Summer = Pool time fun!

Jessica enjoying the poolside

Robert - searching for his next victim

Betsy setting up her spot

We love to be near water during the summer. Last year we went to Kentucky Kingdom instead of the Glen Oaks Pool. This year we are back. Kentucky Kingdom closed and the pool hasn't improved, but it is so close and refreshing - I can't live without it.

Betsy loves the pool on sunny days!

Mark and Robert drying off.

Betsy and Mark are relaxing together.

It is so nice that all of our children are old enough to swim on their own.

Robert and his best friend - Aaron

I love this photo - best friends!

Marissa and her friends from church -

Katie Cease, Marissa Lowe, Meg O'Brien and Meg's friend Dominique Miller.

Water games are so much fun!

Robert, Devon and Aaron play "Man in the Middle"

Robert with the ball

Devon jumps so high

Jessica sunning

Marissa enjoys some refreshment

There is something special about attending the pool. We really enjoy the freedom and relaxed atmosphere. It is a place where we can step away from the demands of the world, away from the computer, email, and phone. If you can't reach me - you know where I am.

Jessica and Jern Jern attend High Adventure Camp

They Love IT!!! More to post

Robert Moves to JAVANON SOCCER CLUB

Robert was really excited to continue playing with the Thoroughbred Blue team, but the coaches didn't see it that way, so Robert thought he better try out at Javanon and TSC.

What a great decision that was. Robert was selected to play for Javanon. They are making some big changes at Javanon - I will try to explain.

Here is some history - For the age group Robert is in (99 boys) Javanon has two teams (A team is Black/B team is Red). Robert's team has played he the Black team in past years. The victory would go back and forth (Jav, TSC, Jav, TSC). The Black team left the KSSL area for play and traveled to Cincinnati to be able to play faster, better teams. They improved - We staying with KSSL and we improved too. We faced off in the State Cup 2010, TSC beat the Red team, and lost to the Black team in Bowling Green.

The dilemma - Javanon Black has out played everyone in their age division and it was too much to travel to Cincinnati to play, so this coming year the coaches are going to have this age group play up a year. This has many implications. The boys will go to a size 5 ball, and to a larger team and pitch - 11 v 11 players.

So --- for this coming year Javanon 99 boys are playing in the 98 league. Robert is so excited to be playing for Javanon and to be playing up. This year will be a learning year - a year to develop and grow while playing with older, more experienced and bigger players. We are so excited for this inspired opportunity.

Go RED and BLACK!

Robert attends Boy Scout camp - first year

Robert at camp

This is Robert's first year attend Boy Scout Camp at Camp Crooked Creek, KY.

He loves it! He only wishes he could sleep there every night, but his troop leaders decided to have the (younger) boys come home 4 nights and sleep over only one. Okay...

He earned his Environmental Science, Archery, Fishing and Cooking merit badges. Best of all he was there all week with his great friends from church. Next year I will have to send a better camera and make him take photography... (hee, hee)

Robert's friends are Morley, Ben, Max, Reece, Seth, DJ, and Trevor.

Marissa attends YW camp

From 6/8- 6/11 Marissa attended Young Women's camp in Elizabethtown, KY.

She had a great time. She has such great friends from church. The theme this year was "Treasure Island". Every year they put on a skit. This was such a cute one because all the girls were pirates. Marissa's part was to play a pirate with short legs. She was soooo cute!

She was so happy that this year's camp didn't get rained out (like last year). Even though they got rain on Tuesday - everything inside the tent stayed dry.

Devon attends Boy Scout camp

Devon attended Boy Scout Camp at Camp Crooked Creek with Robert the week of 6/7/10 - 6/11/10. Devon was excited to finally be one of the older scouts that could help and assist the younger scouts.

He earned his Pathfinders Centennial Merit Badge, Canoeing and Space Exploration.

He had a great time. He loves Scout Camp!

Hopefully somebody took photos for me to share.

Lesson #1 - Take time

Hi,

The biggest opportunity to make each moment a positive one is when we take time before we say anything to make sure it is "actually" what we want to say.

Take time to cool down

Take a deep breath before you react to something that displeases you

Take time to count to 5 or even 10 if you need to cool down before saying something

Take a moment to think - what will my child remember from this

Ask yourself -

What is a good way to put distance between an impulse to do or say something you'll regret?

Avoid -

making decisions, issuing ultimatums, reprimanding, and laying down the law when you are angry.

Maintain -

Maintaining your composure is the same as staying in control. You are the parent - You determine the outcome. You demonstrate to your child that you are in control. You set the example. You establish that home is a stable, predictable and sturdy place. A place of love.

Take time to heal emotional wounds

- if you accidentally forget to take time to cool down and say or do something you regret - take time to fix it. Say your sorry. Set the example.

Take time to build their esteem

- catch them doing good things and praise them for it. Give them time and attention for the good things they do. This will offset getting time and attention for doing bad things.

Take time to establish a family value system.

What is important to you as a parent to teach your child(ren). Take time to instill that in them.

Take time for positive moments while you can

just some examples of fun things you can do:

- take walks together

- go get ice cream

- snuggle with a good DVD

- play catch

- "mommy and me" time

- make it a date time

- play dolls

- do a craft together

- put a puzzle together

- read a book together

- run through the sprinkler

Sandra Orr comes for a visit

I'm so excited, my dear friend Sandra Orr has come back to Louisville for one week while her girls and son attend camps with our kids.

On Thursday we got a sitter to watch Emma and Adam while we got our nails done and picked up Panera for lunch. We ate on the back deck on our new deck furniture...(fun) before taking the kids to the pool.

I love being back together with her. We talk and talk and talk. It's so wonderful to have someone you can share your heart with and not worry. Sandra is such a wonderful friend. I will miss her so much when they leave.

Last Day of School

The kids' last day of school was Tuesday, June 1. Everyone was actually pretty excited to go.

Jern Jern was in California on a Foreign Exchange trip.

Jessica had a free day except for one final - she took the final and then got to be a Mustang Mentor for the 8th grade field games (what I as chair on the NOMS PTSA Board).

Devon had a final exam and a free day

Marissa cleaned out her locker and had movies with her friends

Robert was at field day

My sister's moving advice

My sister is moving after living in the same house for over 10 year.  She is a pack rat, and found that she had accumulated "way too much stuff" over the years.

After the remodel and staging and moving items to a storage unit - 3 times to de-clutter - I was horrified that I filled 2 10x15 (in which 1

should hold a 3-bedroom house) and then a 5x5 for shoes and clothes - HORRIFYING.  This is even after I donated 11 bags of clothes and shoes and threw away 32 boxes of office stuff and shredded enough paperwork to fill 8 large garbage bags.  I kept paperwork since dad opened our 1st bank account from 1st American bank (holy crap).  It took 2 trucks (28 feet) and 6 men to move JUST my stuff.  Hauling 20 boxes of just books, I just can't do it anymore.  I don't plan on moving any time soon, but the thought of all that stuff, that I never use.  One plan of attack for my treasures is taking a photo and get an album where you can write something beside it, take a photo, print it, and write what it was that was so special and the purpose of keeping if so many years.    The other, if you not using it for show or utilitarian purposes, get rid of it.   Third: whatever hobbies or collectibles you participate in narrow it down to a couple... who has time for all of that.  I picked a couple and the rest of the stuff I "thought" I was going to do, is going bye bye... it's just taking up space.  In addition, you'll know your boundaries to the significant other and they can't yell at you for having.  For example I am allowed my shoes, but must get rid the plethora of purses and some clothes... who needs 10 different bath robes?  I also stopped shopping for clothes for over a year now, until it falls apart' why do I need another black sweater to mesh in with the other 10 I wear.  I am putting stickers on all my clothes, so when you wear it you pull it off. If it has a sticker on it still in two years, you don't need it.  Sorry I guess I am sharing too much, but this is a good way to vent it out and make this commitment to myself in writing.    Honestly, for first month of moving stuff out and realizing I couldn't store it and I had to throw it away, I cried so many times. They say purging makes you feel better, I didn't feel better at all and was so depressed. I couldn't believe how much money I threw away... wood, tile, paint, etc. And what was worse, I had no time to sell it or donate.  It was so not easy.  I will never again by something for a project that isn't planned out and ready to begin.  Nor start another project until it is completed. I remember, dad always had a piece of this a piece of that and we didn't have to go to the store to buy... but seriously, how much wood can you move and WHY.  Johnny and I have set up rules for the house and goals for completion, so we don't kill each other - 1 year, can't complain about it, but after a year if it's still there, he can pitch it and vice versa.  Not sure if this was helpful to you, but it was for me!  Good luck!  Start small with one type of item (like his Sperry manuals) and it will grow into something bigger.  Just don't re-fill the space you cleared out with something else.

Semi-Finals for State Cup (Soccer)

Rivals to the end: TSC vs Javanon for the State CUP.

We drove to Bowling Green, KY for the game. Amazing, I would drive 2 hours there, watch a one hour game and drive 2 hours back. Unfortunately, TSC lost to Javanon. Javanon played a great game.

Power Of Positive Parenting Class schedule

POWER OF POSITIVE PARENTING - Summer 2010

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The "Power of Positive Parenting" classes are starting!

EVERY WEEK

Over the Summer

Dates: TBD

-

Course Topics:

Week 1: Make Time for Positive Interactions

Week 2: Establishing and Communicating Expectations

Week 3: Establishing and Dispensing Consequeces

Week 4: Picking Your Battles

Week 5: Staying Calm - Don't become part of the problem

Week 6: Reinforcing Appropriate Behaviors

Week 7: Letting your Love Show

Week 8: Helping your child succeed in School (involving the school counselor)

-

Lessons adapted from: The Power of Positive Parenting by: Dr. Glenn Latham

Parents: mothers, fathers, step, foster - anyone that deals with kids

is welcome to attend the "Power of Positive Parenting Classes"

-

The classes are one hour long each week for eight (8) weeks

The cost is only $10 total! (not per class)

-

To register - email Betsy Lowe at betsy4kids@aol.com

Any question or if you are interested in starting your own group - please contact Betsy Lowe at the above email or at 749-4339.

School Awards from NOHS

Tonight was a very special night for Jessica and Devon. Both received Department Awards - being recognized as the top student in a particular department.

Jessica received the Best Student Award for Sociology.

Devon received the Best Student Award for Geometry.

The funny thing is that Devon was upset that he didn't get it for Biology. He now has set a goal to receive the Science and Math awards for next year! I'm so proud of his desire to do his best in school.

So very happy to see their efforts be rewarded! Great Job Jessica and Devon!!!

State Cup - quarter final game (Atletico Flames)

Robert on the attack!

Going for the goal with pressure.

Look at the determination on that face.

The header that led to the open shot - to a goal!

Way to go Robert!

The Quarter Final game had much more riding on it than any other game this contest. This game is do or die - only the winner advances. We have to win this game if we want to advance to the Semi-finals (two weeks from now in Bowling Green on Saturday).

The other team was very fast and seemed to be doing a great job. In the first half we deflected two shots on us, while Noah made a goal - half time score 1 - 0 (our lead).

Within one minute of the start of the second half, they scored a goal. Now the pressure is one - each team really wants to score. With about 10 minute left in the game Max scores a power shot goals (YEAH). We are up by one (but that can change at any moment).

Robert has been playing a lot, but all of the sudden Robert just turns up the heat and plays great! He takes every opportunity to score. He took a pass on the side line, kept it in bounds, bicycled it over his opponent, then knee kicked it again to an open space. He advanced on the ball for a strong shot, but it went straight to the goalie. With only four minute of play Robert does the give and go to Eric and Eric passes back to Robert for a goal! It was beautiful soccer.

Score now 3 - 1. It's wrapped up!

The Thoroughbreds advance to the Semi-finals. Robert scored! Go team!!!

State Cup - third game (United Gold)

Holden looking at a header

Robert trying to stand his ground while getting elbowed.

On the move!

This State Cup is so intense because we have two of our excellent players out with injuries, so that means everyone else has to really play their top game.

The game started off great - we had a 2 - 0 lead at half time, and finished even better - 3-0 - another shutout. The boys were so excited 3 wins for three games.

Their season record is 16-3-3.

They now advance to the Quarter-finals!!! Good Luck Thoroughbreds!

State Cup - second game (Trigg County)

Saturday, 5/22/10

Second game in one day. At 12:30, Robert's team took the field ready to play. Coach Rock put Mason in goal the first half and kept Mason in defense the second half to teach everyone a lesson - we are not a one person scoring team. (Good idea).

The boys played a great game, they won 9-0. Robert made some excellent plays, took three shots, but no goals.

State Cup - first game (Mockingbird Green)

Friday - 5/21/10

Robert's team did fantastic in their first game at State Cup. Luckily this year State Cup is being hosted by Robert's soccer club, so we don't have to travel.

The game started late because a referee didn't show. There was a severe weather storm approaching, so we needed the game to start on time so to be able to finish before the store arrived. It didn't work.

We made it through 21 minutes of play before thunder and lightning crashed through the sky, postponing the game - at this point the game is in our favor 1 - 0. (30 minute delay). Just as the first 30 minute delay was about to expire - Crash, boom (another 30 minute delay). Finally at 8:00 p.m. they canceled the game - postponing it until 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Saturday morning the boys (looked tired) but played to win. Final score 5-0. Mason Rice had all five goals.

Sunday Walks

Sundays are a perfect day to go for a family walk. We like to come home from church, eat a delicious dinner, relax or rest, then go for a family walk. Sometimes we explore the houses the are being built, but most of the time we go on nature walks. There is a beautiful waterfall one block over from our house (on the golf course); we love walking to it.

This Sunday we had the Orr daughters, Jenny and Hannah over after church for Dinner. (It was Mother's Day Sunday - and their family has already moved to Michigan. They are staying with friends to finish the school year). Jenny and Jessica are best friends, and Devon and Hannah are good friends.

The day was beautiful! The timing perfect.

Robert and Marissa going to the river floor

Robert on a fallen tree brand in the middle of the river

Robert crossing the tree bridge

Marissa waiting patiently, while fearful inside -

this is where she fell last August - off the tree bridge

Jenny, Jessica and Hannah on the other side of the tree bridge and Devon standing on the bridge

Jenny and Jessica on the golf course

Devon and Hannah

Fun on the Trampoline

MY KIDS LOVE THE TRAMPOLINE. They love it so much that they pooled their money together to purchase this trampoline...Mark refused to buy another one after the last one ended up up-side-down in our neighbor's tree (luckily with no damage to the tree - lots of damage to the trampoline).

My crazy kids: Marissa and Robert!

So excited

Wow, I just realized I could have a separate blog set aside for anything I wanted. I had to think about what I would do...I didn't want to separate out the kids, because everything they do affects me to, and is an important part of my life.

After thinking for a few minutes, I figured the thing that is most important to me is motherhood, so why not put a page of all the good, funny, learning, crazy, experiences I've had that maybe could help someone else. I could also post the "Power of Positive Parenting" outline for people to review, "Operation Spirit" materials, and "American Mothers, Inc." information.

I'm so excited. Here we go ...