined the group and he really loved it.  It felt sooooooooooo good!!!

NOHS Soccer Victory over KCD

Well, this game requires a bit of an explanation before we actually get to the game.  Mark and Betsy were away up in Toledo, OH for Betsy's grandma, Vera Rennhack's funeral Wednesday and Thursday.  We left Toledo at 2:00 pm (we had wanted to leave by 1:00 - 1:30 to get to the game on time) because the family dinner went longer than expected.  We raced down interstate 75 but there was construction all along the way, so we didn't make much progress.  It was looking like we were going to miss the first half of the game... Betsy was very upset.  She really doesn't like to miss her kids sporting events.

Anyway, as Mark and Betsy were approaching Cincinnati (from Toledo) the traffic came to a complete stop.  We waited in it for a few minutes and then realized it wasn't moving at all.  Betsy found a different route, it would be "longer" by about 6 minutes but it was faster than not moving at all.  We detoured from our original travel route and that really REALLY helped!!!  We were back on the road.  Betsy told Mark he had to go at least 78 in a 70 speed limit area (the whole drive home) so we could make up time.  They weren't expected to get to the game until 7:30.  We made it by 7:20 - expecting to only catch the last 20 minutes of the game.

Meanwhile, the team arrived at KCD for a start time at 6:30, however the girl's soccer game that was being played before the boys game went long ... and thus the boys game started late.  Good for Mark and Betsy.  We only missed 8 minutes of the first half ... go figure!

Robert's coach wanted to mix things up today - it didn't make sense to Robert but he didn't get to start - even though he has been a significantly contributing member of the team.  Robert actually didn't go in until 15 minutes of time had gone by and the other team, KCD, scored a goal.  It was a very competitive game, going back and forth between the two teams.  We had a strong defense - thank goodness.  As soon as Robert, Conner, Dillon and Nathan were put in the game, Nathan Clark scored and Robert headed the ball to him for the assist!  WOW!  What a difference.  Half time was 1-1.

Robert started the second half.  It was Robert and Jack Kinnison as center forwards with Parker as center mid.  They were a great combo!!!  At 6 minutes into the second half Ian takes the free kick.  He looks right at Robert before the kick and then delivers the ball over the defenders right to Robert who takes one touch and then with his right foot nails the back of the net!!! GOAL!!!

Six minutes later, Robert scores again with a great play by Nolan Ruggles.  GOAL!!!  Robert has two goals and one assist!  Betsy recorded both of Robert's goals on video so there isn't a photo.  but she got these great photos of Robert at another point in the game.



Six minute later Robert has the perfect set up for another goal, but he decides to not be greedy and passes it out to Blake, but then Blake misses the shot.  Bummer, but then from the defense Ryan Goeheagan dribbles up and nails a ball to the back of the net for our 4th GOAL!!!  Robert goes out of the game after that goal.  He was right there in case the goalie deflected the ball.

Final score 4 - 1.  Congratulations Mustangs!!!!

Jessica's vacation in Provo

Jessica was given permission by her parents and the doctors to travel!  She's so excited.

Betsy booked her flights to fly to Provo, UT.
Her friend Caleb (Jenny Orr's boyfriend) will pick her up at the airport.  From there she will go to his grandma's house and wait ... to ... SURPRISE ... her best friend, Jenny Orr.
Caleb will go to get Jenny and take her on a "fishing trip" but they have to stop at his grandma's house and then THAT is when Jessica will surprise her.  Jenny won't suspect a thing.

IT ALL WORKED!

Jessica surprised Jenny - Jenny was surprised out of her mind!  They all went fishing and Jessica caught her first fish!!!  WAY TO GO GIRL!

Jessica stayed in Provo for 10 days.

While she was there she got to see all ALL of her friends including TATE MURPHY!  She and Tate got together several times.  He even took her on a date skeet shooting and then they had a picnic.  TOO FUN!!!

It was a long time for Jessica to be away.  Ironically Jessica had been away for 16 months and I dealt with that, but every day that she was gone I really missed her.  I really enjoy working with Jessica.  She is so fun to have in the office.  On top of that, the girl that I work with went into labor 3 weeks early so she is out of the office too - so it's me, doing two full time jobs with no help.  I will be so happy for multiple reasons for Jessica to get back.

Even though she had a great time there - 10 days of sleeping at different houses and not having a place to call "home" was a bit much and she was HAPPY to come home!

Grandma's viewing and funeral

The Viewing and funeral for Grandma Rennhack was on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 2:00 - 8:00 pm with a special Eastern Star Service at 7:00 pm

Kirstie arrived in Toledo around 2:00 pm, but stayed at the hotel to get work done until Mark and I arrived.

I went into work at 7:00 am and worked with Jessica untill 11:20 am (was supposed to leave by 11:00 am).  I drove home to drop Jessica off and pick up Mark.  We left Prospect by 12:00 pm.  It is a 5 hour drive so every minute counts.  We want to get there as close to 5:00 as possible to be there to support Uncle Dick.

Well, all good plans done go according to plan.  Mark drove the first leg, then I drove so he could get some studying done - not a good idea.  Mark started to feel car sickness by the time we got to Dayton.  We still had 3 hours to go and he doesn't feel good.  BUMMER for him.

We had to make a few stops to get him some food, and to just let him rest.  We made it to Toledo around 5:20.  Mark wasn't feeling well enough to go to the viewing, so he stayed and rested at the hotel room while Betsy and Kirstie went on to Walter's Funeral Home.

Even though many of Grandma's friends have already passed on, some of my mom's friends came to the funeral.  One in particular, Patty remembered my mom - she was one of my  mom's officers in The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.  I had brought my book and had a picture of mom with her officers.  We found Patty in the photo.  She and I had a great visit about my mom.  It was wonderful for me!

The Eastern Star service was so wonderful.  You could tell each of those women and men cared deeply about my grandma.

One of the funnest crazy things that showed up at the funeral home was a bag of "Raisenettes".  Grandma loved her Raisenettes.  Someone knew her well...

After the viewing service was over Uncle Dick, Aunt Judy, Shelly, G Paul, Kirstie and I went to dinner at Oliver Garden.  I spent most of the night talking with G Paul.  Poor Mark was still not feeling good enough to go.

my Uncle Dick, my mom's brother

Shelley and Aunt Judy

The next morning everyone met at Walter's Funeral home at 10:00 am to greet visitors.  The service started at 10:30 am - it was a message of love and hope!  It was wonderful.  I couldn't have asked for a better service.  We all said our good-byes to Grandma and then went in a procession to the Toledo Memorial Park.  There was a burial service.

After the service everyone had a chance to see the Rennhack plot and the Deakin plot.  It was nice that I had been enough times to show everyone where things were located.

Immediately after the burial service we all met at Alexander's Restaurant for a delicious lunch.  Mark and I enjoyed chatting with everyone, before we had to get on the road in order to get to Robert's game (start time of 6:30).  Unfortunately we hit Cincinnati traffic and it was grid lock.  We made our way around and made it to the game by 7:20 - LUCKILY the game had just started 8 minute earlier.

Jessica Diagnosed with epilepsy

Tuesday morning couldn't come soon enough for me.  I'd waited over a three-day weekend to finally see the doctor.

On Thursday afternoon we found out that Jessica's EEG came back abnormal and they started her on Keppra.  The first dose they gave her was WAY too much.  She took it in the evening and on Friday morning, Jessica was too dizzy to even walk.  We ½ ed the medicine and it was much better the next morning.  She was only groggy.

Well, we had to wait Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to find out what was going on in Jessica's brain - from an American doctor.

8:00 am was our appointment.  We were there (we also updated Jessica's medical insurance that morning).  The doctor spent about 30 minutes with us answering questions about the results of the test?, how they came to be?, why are they acting up now?, what does this mean for her future?, etc. ???

She answered our questions as best she could:
1) What do the test say? Jessica's test present as very typical Primary Generalized Epilepsy.  WOW - She said the electrical currents all fire off at the exact same time in all four regions of the brain.

2) What is the cause of this since Jessica has never had any issues before?  She said she does not believe it is due to a head trauma because one region of the brain doesn't start the firing of electricity before any other area of the brain - the brain electricity fires in all four regions simultaneously.  She said this is more indicative of a genetic example.

We found this to be strange since NO one in our families has epilepsy, but that's okay.  She said it could be there but we just don't get to the point that we trigger a seizure.

3)  What caused this to happen now?  Jessica has live 20 years before there was any sign or symptom that could even be considered for a seizure.  Why did it happen now - and while she was so far away from us?

The doctor (Rebecca Woods) said that it was probably the "perfect storm" that brought it out in her.  Maybe she was under stress, at the same time she was new to the Philippines, new to a culture, new to a climate, probably a little dehydrated, probably not getting a good night's sleep - sleep deprivation is a big trigger, and in all that heat and humidity.  Any one wouldn't bring it out - por say - but the combination of all of it together was too much and it triggered a seizure. - the first time she passed out was probably a Grand Mal seizure.  Nobody can say what the second one was, but it has to be considered a seizure just to be on  the safe side.

4)  What does this mean for Jessica?  Jessica will need to take an anti-seizure medicine consistently for the next year or two, and then they will re-do an EEG, but it is most likely that Jessica will need to take anti-seizure medicine for a very long time (according to the doctor).  She said that Jessica can not drive for 3 months after her last seizure (so that would be 7/27/14).  She will not be able to drive for 2 more months.  Jessica should NOT ever go into a pool without someone that could pull her out if she were to have a seizure.  She will need to be careful to stay a body's length away from harmful objects/items (like campfires, etc).  After Jessica has been on the seizure medicine for 3 months she can pretty much lead and fulfill a completely normal, active life.  She can get pregnant on the medicine and have babies - no worries.  She actually said she doubts that Jessica will ever have another seizure but that she needs to take the medicine as a precaution.

This was all great news considering what it could have been.  Jessica is clear to travel to Provo to see her friends and book her apartment for the winter, get a job, etc.  She is so happy.  She will be even more happy in two months when she can drive.

Mark and I feel the Love of the Lord, and the touch of his promises to us.  She couldn't be more blessed.

Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend started with an exciting night at NOHS Football stadium.

Betsy had volunteer service for the Girls XC team.  She worked the front window until 10:00 - BTW - we won the football game against OCHS!!!  GO NORTH!!!

After the game, Betsy had her second volunteering service for the night picking up trash for the Boy's Tennis team. 

I love volunteering because I get to see so many people - friends and neighbors.  It's such a great way to give back.  I love helping out and I love doing things with people that I don't normally get the chance to do things with.  So grateful for my NOHS family and friends.!

I wish Saturday was a day a leisure but it was jam packed with activity.  First on the list was Marissa's first run of the season at the TIGER RUN held at Championship park in Louisville, KY.

She did amazing!!!! 20:48  for 13th place out of 181 runners.  AMAZING!!!!

We were their quite a while so Betsy could get pictures of all the Varsity and JV runners.  Marissa wanted to cheer on her teammates as well.  After the meet Betsy and Jessica dropped Robert off at the school so he could catch the bus to his game against Boone County.

The game is 90 miles north of Louisville.  We left around 4:00 - the bus left at 3:00 pm.  It rained the whole way up and we were worried the game would be called, but instead they played the game in the rain.  It rained the majority of the game.  The JV team won 3-0.  Wilton Stone, Nathan Clark and Dean Farmer scored - Robert assisted Dean on the last goal of the game.  It was a beautiful cross from the left side. 

Robert also played in the Varsity game.  Luckily it had stopped raining by the time of the Varsity game.  Robert had some great plays!!!  He really contributed to his team's success.  The Varsity team also won 3-0.

Sunday was a wonderful day at church!  It was so nice to relax.  Betsy was given a new calling to assist the special needs specifically in Primary. 

Waiting and waiting and waiting

I have no idea why but Monday the EEG tests results were not available - Tuesday they were not available - Wednesday they were not read yet - are you kidding me!!!  We are waiting to make life changing decisions based on the tests results and the doctor still hasn't read the test results.

I was so frustrated I drove to the MRI center and got a copy of the MRI report.

With much apprehension and anticipation I opened and read the MRI report.  Super!!!!  Everything looked good - there were no masses or tumors.  It did say there was a retention cyst in her right maxillary sinus.  We will have to find out what that means.  

I also was able to see her blood work on "my chart "  ... Everything was witching the normal range.  

Everything is looking good - we just need the results of the EEG test.   Ugh !!!!

Devon - Week 11 (REALLY???)

That's because you didn't write me last week.  We had a promise that I would only write you if you wrote me.  Plus it is easier to reply to Dad's email because he asks me questions.

On Mon, Sep 1, 2014 at 9:37 AM, Devon Lowe <devon.lowe@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Its Elder Bodine

On Fri, Aug 29, 2014 at 3:30 PM, Betsy Lowe <betsy4kids@aol.com> wrote:

Hi Devon

Well it was so sad that you didn't write me last week or at least even copy me on dad's email but I forgive you and I hope that you will have a change of heart and be kind and email your mom.

We had a really long week. We been waiting on test results for Jessica which didn't come and didn't come and didn't come. Eventually on Friday we found out that her test from the Philippines are confirmed and there is something unusual going on in her brain. She looks fine and she feels great and you would never know so we are hopeful that things will continue well. She's had to go on new medication that makes her tired.

Marissa runs in the tiger this Saturday. It will be her first official race of her senior year. I think she's pretty excited.

Both Robert and Marissa are pretty busy with seminary and homework. There isn't much time for anything else, except they both took time on Tuesday even though it was very full day of Homework to go to the temple and do family name baptisms. It was very special and I was very happy.

We hope all is going well on your mission please tell us if you have been transferred or if brother voting was transferred. Tell us all the things that are happening like you have been. We love getting your emails and we pray for you morning noon and night. I hope you are healthy and happy!

I love you very much
Mom