Week 41 - Elder Jones sick

Elder Jones my companion is really sick.  His stomach is acting up.  He might have appendicitis or stomach ulsters. I am worried about him.  If  he has stomach ulsters he will go HOME!  Many people including myself don’t want him to leave.  This last week we stayed inside for most of the week due to him being sick.  The worst thing is we don’t know what he has.  We hope to find out today at 1:30.  It has been supper weird this week because we haven't done that much missionary work. 

We went fishing last P-day it was super fun.  I caught my first bass!!!

Avery got his Dorm!!!

On Monday night I had to take Robert to practice - it started at 5:00 pm BUT I had also told Avery to come to the house so I could help him register for his dorm room at 5:30 - and I didn't have time to come back home so he called me once he got to the house.  I gave him the code to the key and he came inside with his computer.  We face time got him on-line and "wa-lah" Marissa walked in - yeah!!!  She can help him with it too.

So I walked him through each step over the phone and she was there to show him.  WE DID IT!!  We found him a room in the 100 section of Building 9 on the third floor!  3108

He's all set!  We also set up his dining plan.  I'm so excited for him.

Marissa picks her Dorm room - Hinckley - here she comes

Today, Marissa was allowed to get online and pick her dorm room and meal plan for BYU.

As soon as I got home from tutoring she met me and we sat down with the computer to find the "perfect" room for her.

things we knew she wanted
1)   She wanted to be in Helaman Halls
2)   She wanted to be in Hinckley Hall
3)   She wanted a 1st floor room
4)   She wanted to be central to the activity but not too close to the bathrooms
5)   She wanted a roommate, but someone she didn't know.

We accomplished all 5!!!
We got a 1st floor room in Hinckley Hall (right next to the Cannon Center) with a room mid way down the hall (window bed) and not too close to the bathrooms!  YEAH!!!!

Robert Does Excellent Against Trinity in Tennis

Wednesday 3/25/2015 is the first Boys Tennis match that Robert has been able to make and participate in.  It is unfortunate that NOHS tennis practice is on the same dates and at Robert's KFJ soccer practices.

Today we decided to have Robert play tennis in a match up against Trinity instead of attending soccer practice (actually soccer doesn't start until 6:30 so he could go if he isn't too tired from the match).

Betsy picks Robert up at home and Robert drives to the courts at the Top Gun facility off Old Henry Road in Louisville.

He is matched up against a friend we know from NOMS, Luis (he used to sing with Robert in chorus).  Robert wins the first match in straight games 5-0, and then Luis wins one, but Robert wins it outright.  7-1

The next set is a little more challenging for Robert.  Either Robert got hot and tired, or Luis got into a better rhythm but in any case, Robert was up 3-1, then 3-3 then Luis was up 4-3, then Robert came back with 2 games to make it 5-4, then it tied up at 6-6.  Robert and Luis had to play a tie breaker.

By this time most of the other games had concluded so a bunch of Trinity guys had gathered around to watch the match.  This was either going to put good pressure or bad pressure on both players.

His opponent, Luis

Robert won the first and second rounds of the tie breaker - and then Luis won - and to be honest I lost count for a while because I was filming the games.  But it came down to a chance for Robert to win it all out if he won this game ... He served and Luis hit it into the net, 15-0.  He served and Luis hit it, Robert returned and then Luis hit it into the net, 30-0.  This is it.  Robert served and Luis returned, Robert hit it long, 30-15.  Robert served, Luis hit it into the net, 40-15.  Robert served, Luis returned it, it volleyed a few times and Robert won the game, set and match!!!!

Way to go Robert!!!!

This was his first singles match of the season (year) and his first singles win!!!

Week 40

I did some family History and it looks like there are still some work to do.  Like your great grandma.  I also think family history just got updated or you updated things because i checked today and its different.  Did you guys ever get my package I sent you.  Did you send me a valentines package?  Have you been stressed lately? 

(next email - same week)

My Birthday felt weird because I am a missionary so I didn’t feel like celebrating it to much.  I got your package :).  Thank you!!  

The cookie cake was Great.  Some Crazy things are going to happen soon in this area I can feel it. 

Week 39

This week went super Great.  We had a great talk with Tiffany Waggamen who is less active.  She used to be active but her Family was divorced and then the Dad Married someone from a different Religion, which caused the the whole family to not go to church.  She really misses going to church and she also really misses doing baptisms for the Dead but she feels judged by Members who know her from school.  She has a testimony in the Book of Mormon and reads and prays but because she has been gone for so long she hesitates to come back.  We encouraged her to come to church and we helped to build her confidence.  I think that she will come to church again soon.  She knows she needs to all we need to do is keep inviting and help them strengthen there testimony.  If she starts coming back then so will her sister! 

We taught a fantastic spiritual restoration lesson to the McDevitt's :).  Chris McDevitt really connected to the Joseph Smith story and wants a similar experience. His Mom is Catholic and his Wife is Mormon and he wants to know which church is true.  We spent extra time teaching him about Revelation and how to get Revelation. We left a Book of Mormon and told him to read it and pray about it.  He hesitated at first but then accepted it.  He is afraid that he wont get an answer.  We promised him that God does answer prays on our readiness and on our faith.  I love investigators that have a deep desire to KNOW GODS WILL!

Betsy Gets Hurt by Soccer Ball

I had bought Robert a new soccer net and was excited to get it up since we were finally feeling the spring time weather.

While I was putting the net up, Robert got his soccer ball out and was dibbling and practicing in the yard.

Once I got the goal up he wanted to take shots on goal and asked me to be goalie.  I originally said, "No - you kick too hard - I'll get hurt" but in the end I agreed (being the mom) and guess what, three kicks into the "fun time" Robert kicked a ball from far out and I cleared it, but not very far so he ran up close on the ball ... while he's running up on the ball I can play out how this is going to end up and shout out "No Robert, No Robert" but he nailed it - right at me - it was almost as if he was trying to get me - but I know he wasn't.  I got my hands up, but not together, and whack!!!!  My wrist went backwards.  I started screaming, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh" and ran in the house.

That was the end of soccer time.
I ran in the house screaming for Marissa to help me.  Robert got me ice, and Marissa drove me to the urgent care.  I was lucky to find a place open.  I was also lucky that it wasn't broken (I thought for sure it was broken).  It was just hyper-extended.  I am to wear a brace for 10 days and then it should be fine.

Marissa gets Asked to Prom

Marissa and Avery had a wonderful night going to the IceLand Skate rink for Marissa's birthday.  The skated from 7:00 - 10:00.  She loves ice skating!!!

Avery had amazing presents for her:  chocolate covered strawberries from Godiva, roses, and a poem asking her to PROM!!!

Marissa Turns the BIG 18!!!

What a special day!!!  I'm so excited for her.

I stayed up late the night before making a banner and getting things ready to have a special "Happy Birthday" for Marissa on her 18th birthday!!!

Marissa and her 18 balloon

I had 18 balloons in a variety of colors, each one had a photo "through the years" of her and a heart that told her why I love her so!!!!  I had arranged them in a straight line in front of the fire place (because there were just too many to do on the kitchen table), but then she moved them for the photo!!!

Will the balloons take her away - like in UP?

She had a early morning track team photos and practice so we were up and out of the house by 8:30 am.  She hadn't been feeling well all week so after team photos her coach told her it was okay not to practice.  She came home to rest and sleep.

Robert had a seminary activity - so we waited for him to finish before taking her out for her birthday dinner.

 We took her out for our traditional "Birthday Dinner" where ever they want to eat and guess where she chose???  You guessed it, The Cheesecake Factory.
We had a wonderful time there, and everyone enjoyed their meal.  She was sung to and presented with a "Birthday" cheesecake that said "Happy Birthday to you"

When we got home, Isabelle Watkins was just arriving there too.  She came in and had presents for Marissa.  She got her a "Gray's Anatomy" mug and some awesome nail polish.  Marissa loved it!

We then opened presents from Mom and Dad.  Her real present was her trip to UT to see Jessica and Ski in the Utah mountains.  But, of course, Betsy can't let a birthday be celebrated without presents ... she she got her a new dress, her 2014 MArissa photo album, a BYU license plate, and hair clips.  What girl doesn't need new hair clips.

new dress

2014 photo album of Marissa

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY DEAR SWEET MARISSA!  She is such a joy to our lives!  We love her so much and now she is growing up before our eyes.  It's so crazy to think that in 6 months from now she will be off at college.

I'm so proud of her and all her accomplishments!  She's amazing!!!!

Jessica is Engaged

so ... Jessica and Tate have been dating since mid-October ... and somewhat seriously since she arrived at BYU in January!

They spend so much time together!

So ... It was no surprise when ... I'm just driving down the road minding my own business and I get a random phone call from Jessica ...

she doesn't slow down to ask me if its a good time to talk, but I can tell it's important so I pull over in a parking lot to talk to her.

So we switch over to face time so I can see her!  She is beaming ... something special is about to come!

She's engaged!!!!  She shows me the ring!  Tate is beaming too!

They tell me the whole story ...

This is Jessica on SKYPE telling me She and Tate are Engaged!!!!

Engagement Photos

Week 38

This week I did service for non-members Tuesday-Saturday.  At the end of the service we had a new investigator and a potential investigator.  We were helping one of our investigators move and we meet there mother and in between loads we taught her both the restoration lesson and the plan of salvation!  It was amazing! We were making the best use of our time. 
There is a horse named rose that lives behind us that has to jump to get in its stall.  It belongs to non-members.  We spent some hours over two days to build a ramp for it. The next day we took down a fence and put up another fence.  I forgot to also mention that I was sick and recovering from the sickness that week.  To top of the week I got to go to a baptism in my old area.  One of the less active families that I was working with became active and the father got to baptize his son!  I got to attend and see many great faces of people that I miss in that area including Elder Bodine, Brisco's, Carlson, Gladys, Macomb's, etc.  Jen bared her testimony last Sunday!!  She did a great job.  I am so proud of her.  She’s not even a member and she is still know that this church is true.  Transfers were this last week and I was shock when I heard that I was staying. I though that I was leaving, which would make me sad, but I got to stay :) 

It’s feels weird that tomorrow is my Birthday especially because I will be 20! two decades man. two decades. I hope that everything is going fantastic back at home.

First Sunday in Harmony Branch - Avery is Confirmed

What an amazing first Sunday at the newly formed Harmony Branch.  Sacrament meeting started at 11:00 am.  I was asked to give the opening prayer.

Branch President Stevens started things off with the new callings:  Relief Society president was called, Brother Powell was called as Young Men's president, Sister Sandy Simpson was called as Young Women's president, Sunday School president was called, and Kelly White was called as Primary President.

Robert was able to sit at the Sacrament table, but didn't bless.

After the Sacrament was blessed and passed, Avery was Confirmed a member of the church.  Mark confirmed him a member and bestowed a beautiful blessing on him at the same time.  Avery was shining when it was done.  I am so blessed to be a part of this special time with him.  He is one of God's choice spirits - I know it!!!

Then the Branch President each gave about a 10-15 minute talk/testimony.  President Stevens focused on the power of divine revelation.  It's been such an amazing experience he said - I know that feeling.
Mark gave a wonderful testimony sharing analogies and parallels.  He shared how our family has been in three branches:  Dulles, England and now Harmony.  He also shared an analogy from the ancestors and pioneers giving up the things of comfort, leaving friends and family behind to go to something new and grow the church - this is the same, it's come the time to leave the comforts and friends of our old wards behind and go forward and be excited for whats before us in the new branch!  He also talked about how Harmony is the bringing together of two notes to form a more harmonious melody - again the bringing together of two wards to form the new branch.  It was a beautiful testimony with the focus on coming together in Harmony.  He bore such a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and every aspect of the church.  I love this man!!!!

Brother Longhurst shared his testimony and it just added to the wonderful spirit that was already in the room.

After Sacrament we dismissed for Primary.  With my new calling in the Stake Primary I volunteered us to run Pr

Three more snow days

Robert and Marissa had three more snow days taking the last day of school till June 12. They had Wednesday off in anticipation of the snow even though the snow didn't come until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. When the snow came it came with fury.   That was a wasted day they didn't need to miss school.  Since the kids didn't have school that day or the next two days they were a great help to us around the house.  At 9:15 I went out to shovel.  Marissa came out shortly after and then Robert joined us.  There already was 4 inches of snow. It took over an hour to shovel the driveway and by the time we were done there was two more inches of snow.  Betsy went to work and Mark worked from home. Robert and Marissa had a ball playing in the snow the next two days. They built snowmen and snow forts; they took out the Emu as a hammock, and even had a snowball fight.  

11-12 inches of snow - holy cow!!!

Wednesday morning the call came that school was canceled due to inclement weather. The snow wasn't due until one or 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The snow didn't come until 4 o'clock, but when the snow came it came with fury. At 9:15 I went out to shovel.  Marissa came out shortly after and then Robert joined us. There already was 4 inches of snow. It took over an hour to shovel the driveway and by the time we were done there was two more inches of snow.  

After Robert and Marissa helped me shovel the driveway and walkway they decided to play some snow soccer. I wish I could share the video of them. It's so cute. But here are a few photos

The next morning we woke up to 11 inches of snow on the back deck. It took Betsy over an hour to shovel the remaining snow off the driveway so she could get to work. Mark was able to work from home. All of Louisville was shut down. Banks didn't open even Kroger didn't open. I was lucky to make it to work okay.  

Devon - Week 37

This week has been exciting.  We finally got to meet back with the McDevitt’s.  They have been sick for a couple weeks now.  We taught them the Plan of Salvation and it went great.  Me and Elder Jones are Doing Good he is trying to help me understand sarcasm better :).  Elder Logan Tomas Jones is from Wyoming and is a Cowboy and a big hunter.  When he gets back from his mission he wants to be a bull rider!!  He tells me all these Great Hunting stories.  Talking with him makes me want to go hunting with him even though I have never hunted. 

 Did Robert have a great birthday.  My Birthday is right around the corner, it blows my mind.  Robert has already baptized someone, I am on a mission and I still have not baptized someone personally. 

 It was so good to hear from Elder Perry last Sunday.  We had a regional Stake Conference. The talks on Sunday were great and insightful.  President Winder did training last Wednesday Elder Jones and I are already implement the training.  We have seen the benefits from that training already with Jodi chandler as a Possible Investigator.

Avery's Special Day

Sunday, March 1st is such a special day.

Today is the day that we have been waiting for, Avery Matthew Pryor's Baptism.


We had a wonderful, totally and completely spiritual day ... it started with attending church starting at 9:00 am.  Avery came to the house and then from there we went to church.  It was Fast and Testimony meeting so I decided to bear my testimony for Avery.  I love him like he is my own son, and I am so happy for him and the decision he has made to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During church (priesthood meeting) Robert was ordained a Priest, and he will perform the baptism of Avery - oh my gosh - how special is that.

We came home and ate a late lunch, broke our fast and prepared for the special occasion.  I made Phad Thai for everyone - one batch spicy and the other not spicy.

Marissa and Avery hung out in the family room, while we did other things.  Mark Avery and Robert went over early to get ready, while Betsy and Marissa went early to set up the room and refreshments.  We took photos ahead of time and the baptism started just past 5:30 pm.

Avery and Marissa

Marissa and Mark

Robert and Avery
Robert baptized Avery

Betsy and Robert - so proud of you

Avery's extended family:  Betsy, Robert, Avery, Marissa and Mark

Betsy, Robert, Avery and Marissa!!!!

We had a beautiful baptismal service lead by Brother Blaine Blood and Marissa Lowe giving the talk on Baptism.  She created such an amazing spirit in the room - it was so strong.  Robert did a perfect job baptizing Avery (even when Avery's feet slipped up but he was able to stay down).  Betsy gave a personal talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost (which he will receive next week in Sacrament meeting).

After the service - we had refreshments!!!

Avery with Meg and Marissa 

Robert is ordained a priest

Sunday, March 1, 2015. Today is a very special day in the life of Robert Lowe. At 11:15 Robert was ordained a priest by his father and his priest quorum in the Crestwood first ward of the Crestwood stake in Crestwood Kentucky.   I can't believe how much he has grown up in the last two years transforming from a teacher to a priest. He is so mature and is so dedicated to his hard work and his studies and in his athletics. Most impressively Robert loves seminary and learning the Scriptures.  He knows them all so well. I know these next two years will teach him much about service and giving to others and living in a Christlike life I'm so proud of you Robert.