Devon takes Madelene McGill to Eastern's Prom

 Devon didn't want to go to his Senior Prom (we don't know why - he says it's too noisy, etc), but when Madelene McGill asked Devon to her prom at Eastern High School, he, of course, said yes.

Devon texted me "Mom, you may need to get me a tux, is it too late"
Mom texted back, "no it's not too late"  secretly very happy that Devon was going to prom
Madelene gave Devon a sample of the dress color - from there we ordered the corsage and tux!  Everything is set for the special night!

On Friday, April 19, Devon came home from school and immediately showed and cleaned up so I could trim his hair.  Then he got dressed up in his tux (including the cool, purple argyle socks).  He drove to Madelene's house, and I followed so I could take photos.

We got there at 5:45 - a little too early so we waited in the car.  He was supposed to arrive at 6:00.  He texted her and decided it was okay to go to the door.  She was gorgeous!!!  Stunningly gorgeous!

Devon was such a gentleman.  He put the corsage on her arm.

Then waited patiently while she pinned the boutonniere on Devon.  Without knowing they each picked the white rose as the flower to go with her dress color - how perfect.

Madelene and Devon

We then went outside on their back deck where they had the perfect spot for photos!  Even though Devon doesn't like having his photo taken, he was very polite and quite the gentleman through the whole ordeal.  She must have been freezing because it was a cool night.

Devon - Senior Prom

They were so cute together

Fun stuff

Devon walked her to his car, open the door, made sure she had her dress in, and then they were off for dinner at the Anchorage Cafe.  They were meeting up with another 20+ of her friends!  Such fun!

At the Anchorage Cafe

While they were having dinner the weather took a turn for the worse - it started to lightly rain.  Madelene's mom went to the cafe to take photos and brought an extra umbrella for them to use.  They made the best of it by posing for some more photos!

This is my favorite!

From the restaurant, Devon drove to Eastern High School where they had Prom.  They had a wonderful time together.  Madelene is on the student government.  After Prom was over Devon volunteered to help Madelene clean up.  

Devon was home around 12:45 am - what a great night!

Oldham County Championship Meet - NOHS takes 1st Place

Marissa's events are the 1600 and the 3200.  She doesn't like to run both events in the same night - especially on a school night.  The reason is she doesn't feel well rested after being at school all day, plus she can't get the best nutrition on a day with a meet after school.

The first event she competed in was the 1600 m (1 mile).  Erin Edmundson took first place setting a new school record of 5:19.  Marissa came in 5th place with a time of 5:51.  She beat all the South Oldham runners, but was saving some energy for the 3200 - allowing some OCHS runners to pass her.

Running the 1600 M

Warming up for the 3200 M

Marissa's second event was the 3200.  Erin Edmundson was in the lead for the first two laps.

In good place on the 2nd lap

The first two laps she was in 3rd place, then the 1st place runner dropped out, and she passed the 2nd place runner putting her in the lead. 

 

Taking the lead during the 3rd lap

She held the lead for 2 laps, but then was passed by Carolyn Grogen (OC).  On that same lap she was passed by Grace W. and two OC runners, putting her in 5th place.  She looked tired, kinda just pacing herself, but not going for the win.  Then on the last lap, she decided to sprint the last 150 passing one runner coming in 4th place.

Determined to pass the OC runner

Sprinting for a better finish

Passing the #4 runner

No matter what, Marissa always has a smile on her face

OVERALL

NOHS takes 1st place!

This is the first time in the history of the school that NOHS has won the County Championship.  OCHS is a AAA school, and SOHS is a strong running school.

Racing to the awards table

team photo with trophy

doing the team cheer

Robert plays well in the NOMS vs East Oldham Soccer Game

Tonight's game is the last game of the season before the district championships!  It's an away game at East Oldham Middle School (EOMS).  The bus was late getting the boys to the field - we were a bit nervous before they showed up around 5:10.  

The game started at 5:30 pm.  From the very start we took control of the game.  It was Tyler Scholten's birthday - we were all hoping he would score since he plays forward.  He had a few chances to score but it was Mason Rice who scored the first goal with an assist from Robert - all within the first 5 minutes of the game.  That was quickly followed up with a goal by Robert.  

Robert after he assisted Mason on the first goal

Robert scoring the second goal

celebrating with Parker and Holden after the second goal

Robert does a header

One by one the starters were replaced with the second string.  We continued to score.  We were up 5-0 at half.  At the start of the second half Robert was back in with a few of his friends:  Ryan D., Ryan G., Tyler, Blake, but then again they were all subbed out with replacements.  

controlling the ball in the midfield

making a key play

That's when East scored a goal.  One by one Mason, Parker, Robert were subbed back in for the end of the game.  The game ended 5-1.   Another WIN for NOMS!

Season Record 8 wins, 1 loss, 0 ties.

NOMS Soccer vs County Rival - South Oldham

Tonight's game is the last home game of the season!  It is against our county rival:  South Oldham Middle School.  Robert is starting the game as offensive midfielder.  It is another blustery day; very windy for a soccer game.  For some reason every time we play on a windy day we start with the wind against us - luckily that means we have the wind with us in the second half.

In the first half Nathan Clark scored about 15 minutes into the game.  That was the only score of the game.  We had several opportunities but we couldn't get the score.

In the second half Robert assisted a goal, and scored one of his own!  Once we scored two more goals the coach took Robert and a few other starters out.  The last 17 minutes of the game there were no goals - the game ended  3-0.

"42" - Left Big Impression

I need to learn to be more like Jackie Robinson.  He was an amazing example of Christ-like patience, acceptance and forgiveness.

Robert's soccer game against Nelson County

Saturday morning Robert and I had to leave around 8:45 to get to Nelson County by 10:15 for an 11:00 am game.  The weather outside was only 50 degrees.  It was cold, Robert was in his warm ups until the game started but decided not to wear any Underarmor during the game...don't ask me why!

The game started at 11:00.  The Nelson Country fields are smaller than normal regulation fields.  It was a very short field!

It was a very competitive game.  Last season we won one against them and lost one against them.  Today would be a good test.  We looked very good in the first half.  One play in particular was fantastic:  Robert fielded a ball in the back, passed it up to Sam, Sam crossed it right in front of the goal to Ryan P. and Ryan P. scored!  Great play!  We were up 1-0.

Then with less than a minute left to play in the 1st half, there was a long ball towards our goal, Dillon was running to clear it and a Nelson County player was chasing him down.  Unfortunately, Dillon didn't clear it in time, and the Nelson county player toe poked it over the goalie (Evan had come out of the box) and they scored.  At the end of the first half the score was 1-1.

In the second half of the game, Nelson County came out very aggressive and attacked us on what seemed to be every play.  We countered back hard.  Both teams played hard, but neither team scored.

There was great defense on both sides!

The game ended in a tie 1-1.  According to our team manager, It should have been a win.

Marissa competes in NOHS Quad Meet

The NOHS Quad meet is held at our track and field.  It starts around 5:00 - everyone expects it to go on until 9:00 or later.  Last year it was a Tri meet with only three teams, but this year we have 4:  South Oldham, CAL, and KCD.  There are good athletes at all 4 schools.  The weather leading up to the Quad had been nice everyday with temperatures in the mid 70s and 80s but today - as you can see from the photos - the temperatures dropped to the 40s.  This is a recipe for disaster in the Lowe house.  

Marissa with her friends on the wall:
Cecia, Katie Walker, Cassidy Price, Mallory Price, Tori Simpson, Marissa Lowe, Dina Fahmi, Brittney Logsdon, Miranda Conway, Erin Didier

Today Marissa is running the 1600 M and the 3200 M - that's 3 miles in one day.  She didn't run the 4x800 to reserve energy for the other two long distance races.

Sophomores:
Kelsey Hall, Marissa Lowe, Kenzie Mullins, Katie Walker, Mallory Price, Tori Simpson

Because it's a home meet - parents have to work events.  I had to work the shot put so I wasn't able to take photos until the event was done.  So ... Danny Walker took photos at the 1600 M for me.  Marissa looked so amazing!  She came in 2nd place with at time of 5:51.60 leaving some for her 2 mile.  Way to go Marissa!

running strong during the 1600 M

Later that night they ran the boys and girls 3200 M together.  All the North runners got a great start as you can see in the photo.  David Turkula and Luke Cummins in front with Marissa and Erin Edmundson right behind them and in front of all the girls.  This is a long race - 8 laps around the track.

At the start

Still tights after 1 lap

Marissa in 3rd at the 1/2 way mark

working hard on the 2nd mile

Marissa is running hard passing Margeritte Wheeler to reclaim 2nd place with a time of 12:19.64.

Marissa passes Margeritte Wheeler on the last lap to take 2nd

The meet was amazing; we won by a landslide with 93 points over South with 54.  What was most amazing about the meet was that it was finished in 3 hours.  We were done by 8:00.  It was a shame they didn't give out medals - Marissa would have had 2.  Way to go NORTH!!!

Mark's Dad has Hip Replacement Surgery

Around 12:00 today, Mark sent a text saying his dad would require hip replacement surgery.  Wow!  What a shoke.

Yesterday was his 90th birthday.  Linda and Kevin went to visit him and celebrate, but Mark called they also said he had taken a fall and was going to the doctor to be evaluated. 

I feel so bad for Mark's dad.  He's 90 years old, has a wonderful family, life and a nice place to live, but because of Alztimers' Disease he doesn't remember much of the present and because of poor knees he doesn't get around much.  As he is getting older he is getting weaker and now he has taken a fall that requires dramatic surgery.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a safe and successful surgery.  I'm sure he will also have to undergo extensive rehab and physical therapy. 

Marissa's Tooth Repair

Tuesday:  On Tuesday Betsy had to pick up Marissa from school at 11:30 to be at the Orthodontist by 11:45 to have her wires and brackets removed so the dentist could do some tooth construction.

At 12:10 Marissa had to be at the dentist.  Luckily the dentist is just down the road from the Orthodontist.  Marissa has a tooth called a "peg lateral".  The lateral tooth came in 1/2 the size it was supposed to, probably because the canine tooth next to it was resting on it's roots, shorting out it's development.  Today Marissa had to have a veneer / tooth construction done to build up that tooth to a natural tooth size.  Luckily it wasn't painful and really didn't take too long.  She was able to return to school around 1:30.  The bad news was that the Orthodontist office is closed from 1 - 2:00 for lunch so Marissa couldn't get her wires or brackets put back on today.  She said her mouth felt so funny.

Wednesday:  Today I took Marissa back to the Orthodontist.  It was at 2:00 so that she wouldn't miss AP Euro (lunch times were already taken).  She wasn't happy with the time because she had an Algebra exam at that time.  UGH!  I can't win.  The appointment took about an hour.  She was back for the last 25 minutes of school - back for track practice.

This should be her last month in braces!  She is so excited!

Louisville Wins the National Championship

What a great game!!!!

Mark, Betsy and Robert watched the entire game.  What a game.  As usual the Louisville team were down, at one point they were down by 12 points, but then (just as always) they fought their way back with good defense and amazing offense.  They shortened the gap with more than 10 minutes still to play.  They took the lead and never gave it up after that!  It was awesome!  They won 82-76.

We are National Champions!

NOMS Soccer Team Crushes CAL

It's the first day back from spring break and the boys haven't been together for a week (as a team) so it should prove to be an interesting game.  CAL has been an out of district rival since we lost to them 2-0 last year as part of the season but then crushed them 5-1 in the district championship tournament.

Today the boys were so excited to have warm sunny weather, however it was very windy making which would prove to be on obstacle during the first 1/2 of the game.

Robert started as offensive midfielder again.  He has really grown into that position on this team.  He has proven himself to be a very valuable member of the team because of his consistent passing and distribution of the ball.  He knows where to send it, or if he needs to dribble out of trouble.

Today the NOHS high school coaches came to speak with the boys before the game.  I think they made a few of the boys nervous because the boys knew scouts were watching.  Some had a great game, others didn't.

The game started slow score wise, but we were against the wind.  We had a few opportunities to score but didn't.  Robert had a great assist before the assist (so it doesn't count as an assist) for the first goal.  He passed it to Mason, Mason passed it up and we scored.  At the end of the first 1/2 the score was 2-1 with NOMS in the lead.

Robert started the second half where other starters didn't.  Then after another goal, he was subbed out.  Score 3-1.  With about 15 minutes left in the game, there wasn't but maybe one starter on the field.   It was a bit scary because we didn't control the ball quite as well, but we managed to score again 4-1.  The final score was 4-1.  What a great game!

Now the boys have the rest of the week off because of the 8th grade field trip to Washington DC.  Robert has decided he didn't want to go, I hope he will be happy with that decision when so many of his friends are gone the rest of the week.

General Conference

I'm so grateful for General Conference.  I've been so edified by the counsel of the speakers at conference.

Talk messages that really stood out
Faith
Obedience
Remember the atonement
Marriage
Remove contention from family

Louisville wins in the Final 4 Game

Betsy really likes to celebrate and have fun with BIG and SMALL things.  This year the University of Louisville has made it to the Final Four - Basketball Powerhouse!!!

Devon had to work today so we let him have a piece of the cookie cake before leaving for work.

After a full day of watching General Conference 12:00 - 2:00 and 4:00 - 6:00 Betsy made a delicious Parmesan Chicken with Linguine dinner.  We ate as a family even though the game started at 6:05.

After dinner Mark, Robert, Betsy and Marissa were glued to the TV to watch the University of Louisville play against Wichita State for the Final 4 match.  We were behind most of the game, down as much as 12 at one point but then little by little came back to take a 5 point lead.  Mark and Robert had to leave for the Priesthood session of Conference with only 10 minutes left in the game (that took 30 to air on TV).

There was only 1 minute 50 seconds left in the game but it lasted forever.  We are up 67-62, at 45 seconds left its 68-64, with 31 seconds left its 68-66, 12 seconds 70-68, 8 seconds 71-68, and we win with 72-68.  It was such an intense last 2 minutes of the game.   I texted Mark the scores so he would know we won!

Marissa is Driving

Marissa drove a lot this week - she had a week off so we let her drive most everywhere we had to go - that she wanted to go...

She drove to IHOP, NOHS, the Gaddis Eye, Costco, etc.

She is a very good driver - cautious and very attentive.  She will develop confidence as she continues to drive.

Outback for Dinner

Later that night Betsy took the kids to dinner.  It was Devon's choice since this was Devon's last spring break with the family.  It's hard to believe he will be gone in just a few months but I really can't think that way - it just doesn't process.  It did with Jessica and really chocked  me up, maybe that's why my brain wont let me think this way ... anyway ... Devon decided to go to Outback Steak House.

Devon loves steaks, so does Robert and Mommy, but Marissa doesn't like them.  Go figure!  We were seated right away and had a fantastic table.  The waiter brought out delicious bread and drinks while we waited for our food.  Devon and Robert ordered the large Ribeye, I ordered the smaller Ribeye, and Marissa ordered the kids meal Chicken strips.  Everyone was happy.  The steaks were delicious!  Perfection with every bite.

Devon 18, Robert 14, Marissa 16

Mommy made a rule while we were at dinner - no technical devices!  Yes, we talked and laughed and shared stories without games, phones or music.  It was wonderful!

Ihop for Breakfast

Wednesday was a super morning.  All the kids got to sleep in until 10:00 am.  It was also Devon's day off so that meant we could plan to do some things with him.  

This morning was set aside for IHOP!  The kids love IHOP.  Every time we go to Hilton Head we eat breakfast at IHOP at least one morning while we are there, so I was thinking ... since we didn't get to go to the beach for spring break, we could at least re-inact what we do.  So, at 11 am we loaded up and headed to IHOP.

Marissa drove the entire way.  She didn't want to take the interstate so we took Hurstbourne.  We had a delicious pancake breakfast.  Marissa had her traditional Cinnabun pancakes, Robert and Devon had pancake platters, and I had a short stack.  Devon and Robert had extra bacon - they love bacon.

Marissa also drove the entire way home.  She did a great job, even with Robert and Devon in the back - being back seat drivers.

Robert Goes Paint Ball Shooting with Friends

On Monday of Spring Break, Robert and his friends - Ryan Danehy, Trevor DeGruccio, Trent, Brandon, Lucas and Jacob went Paintball shooting - gaming at Paintball Asylum (on the other side of Louisville).  We have never gone paintball shooting so this is a new experience.  

I know a good friend whose son was shot in the eye, and is now blind in that eye.  I am nervous to allow Robert to do this but also know that was preventable.  

The whole drive there Robert is sleeping in the front seat of the car.  At first I don't know if he is faking it, or if he's sick or if he's just tired.  It's so weird because his friends are in the back seat.  As soon as we get to Paintball Asylum, Robert throws up in their bathroom.  Now I know he was sick, but what I don't know (for sure) if it's car sickness or a stomach bug, but I think it's car sickness.  I just can't believe how sensitive Robert's stomach is - he is just like his dad.  The good news is that as soon after he throws up, he feels better.  That's a good sign.   

Before the boys are allowed out on the courses, they watch a safety video and hear safety precautions - of which the most important is the face and eyes.  They learn all the rules and safety measures.  Luckily, at the moment, they are the only ones at the place

The boys  purchase 1000 paint balls and get automatic guns - so the shooting should be fun.  They will have plenty to keep them busy for the 4 1/2 hours they will be here.  After they fill their guns and their ammunition tanks (canisters they can carry on them in their protective vests) they head over to get their guns pressurized.   

Once their guns are pressurized, they get to take some target practice before hitting the course.  The good news for me, is that there is a referee with them at all times.  My last thoughts are, "The boys are going to have a great time.  Don't worry."  

Robert - Ready for Action

Trevor, Brandon, Lucas, Ryan, Trent, Robert and Jacob ready to go

When I drive away, I have a terrible feeling that I am leaving him 40 minutes away.  I pray he will follow the rules and keep his helmet on at all times to stay safe.   Robert is a very obedient kid, but he also can get caught up in the action - I hope and pray he will be fine.

After 4 1/2 hours, Becky picks up the boys - they had a great time and no one was hurt.  They all followed the rules.  They actually ran out of paint balls before they expected.  CRAZY!