Track and Field State Runner Up

Amazing!!!  Truly Amazing - the goal of the NOHS girls track team was to try to take 3rd place.  6 years ago we were 14th or so, then 3 years ago we were 4th - big jump - new coach - new approach - excellent results ... that was Jessica's senior year.  That year there were 11 seniors and we lost a huge talent pool, but a new talent pool came in - namely we got Marissa!!  Last year, even without those 11 seniors we took 5th.  It was a little disappointing knowing we had 4th last year but still 5th in the state.  This year our goal was to take 3rd.  We have several amazing athletes, 7 seniors, and athletes in every event.

We took 1st place at Regionals (again) so the fight is on.  Right from the start the team did amazing.  The girls 4x800 team came in 3rd place with a time of 9:58.99.  Interestingly they took 3rd but had a better time than Jessica's teams that took 2nd place with at time of 10:01.16.  They broke the school record.  Then Bri took 2nd in the hurdles ... and the day went on like this.  Haley Oliver took 4th in Pole Vault, Bri took 4th in the Long Jump, Nicole Moeller took 3rd in the 400 and Erin Olsson took 5th.  Erin Edmondson took 4th in the 800 and Ali Hall took 7th with a PR of 2:26.

At 7:50 the 3200 M started.  Marissa got off to a fantastic start.  She is ranked 15th - she has the toughest competition of the whole meet; Gabriella Karas, Paducah Tilman, Grace Whitroth, East Bullitt, Presentation ...  all amazing runners that she faced at the XC State Championship where she finished 13th.  

Great start

Amazing - Marissa in in front of Grace!  Go Marissa!

Right behind Grace - good place

Right here Marissa got trapped on the inside of about 11 runners with 4 in front of her.  She was devastated, but still ran her heart out.   You can see the pack starting to trap her.

Keeping a good pace

Just one more lap to go

Sprinting the finish

Go Marissa

And look at her stride

Passing

Great Job!!!

Marissa took 14th place with a time of 12:07.  It's crazy because a time of 12:11 took 7th place last year.  She did great.  She didn't medal but she is still in the top 15 state fastest distance runners.  She ran against some National Elite runners - Gabbie ran 11:07.

After her race the 4x400 is the last race.  We had a dramatic finish for the girls to take 3rd place.  In a total team effort - the NOHS Girls take 2nd place at STATE.  They are the STATE RUNNER UPS!  It's just so unbelieveable because we didn't even know we could do that.  It's just like 2 years ago when we went from being 14th to 4th place.  AWESOME!!!  AMAZING!!!

Team Photo

STATE RUNNER UPS!

Distance Runners

Katie, Marissa, Makenzie and Kelsey

Marissa is so excited - not only are they state runner ups, but she can lift Makenzie!

Celebrating a VICTORY!

Robert Honored at Soccer Banquet

The NOMS Soccer Team's banquet was held at Incredible Dave's.  Betsy was in charge of the banquet so she ordered the food, cakes, etc. a few weeks in advance.  Everything was perfect.  Jenny Danehy helped with the cake.  She also did the coaches gifts and the 8th grade boy's posters.  That was a lot of work.  She enjoys it, but right now we are so pressed for time (personally).

Boy the boys had a blast running around and playing the games before the dinner and speeches began.

Coach Wenger did an excellent job.  He talked about the team, and players.  He passed out the posters for each of the 8th grade boys and did AWARDS.  Mason Rice was awarded Best Offense.  Ben Carper was awarded Best Defense, and Robert Lowe was awarded the Coaches Award.  He said Robert made all the difference in the games!  It was a very special and validating night for Robert.

Devon's Senior Breakfast

Friday, May 17 was a very special morning for all the seniors al North Oldham High School.  Although they got up and went to school, it was no ordinary day.  This morning was the Annual Senior Breakfast held at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel downtown Louisville.

It is a special morning just for seniors and their parents.  After a very nice ceremony of speeches from the Superintendent Dr. Wells and Board Member Joyce Fletcher, we presented Devon with letters from his parents.  Both Mark and I had written him separate and personal letters.

Devon flanked by his parents:  Mark and Betsy

Ryan Warren and Devon - friends since middle school

Friends from Seminary:  Yoslin, Tyler, Katie and Devon

Devon with one of his best friends:  Ally Hall

Devon and Angelo have been friends since 5th grade

part of the "Lunch Bunch"
Great people - Great friends

Two Weeks of AP Testing

The end of the school year is stressful enough but when you are taking an AP class the stress level goes even higher.  Well this year DEVON is taking three AP classes (physics, calculus and literature) and MARISSA is taking AP European History.  Devon and Marissa have been studying every possible minute.

Devon had two the first week and one on Monday, May 13 the following week; Marissa had her's on Wednesday, May 15.

They are so happy to have them over!!!

Second email from Jessica

Hey guys!!!

Sorry I don't have much time to write today but can I just say I love you so much and you are the best! Those letters and DearElders you sent me just made my day and I'm so happy to hear you all are doing well! This week has been so awesome and it is so cool to see the progress our district is making. We really have become a little family and we are always looking out for each other and making sure no one gets left behind. Tagalog is super sweet, but super hard! But I love learning new things and getting better everyday! Earlier this week I was feeling kind of stressed and was feeling frustrated because I want to be fluent in Tagalog as fast as I can, but there is just so much to learn! But over the past few days I have just really trusted in the Lord and prayed that he would help me and it is incredible what I have been able to accomplish. My faith has already increased so much since first getting here and my testimony is getting stronger and stronger everyday :) I used to think the gospel was complicated and there was so much to know and understand, but since being here I have come to realize that it is so simple! Our Heavenly Father just loves us so much and wants us to return to him. Our purpose here on this earth is to become closer to Christ and to do everything we can to be able to return to our Heavenly Father and live with our families forever :) What could be better than that?? The gospel just bring so me so much joy its kind of ridiculous haha. Everything I am is because of this beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ and I owe everything that is good to my Father in Heaven. Sorry to be super spiritual haha but it's just how I feel.

Ok now for the fun stuff haha. So this week we found out that the person we have been teaching is actually our new Tagalog teacher! Too bad I already knew it the whole time because a lot of my friends at BYU are MTC teachers and they told me about that haha. But it was still really funny to see everyone in my district super surprised. Oh! This week Elder Russel M Nelson came and spoke to us!!! It was so awesome!! Such a great speaker and said everything I needed to hear. I've seen a lot of people I know here in the MTC which has been really nice since I came here knowing pretty much no one. Just to name a few i've seen Josiah Aponte a couple times, Travis Cavanah, and a lot of BYU friends like Abby Stewart, Ashley Parker, and Brett Thorpe!

Ok now for my district. They. Are. The. Bomb. Like seriously, they are so awesome and we are a little family now. The elders in my district are soooo great and are always looking out for us. We are always joking around and laughing. Everyone here always tells us that they are jealous of our district because we are so close. The sisters are wonderful and we always have such a hard time getting to bed on time because we just want to keep talking/ laughing. You find that when you're in the MTC and it's late after a long day, EVERYTHING seems funny. The only thing I worry about with them is that one of the sisters in my district (the one from Saamoa) is having a really hard time adjusting to missionary life and doesn't like following the rules and seems to be really missing her family. I'm trying to do everything I can to help her and put her faith in God because with his help we can do ALL things. She has been getting better throughout the week which has been really good to see because I always worry about everyone in the district and want to make sure they are happy and ok. In fact i've kind of gotten the role as honorary mom in the district... why does that always happen haha.

Alright well, I gotta get going, but I LOVE YOU ALL SO much and you all are such great example to me :) 

Alam ko po na totoo po an simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga banal sa mga huling araw. Alam ko po na totoo po ang ebanghelyo at aklat ni mormon. Alam ko po na buhay po ang Diyos at mahal po tayo ng Diyos.  Tagapaglitas si Jesucristo.  Sa pangalan ni jesuchristo amen. :) Just a little Tagalog for you all to see! It's awesome!

Have a wonderful week friends and family!! I love you all so much and pray for you every night :) 

Mahal kita!

Love, 

Sister Lowe

Mormon Prom

Despite several protests … Devon decided to go to the Mormon Prom at the Crestwood Stake Center.  He had already been at Prom so he didn't want to go to another "date" dance.  Everyone told him he should take a date but he didn't want to.  Luckily he still went to the prom and had a great time.

He even had pictures taken with friends - but I don't have any to share today...

First email from Jessica

Pamilya ako!

Hey guys! How are you all doing?? Life is so crazy and busy here in the MTC, but I love it! When I first got here, Sam and Mal dropped me off and then I was whisked away to get my books, name tag and then drop off my stuff in the room. Right away they took me to my classroom where I met my district and my teacher. My teacher's name is brother Poole and he is so great! He is so patient with us and loves to joke around. He is going to BYU to be an Elementary School teacher just like me- in fact he actually has a class with my lovely roommate Sam! Small world. Anyways, there are 9 of us in my district- Elder Stephenson, Elder Tiejon, Elder Smith, Elder Solomon, Sister Mack, Sister Ah Hong, Sister Leakehe, Sister Aruwititi and of course me! :) They are all SO amazing and we are so close as a district already. In fact our zone leaders keep telling us how we are the closest and most unified district they have seen here at the MTC which is pretty cool. So guess what? I'm in a trio companionship! My companion never came to the MTC or decided not to go or something so now my mga kasama (companions) are sister Leakehe and sister Aruwititi! They are both so great and I love them so much! Sister Leakehe is Tongan, but speaks perfect English because she's been living here in Utah for a while. We get along SO GREAT! We always seem to be on the same page and finishing each other's sentences. We both love a lot of the same stuff and love to be outside and play sports- we dominate in volleyball at gym time haha. We both like to work hard and we really encourage each other to be the best we can be. We have gotten so close in just the 3 days i've been here and I feel so blessed to have her as a companion. Sister Aruwititi is from Kiribati (which is a super small island in the middle of the ocean somewhere under Hawaii) and this is her very first time leaving the island! She speaks a little english, but I can tell sometimes she doesn't know what we are saying, but I try my best to talk with her and always let her know i'm here for her and love her. Yesterday, Sister Aruwititi and I got to take a little field trip outside of the MTC because where she is from they don't really wear shoes, so we got to go shopping in Provo to get her some good shoes. It was pretty weird walking around places I have been so many times when I went to BYU, but now as a missionary. Sister Mack is Hawaiian and sister Ah Hong in from Saamoa so I'm the only American in our room haha- it's awesome! The elders in our district are amazing and always looking out for us. We all are always joking around and laughing together... we've really all become best friends. But no worries we can be serious too and we definitely get down to business when it comes to learning Tagalog. Holy moly learning Tagalog is hard!! Trying to learn a new language is a very humbling experience let me tell you. We taught our first investigator yesterday in all Tagalog and it just showed me how much I still have to learn. But it also has helped me to become closer to my heavenly father and I know that he will help me. I got to say my first prayer in Tagalog yesterday  (I was the first one in our district to try it) and even though I stumbled over my words and had super awkward long pauses, I could feel the spirit and I knew God was listening to me and I felt his love for me. I know that God loves us and is in the details of our lives and if we pray to him he will help us in everything we do. Alam ko po na totoo po ang simbahan ni jesucristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling Araw at mahal po tayo ng Diyos.

I love you all soooooooo much and I can't wait to hear about how you are all doing!

Mahal kita!!!!

Love,

Sister Lowe

New Regional Champions - Lady Mustangs Track & Field take 1st place

It was such an exciting night at the NOHS track - we were hosting the 2013 Region 3 AA Track meet. It is a very competitive region with most of the toughest teams in our region, including Central High School, CAL, South Oldham, Collins, East Bullitt and Mercy.

We took 1st place in several (5) events:
Maggie Mallok in the Shot Put and Discus
Brianne Brown in the 100 M Hurdles and Long Jump
Hailey Oliver in the Pole Vault

We scored points in almost every event (15):  Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, Pole Vault, 100 M Hurdles, 300 M Hurdles, 100 M dash, 200 M dash, 400 M dash, 800 M run, 1600 M run, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, and the 4x800 relay.

Marissa ran a great race in the 3200 but she was stacked against some of the toughest competition in the state:  Gaby from Collins, Grace from South, the Mercy, Presentation and East Bullitt girls too.  She came in 7th place with a time of 12:07.  She qualifies for State so now she is preparing to do even better there!

The meet went extremely late.  It was around 9:45 when Marissa ran the 3200 after a very long and tiring day at school.

Betsy was busy taking photos of every event trying to capture each girl in her element as she ran, threw, or jumped.  The coaches asked her to stay around for the awards knowing we were in 1st or 2nd place.  Once we found out we were the champions everyone on the team got so excited!!!  We didn't leave the meet until 10:40.

Betsy picked up pizza on the way home - everyone was starving (no one had eaten dinner).

Last NOMS PTSA Meeting

Today was a BIG day for Betsy!

Today Jessica was heavily on her mind as she, my oldest daughter was entering the MTC, offering to serve the Lord for 18 months without break.  We will have the opportunity to communicate  via email (us anytime we want, her once a week to us) but that will be the only communication we will have with the exception of Skype on Mother's Day and Christmas.

It also is a BIG day because, after serving on a PTA or PTSA board since 2003, for 10 years - most of the time on 2 boards at the same time, 5 of those years as president of the NOMS PTSA, Betsy retired.

At 12:00 Betsy called her last NOMS PTSA meeting to order at Martini's Restaurant in the Summit Shopping plaza.  There were 24 in attendance.  She was able to pass out her "Class Act" thank you gifts to everyone and welcome the new members for the next year.

I have loved serving the students and staff of the various PTA's and PTSA's I have served.  They are wonderful people!  I love to GIVE of my time and talent.  With Robert being an 8th grader, this is my last year at the middle school - so hard to believe!

Trying to work as a substitute teacher and volunteer is just too hard to juggle.  The timing always seemed to conflict for me, so I have made a big decision. I am taking the next year off from all PTSA activity.  I will be returning to school at U of L to finish my Masters in Business.

Jessica Leaves for Her Mission

at 10:45 Mark, Betsy and Jessica headed out of the neighborhood bound for the Louisville Airport.

Jessica is so excited for her mission.  She is completely prepared with 2 bags to check in and one carry on - randomly filled with clothes, mosquito repellant, waterproof shoes, toiletries, etc.  She is ready.  She has had all of her immunizations, she has read the Book of Mormon, Preach My Gospel, and the Missionary Handbook.  She has studied the scriptures for years, and loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ - she is anxious to learn the language of Tagolic and being sharing her message in the Philippines.

On the ride there I started to tear up just thinking about how long she will be gone and how I will miss hearing her voice on the phone, or receiving a random text from her, or seeing her face on Skype or reading one of her colorful letters, but then I also was filled with a overwhelming peace and comfort.  I am so happy for her, proud of her and genuinely thrilled for her to have the chance to have this experience.  What a wonderful opportunity for her!

After we got her checked in, we walked her down to security and said our good bye.  All I could think of is how proud (in a good way) I was of her!  How grateful I am to have such a obedient, loving and wonderful daughter that was willing to sacrifice 18 months to serve the Lord.  She was destine for this opportunity as it so states in her Patriarchal Blessing.  I cried a few tears ...

My tears were strange - I wasn't sad, I wasn't scared, I really didn't have a reason to cry - just the overwhelming combination of emotions hitting me, I guess.

Mark and I stood there and watched as she went through security (very slowly I might add) and then saw her walk away confidently and secure of her decision.  She didn't look back, she didn't cry.  She was ready, willing and able!  She was prepared in every way possible.  I could not ask for more!

Thank you Lord for watching over her all these 20 years and for the next 18 months.  She is a blessed Child of God ready to do thy will.

Breakfast with Jessica before School

A tradition started in August of 2011 when Jessica left for college that very first time.  Since the younger children had to go to school, Marissa a freshman, Devon a junior and Robert in 7th grade we kept Devon and Marissa from Seminary and took Jessica out for a "good-bye breakfast."  It wasn't anything fancy because we didn't have time for "fancy."  We went to McDonalds - our traditional morning breakfast place if we are traveling (because there is something for everyone) around 7:15.  That became a tradition for the next year and now ... this time too ...

This morning we had Devon and Marissa skip Seminary in order to have one last moment with their sister at breakfast.  We went to McDonalds at 7:15, ate and then the younger kids had a chance to say "good-bye."  I think it is going to be hard on them as they know she is leaving for such a long time - this isn't like she will be back in a few months for Christmas, she will be gone 18 months.  She will miss the next year and a half of their lives.

Devon, Marissa and Robert loaded into Devon's car and headed out to school after the good-bye's while Mark, Betsy and Jessica headed home to do the final packing and cleaning before taking Jessica to the airport.

Daddy just said good bye

Saying good bye to Devon

Precious

I wonder what they said

Marissa will Miss Jessica very much

Bear Hugs 

Robert will miss Jessica very much

Jessica gets Set Apart as a Missionary

It's crazy to think that today is our "essentially" last day with Jessica.  Tomorrow Jessica will be flying on an airplane to Utah to go to the MTC.  She doesn't have to report to the MTC until Wednesday but because of the timing she must get to Utah the day before because she has to get to the MTC by 12:00 pm and all flights don't get in until later.

Mark and I took Jessica for a morning walk on the walking bridge in Louisville, KY.  We had a wonderful time together.

We talked about what we think we will be like in 5 years.  5 years - Jessica will be back from her mission, graduated from BYU and she will be teaching.  She could even be married.  Devon will be back from his mission.  Marissa will be at BYU.

After the kids got home from school and practice we took Jessica out for dinner at O'Charley's.  Her choice!  We had a wonderful dinner but it was stressful trying to get all our dinners done in time to get to Jessica's Setting Apart!

When we arrived at the Stake Center we ran into Josiah Apante - also being set apart for his mission.  He is going to Boise Idaho (spanish speaking).

Jessica had the most wonderful Setting Apart Blessing.  It was so personal and so comforting!  I've been worried about her getting diseases while on her mission - but not after her blessing!  It was so special!

Jessica and Joe (Josiah Apante)

Amanda and Jenny Orr came to say good bye too!  It was so touching.  Jessica talked with them for over 10 minutes - it was so hard to say good bye.

Dinner with Jessica for the Last Time

O'Charley's

7:30 - 8:30

Devon Ordained to the Office of Elder

At 2:00 on Sunday, May 5, 2013 our family witnesses the ordination of Devon Alexander Lowe to the Priesthood office of an Elder.

Just prior to Devon's ordination, his friend Stephen Fisher was ordained to the office of Elder.  Stephen was able to be a part of Devon's ordination.  It was very special.

Devon Lowe and Stephen Fisher just prior to being Ordained to the office of Elder

It was a beautiful moment in our lives.  Devon is now an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Three degrees of the Priesthood:
Mark - High Priest
Devon - Elder - Melchizedek
Robert - Teacher - Aaronic

Mark and Devon
Father and Son

Devon and Betsy
A very special moment

Special Sunday

Today was Stake Conference.

Family photo

Later that night Jessica, along with Stephen Fisher and James Cluff were the guest speakers at a Youth Fireside held at the O'Brien's house.

Jessica did a great job.  She presented herself so confident and secure.  It was evident that she is well prepared to be a missionary for the Lord.  She loves this work - she is anxious to get started.  We are so blessed to see her radiant glow of happiness.

Derby Day

Temple with Jessica in the morning

Sister Missionaries for lunch

Maureen's house for Derby Party

Orb won

Robert runs at the Wildcat (Henry Cty) Meet

Today is known as Oaks Day in Kentucky.  It is a big thing here - and the kids get off school.  We had a great day with Jessica home and all the kids home from school.  Later in the day Robert had to prepare for his meet.  Prior to his meet I let him and Alex (a neighbor) set up an Icee station in the front yard.  In about 30 minutes they sold $10 worth of Icees.  They did great - but Robert had to go.  Needless to say he didn't want to leave the beautiful day, fun with friends, and opportunity to make money.

Robert and Betsy arrived at the meet just as it was starting.  She didn't rush him there because she knew he had events scheduled for later in the meet - but this meet was going on a different schedule - oh no!!!  Wew!  We are safe!  Robert's events are the 1600 m which was the second to last event and the 4x400 m relay which was the last event, so both his events were back to back.

Before the race Betsy challenged Robert to run 4 laps at a 1:20 pace - this would be a 20 PR for him.  We both knew he has the potential to do it, but it would be a HUGE jump.  At the sound of the gun, Robert was off.  He ran a 1:18 first lap.  He was going strong.  Unfortunately, he got a cramp so the rest of the race was a bit painful.  Each lap Robert was staying with the leaders running about a 1:23 time.  Betsy's real goal was to get under 5:30 - and Robert did it... Robert ran the 1600 in 5:29.6 - He took 4th place passing an East Oldham runner in the last 100.  Places 1-4 were all NOMS.  Robert we are SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

With a minimal break of watching the girls run the 4x400 meter relay, and immediately after running the 1600 M Robert had to turn around and run the 4x400 meter relay on the B team.  He was supposed to be anchor but I changed it to the second runner so he could have some challenge to keep it close.  He did a great job but he had a terrible cramp by now.

The NOMS Boys took 1st place.

Marissa runs at Sundown Invitational

May 2, 2013 - the Sundown Invitational.  After coming to this event for 6 years it always amazes me how different the outcome is every year.  When Jessica was a senior they took 1st place.  This year we took 4th place but with a super strong team.  Teams that took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd were all AAA, so we were the first place AA team.

Marissa with Erin and Christina

Marissa ran in the 4x800.  She was the anchor with Maggie running 1st, Jesse running 2nd, Shelby running 3rd and Marissa as anchor.  Maggie ran a good 2 laps, Jesse got us into 5th place, but then we lost all 2 places with Shelby, Marissa was able to pass one to get 6th place.  They finished with a time of 10:37.

Marissa pushing hard to regain some distance

the 4x800 team:  Shelby, Marissa, Maggie and Jesse

 One of the best things about this meet was that Jessica was able to attend.  She saw some of the girls from the basketball team (Miranda, Erin and Emily) while watching Marissa run, too.

Erin Didier, Miranda Conway, Jessica and Emily Moorsman

Marissa's next event was much later and it was already dark by the start of the race.  She was racing mostly AAA schools - very competitive - Gabbie, Manual, Assumption, OCHS, Floyd.   She worked very hard the whole race running a great pace.  

strong and steady

last 100 meters

 Marissa finished in 8th place with a time of 12:07 - awesome.  She was the second AA girl to finish (Gabbie)

Marissa and Shelby (senior)

Hanging out with Jessica

This week has been so much fun because I have been able to take the whole week off so that I can just hang out with Jessica and get her ready for her mission.

Monday we had to go into Louisville to see the International Travel Vaccination Clinic.  She received Typhoid pills and prescriptions for other diseases (Malaria and Traveler's Diarrhea).  Jessica does not do well when it comes to the thought of shots, or disease, etc.  She became weak in the office and needed to lay down.

Tuesday, Jessica spent some time with her friend Jenny Orr while I did preparations for Robert's Eagle Court of Honor.  When she returned home she helped me cut up the fruit and arrange on platters.  

Wednesday we had to see the doctor again for more vaccinations.  This time she needed the Meningitis and the Tdap.  One in each arm - poor thing.  Once again she started to feel weak and needed to lay down.  I am glad today was the last day for shots.   After receiving the shots we went to Target for personal care items.  We were there (looking at everything from shoes to clothes, to wipes, moleskin, bandaids, etc.) for one and a half hours - how in the world could we spend that much time there.  We also went to the PO and then to Panera to bring home lunch.  We ate our delicious healthy lunches on the back patio while sunning ourselves.  It was a perfectly beautiful day (86 degrees).  Unfortunately, Jessica turned pink by the end of the night.  I hope she feels better soon.

Thursday we continued preparations for the mission trip.  She needed photos and her patriarchal blessing laminated, shoes, and blouses.