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!

Exciting Soccer Game and After Game for Robert

It is the first HOME game of the season and the first warm day of the season so all the boys are very excited to get on the pitch to play.

The games started at 5:30 pm at NOHS upper fields.  I was asked to run the scoreboard so I was able to have a bird's eye view of the game for photographs.  It was awesome!!!

We are playing against Shelby West.  They were the best team last year, but last year it was all of their 8th graders playing against us as a mostly 7th grade team (we only had 4 8th graders and 2 were injured).  So this year the teams should be more fair - we are a very strong 8th grade team, and so are they.

We controlled the ball from the very start with few exceptions and several attempts on goal, however to no avail.  As the coach said, it was very frustrating to work the ball down the field so successfully only to not score.  Robert played the entire first half and did a phenomenal job distributing the ball to the open player and helping to work it down the field.  He had great touches and was able to win most 1v1 situations.  He played offensive mid in the first half.

At the start of the second half the score is 0-0 but within minutes it changes to our lead 1-0 with a score by Will Stone.  Robert didn't start the first half but was soon sub in to play forward.  The score quickly went from 1-0 to 2-0 to 3-0 to 4-0 and then Robert scored making the final score of the game 5-0.

I got so many photos - 302 to be exact.

After the game the NOHS soccer coaches came over and talked to Robert. They called him by name and wanted to know if he'd be playing soccer for them in the fall.  They said they had watched the entire game and were very impressed with his level of play!  I'm so happy for him.  He loves soccer!  This is his sport.

The next day the coach told me that the high school coaches came over to talk to him after the game and the first person they asked about was Robert, "Who is #10?"

Devon is in Building 9

Today was a very apprehensive day since we had to wait until 5:00 for Devon to be able to get online to reserve his room/bed and meal plan. 

BYU is very structured in the way they release rooms and beds.  It is so stressful.  If you even wait one minute after the deadline - you lose out.

At 5:00 Betsy and Devon got online and reserved a bed that already has a roommate assigned.  They said they are "Not considered tidy" - should be interesting.

Devon finished the rest of it on his own.  I was so proud of him for reading through all the questions and finishing it for himself.

He is at 1120 Helaman Halls *(Building 9)
Provo, UT 84604

He is on the full meal plan!

Tough Loss to United

The game started at 6:00 at Floyds Fork Park - United's home fields.  It was a cold night (again). 

Robert started as Offensive Mid again.  He is new in this position for this team.  The first five minutes of the game it looked like we were going to get slaughtered.  The United team came to play.  They were first to the ball, fast on the attack and very physically aggressive.  They scored in the first five minutes. 

After the first goal the Fire team grouped together and started making better passes and connection.  Robert was subbed out so the coaches could make a few corrections with him and then put back in the game.  From that time one - we looked much better.  Robert must have broken up 6-10 passes to the middle.  His isze is still an issue - he plays against some huge boys.

Today was fun because we were playing against his old teammates - Max Kayworks (Thoroughbreds) and Garrett (Javanon).

In the end we lost 2-0.  We put up a good fight but they had one player that was very strong and dominated over our defense for a second goal in the last five minutes of the game.  Everything in between was good!

Better luck next game.

Marissa does FANTASTIC at the Harry Greshal meet at CAL

It was a freezing cold morning and the 4x800 meter relay is the first event of the meet and it started promptly at 9:45 am. This is the first time we are running the 4x800 as a team. The girls will run with Erin Edmundson, Maggie Fiorito, Christina Ausley and Marissa as Anchor (same as Jessica).


Erin runs the first 800

Erin ran a great first 800 putting us in a good position ... Maggie did as well ...

Maggie ran the 2nd 800

Christina ran the 3rd 800

We lost a little ground on the 3rd - Bullitt looked so strong and we were passed by South, but then Marissa sprinted it out on the back side to pass South to finish in 5th

 

Marissa ran as anchor

 4x800 10:32 - Erin, Maggie, Christina and Marissa

Now Marissa has a long time to wait for the 3200 meter run.  She and some of her team mates bundle up to stay warm.

Bundled up to keep warm after her 4x800

Marissa and Erin laying on the track under blankets to stay warm



Marissa had a long wait until the 3200 m. But the good news is that the day warmed up just enough to be very pleasant for a long run. Betsy and Mark traded places. Mark came back from Robert's basketball game to see the meet, while Betsy took Robert to a soccer game. Just as the soccer game ended Betsy and Robert raced back to CAL to try to see the finish of this race. We got there just after she finished. (photos compliments of KYtrack XC)

Starting the 3200

Marissa got squished out at the start so she had to work hard to get into first position. 

Around the 3rd lap Marissa took the lead, getting in front of South, Presentation, OC and Bullitt East.



With each lap Marissa increased the distance between her and the next runner. 

 

With a good lead

Sprinting for the finish!

Marissa not only took 1st place in the event, but she also broke the NOHS school record.  It was so exciting.  Betsy rushed over to congratulate her while Mark and her coaches had been there at the finish line for her.

Marissa with Coach Grimm and Coach Yanke

Marissa and Betsy

3200 11:57.63 - Marissa breaks the school record

Robert's Fire Team is VICTORIOUS over LSA

Saturday was another busy day for the family.  Marissa was at a track meet from early in the morning with Betsy.  Robert had a basketball game for church at 9:00 am.  Mark got Robert a good lunch and then took him to the meet where we traded places.  Mark stayed at the meet while I took Robert to his soccer game. 

Today's game was a home game at the Oxmoor fields.  We are playing against LSA East - their best team.  Tyler Green & Matt (from Javanon) are on that team.  From the very start of the game our team dominated the game.  Robert had a great game in his new position as an offensive mid.  He is learning where to be on the field.

Robert assisted on Conner's goal

Robert had an assist to Conner for the first goal.  It was very exciting.  The score was 4-0 at half time.
The final score was 4-0.