"Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Alex's baseball season is well under way and they are going strong! A while ago I blogged that their first tournament was in Denver, Iowa. Well. . .they came out placing 3rd in a tournament when all the teams were 6th graders except our team, which are all 5th graders! It was a great tournament. . . .and yes, Alex's team beat his cousin, Blake's team. It was a good game and friendly competition. We had a lot of family members on the field that first game: his cousin, Blake, playing for Denver, his great uncle, Dean, coaching Denver, and his 2nd cousin, Ryan, umping behind homeplate. Oh yeah. . .can't forget his own dad, Wayne, helping coach his team. (Do you think baseball is a popular sport on my side of the family??? :) It was like a small family reunion on the ball field! It was a great tournament - chilly - but fun! Alex ended up doing some pitching and playing his usual, first base. The team picture included in this blog is the team after their third place tourney win! Don't you love their sharp uniforms? :)

Last week we played the 6th graders from New Hampton (not sure why we are always playing older kids but oh well. . .????). That was not quite such a pretty picture but the boys tried hard. Lots of little errors and just couldn't hit the ball. We'll get them next time!

Last night the boys played in Cresco against Oelwein 5th graders in a double header and won big time. Everyone hit the ball well, fielded super, Alex had 2 doubles, and it was a fun game to watch. This time, Alex played 1st base, pitched a few innings, went back to first, and finished at 3rd base. I have included some pictures of him batting, playing 3rd, and base running.

Bleacher butt hasn't set in yet. . . .thank goodness for lawn chairs. . . .his team has a week off and then back at it with another tournament the weekend of June 5th! Should be an exciting summer - lots of softball and baseball!

Elyse Places 2nd in High Jump at Conference Meet

It's been a while since I have made a post in my blog so I thought it was time I get the world caught up on how Elyse did in track, now that it is over. She had a very successful season in track this year and I think she really enjoyed it..... a lot more than last year.....mainly the high jump. Throughout the season she ran the 400' and the 200', usually placing 5th in the 400' (not so much in the 200'). Her determination really played into how she did in the high jump as she practiced almost every weekend. It was fun for Wayne and I to watch her determination. . . .She consistently placed 2nd after the first track meet in the high jump. . . .making 4'4" and 4'6". . . always getting 2nd place and very proud. That "consistency" carried over into the conference track meet. She competed against girls from 6 or 7 schools (can't remember)and came out placing 2nd overall! She was so pumped and excited! She easily cleared 4'6" and then attempted 4'8" but couldn't quite do it. It was between her and another girl. . .the other made 4'8". So 2nd place it was again. . . . great job Elyse! She has set some goals for next year and high school in the high jump that I know she will accomplish if she puts her heart and mind into it. Awesome track season Elyse! We are all very proud of you!

I wanted to also congratulate Wayne's niece and nephew, Miranda and Brandon Kerian, on having awesome seasons in track as well. Miranda broke the 8th grade record in at least 2 running events, and Brandon made it to state in three events! Yes. . .they are fast!!!! Way to go Miranda and Brandon. I did include one picture of Elyse and Miranda after they finished running the 400' at Charles City. Miranda usually does not run that race, but coach put her in, and she broke the record for the 400'! So, I thought it was a good picture of the two girls "starting" and "ending" the 400' together!

So. . . Elyse is now busy practicing for 9th grade softball. First game next week . . .can't believe my baby girl is playing high school ball already. (tear, tear). Looks like I better invest in one of those cushions for sitting on the bleachers. . .

Track Season has Begun - Baseball Starts Next Week

Elyse's track season is in full swing and she is enjoying it much more than she expected. Last year she popped her hip and was out for 2 weeks. This year, no injuries thus far (knock on wood). She had two track meets this past week, the first in Decorah and then in Cresco. She has spent every weekend practicing her high jump up at the high school and her extra practice is paying off. She placed 4th in Decorah in the high jump after three girls from different schools. The sucky part about the high jump is that if you also run a track event, you have to go do that and then return to finish your jumps if you continue on and have made it. Elyse just finished running a 400 and had to go finish her jumps. Tired legs! One picture above is from Decorah meet. (She is the girl with the blue shirt and black shorts in the pictures of running events).

Thursday night was in Cresco (home terf) in a 4 team meet. She placed 2nd and did fabulous by jumping and clearing 4'6"! She almost made 4'8"! She has never really practiced 4'8" so when it came time to jump that, she kind of freaked out and couldn't get her approach down. It was between her and another girl for 1st and 2nd. The other girl won by jumping 4'10". Elyse was very excited and still working hard on her high jump. I was not a "track girl" in high school, but my excitement to watch the track team is growing. :) Elyse also placed 5th in the 400 (yes Ken, once around the track. . . . can you believe it? :) So great job Elyse! Keep it up!

Congrats also go out to Wayne's niece, Miranda, who broke the 8th grade 100 meter dash!! Great job Miranda!!! (she is so fast!!!). Wayne's nephew, Brandon, continues to shine on the high school track team as well placing 1st in almost every running event he does. Great job Kerian kids!!!!

Alex has his first baseball tournament next Saturday. His team has been practicing twice a week and are ready to get started. It will be a busy weekend for us as we also have a wedding in Rochester, but business is what we are used to. :) Look for posting on how the tournament goes as we are headed to Denver, Iowa, to play. Alex will have the pleasure of possibly playing against his cousin, Blake, who lives in Denver. Nothing wrong with a little friendly, cousin competition. :) Go Cadets!!!

Kirstin is enjoying her final full week at UNI. I heard she had "the worst hangover of her life" last Friday as she went out the night she finished her tutoring/remedial teaching class. Wayne and I figure we don't need to know what all happened - some things are better left that way. :) Wayne is ready to go down to UNI for one final "move back home". One last time (for now. . . until she moves to get a job. . . .)

Wayne just walked in from spending all Saturday and Sunday morning at the cabin doing some "fixins". He took up our old microwave and mounted that to replace the old one as well as did some rewiring for some different TV arrangements I guess they have discussed. We are all anxious to get up north and spend some sunny days at the Kerian cabin - although that usually doesn't work out for us until end of July or August. Looks like Elyse will have softball (high school coach informed me that they start games already end of May) tourneys almost every weekend until mid July and usually 3 games a week. We go on vacation end of July, basketball camps, and then volleyball starts. We may never get to the cabin. . . . . should have went up this weekend with Wayne. Oh well. . . . .

Kevin and Kelly - Brandon looked handsome for prom!!! Hard to believe he is a junior already! Looked awesome Brandon!

"Fussin' and a Feudin'' 8th Grade Musical

It has been a busy start to the month of April for the Kerian family. Where does time go? So what is going on in our lives? Let's see. . .

Not only did Elyse turn 14, she passed her driver's permit test with flying colors on the first try! Yeah Elyse! This was much to my surprise, not that I didn't think she could do it, but because I didn't think she studied much. I thought it would be good for her just to take the test and see what it was like even if she didn't pass. I guess she showed me. . . .passed first attempt. So, she has been out driving around a few times. She is not that eager to jump behind the wheel. I keep forgetting that she didn't learn to drive like I did on the farm way before I was 14. Over Easter weekend I tried to get her to go for a drive with her grandpa around the fields on the farm, but she conveniently forgot her driver's license, which she really didn't need out there. But oh well, she is now a driver in the Kerian family.

She was also recently in the jr. high musical at our school called "Fussin' and a Feudin'" about two hillbilly families that have had a feud going on for years. She was the store owner and mother to a boy that was so much shorter than her, it was fitting! She did a great job and I have included some pictures in this post. She is enjoying track right now, having batting practice once a week for softball, busy babysitting and saving her money, and of course, enjoying a lot of time with her friends! Our weekends continue to have a house full of kids, which we love. Friday night the house was full of girls after they went to the movies for a sleep over, and Saturday night was Alex's turn to have a house full of boys for the night. Funny how they don't want their parents around when their friends are here. . . .unless they need food of course. :)

Alex. . . he is busy with baseball now. Practice twice a week for his AAU team and loving every minute of it. The have their first tournament already in early May so that will be here before you know it as well. Dick's Sporting Goods store has become a frequent stop for us, even more than it was before, as the kids seem to always need gear for their sports (Elyse with track and softball coming up, and Alex with baseball). Alex is now the one going through the growth spurt and we can't keep up with clothes that fit him.. . . or shoes. . . .

Kirstin. . . she has been the family traveler the past month. She loved her week in Mexico for Spring Break, enjoyed her week at a school in Texas for a practicum, and is now gearing up to finish her college life at UNI. She is pretty sad about having to leave college life and "grow up". Her saving grace is that she is really still a college student because she student teaches in the fall! It has been awesome watching her travel and enjoy life with more confidence and courage. We are all excited for her experiences this fall - not only because she will be learning new life lessons in Virginia and New York - but we will get to visit!!!! (Selfish I know)

Wayne enjoyed his yearly golf trip to Georgia and is loving the sunshine lately. He and Alex have already spent a lot of time on the golf course. I think Alex is a chip of the ol' block as he has a pretty sweet golf game! They are enjoying the time together (and avoiding chores around the house). Just kidding.

I am continue to be busy with school. Hard for me to believe the year is almost over. Our students are still done before Memorial Day, which is kind of a miracle considering all the snow days we had. The last two years I have had to stay back and teach the week after Memorial Day while my family ventured off to the Carolinas a week before me for our 3 week vacation. Funny how this year, we aren't going to the Carolinas in June (moved it to July) and I will be done with school. Just my luck! Oh well, you will find me at many softball and baseball games I guess that week instead.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Happy Belated Birthday Elyse and Kirstin's Ventures

My baby girl turned 14 last weekend. Hard to believe how fast time flies by with the kids. Not only did she turn 14, but we had our first meeting for her high school registration last week as well. We were walking in to the high school and it was like everything just hit me. . . .Elyse is going to be in high school!!!! I am going to miss seeing her face every day in school (and I think she will miss not being able to ask me for money sometimes in the middle of the day). Very excited for this new venture in her life. She has been spending time doing her "4 year plan" for classes. Now this week - driver's test for permit!!!! AHHHH!

Anyway, we had a great birthday weekend for her. Alex's AAU team had their last tourney last weekend so we took 4 of Elyse's friends along down to Cedar Falls last Friday night to stay in a hotel with some of the other families of Alex's team. The girls had their own suite and had a great time. Spent the evening swimming, chatting, and eating. We woke up and took Alex to his tourney while the girls slept in, or tried to. The girls joined us later to watch Alex's last game. We then headed to Cedar Falls to the UNI women's basketball game, which they won. Being the UNI men's team was playing in St. Louis, the crowd was very small at the women's game so we had pick of seats. Alex and Spencer decided to move in right behind the UNI women's team. . . .it was cute and they were smiling. We then went to eat on the Hill at Beck's and met Kirstin for the evening. This was a great wrap up for Elyse's bday as she thinks Becks has the greatest burgers ever. Wayne and I were expecting a quiet ride home, thinking everyone would be a little tired, but not so much. 4 teenage girls and 2 boys in a car do not equal quietness. Love it! It was fun though and I posted pictures.

I think the funniest part of the weekend was when Elyse and her friends were at Alex's last basketball game. Elyse's great uncles, Dean and Jim, walked over to where Elyse and her friends were sitting, without her knowing, and sat right between her and her friends and tried to embarrass her. It was cute and funny. I took pictures, but I was too far away and they were too dark to post. Her friends told me afterwards they had no idea who these two men were asking them to move over and it kind of freaked them out at first. Then then thought it was funny. They also couldn't believe one of Elyse's GREAT uncles, Dean, was the same age as Wayne, Elyse's DAD. and the other one, Jim, looked too young to be a great uncle also. (compliments to you Jim, from the girls). Thanks for the laughs Dean and Jim!

Alex's team ended their AAU season at the Waverly tourney. They did not play real strong the first two games but turned it around the last game and won by a lot. Alex did fine the first two games but then did very well the last game. Thanks to Ken, G'ma Janet, Jim, JoAnne, and Dean for cheering him on. It was fun to have lots of family there. We also got to watch my cousin, Blake's, 6th grade AAU team play as well. Great day of basketball!

Now comes baseball, track and softball for Elyse. Alex's AAU baseball team starts practice this weekend, and Elyse has already started batting practice with a former baseball coach. She started last week and was in a little pain the day after so it is good she is starting batting practice now. Softball is not her favorite sport, but she decided to go out to keep active through the summer, which we were glad to hear. I was in a meeting yesterday with the high school softball and basketball coach, and someone asked me if my family was going to North/South Carolina like we have the past 7 years. I looked at him, smiled, and said, "Not in June as my daughter decided she better go out for softball." He just smiled and said, "That's right. Good answer. Blame me for it. I have tough skin." I guess there is a week in July she doesn't have softball or basketball camp before volleyball starts in August. Maybe we will get a vacation in sometime. Life is changing for the Kerians.

Last but not least, I had to make a post about Kirstin. We are so proud of everything she has done and even more proud of the "ventures" she is taking in life. Today she left for Cancun for Spring Break. That venture is for fun, not one I am specifically talking about here, hoping she makes good choices but it's her senior year so she deserves it. The day she returns she is driving down to Texas to do her level III teaching experience. She will be in a 5th grade room for a week. Her roommates decided to take advantage of the opportunity as well, and we have been encouraging Kirstin to broaden her horizons while she can, so there she goes. I think she will be very tired just getting back from Spring Break, but she is very excited. She also just received confirmation that she will be doing part of her student teaching in New York outside New York City in a 2nd grade room. She is WAY excited about that!!!!! Thanks to Dennis and Connie for your help and "adopting" her for 8 weeks this fall. We can't thank you enough. Looks like we might be traveling to New York City for Thanksgiving????!!!!!! Might be just Kim and Wayne though. . . .Elyse will probably have basketball. Poor Elyse! :)

Have a great week and enjoy the sunshine. . .we have fog but at least the snow is melting!

Who are These Gorgeous Girls????

I thought I would share a few pictures taken last night of Elyse and some of her friends before they went to the dance. They, along with most others, decided to dress up. I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed when I was taking the pictures because the girls look so much older than 8th grade! One of them said, "Kim, this isn't prom so we don't need so many pictures." Of course, I take total claim on the tall blond in the middle! Not sure I am ready to send my soon to be 14 year old (birthday next Saturday) off to high school looking like that. Just kidding. The girls had a great time, spent the night following the dance, and had a great time. They didn't give me many details when I picked them up, but there sure was a lot of chatting going on downstairs afterwards. hehehe. Wayne was ice fishing with a friend and his brother that evening, and he called three times from 10 PM to midnight asking if I overheard anything about the dance and who they danced with. I know I am not ready for her to grow up, but HE is definitely NOT ready!!!!

Enjoy these gorgeous girls! Their names are from left to right, Hannah, Rachel, Elyse, Molly, and Maddie. Elyse's other good friend, Megan, couldn't make it because her uncle past away. (Sorry for her loss and send our love).

"Yah Man" - Jamaican Me Crazy

Wayne and I returned from a week in Jamaica to snow still on the ground. It was probably hopeful wishing that it would be gone and the sun would follow us but oh well.

Our trip was fabulous! We were spoiled and pampered like no other trip we have been on. I think it was deserved after the headaches we had to start out the trip - resort overbooked and let us know the day before we were to leave, flight cancelled due to weather. It was starting out on a bad note. We have always flown direct flight but didn't this time being we booked our vacation late. We learned our lesson and it worked out to reschedule all flight. All worked out to our benefit though - flew first class nonstop to Jamaica and back. That was wonderful! I told Wayne "Once you fly first class, you never go back!" and he just rolled his eyes. We ended up staying at the Ritz Carlton, which was a little more "stuffy" than we prefer, but the food, drinks, and pampering were something I could get used to as they were awesome. It's not usually all inclusive there, but the hotel that overbooked and moved us covered the cost (a couple thousand dollars extra) for all the people they overbooked and relocated. I didn't feel bad for them at all. Champagne waiting when we arrived, food and drinks brought right to our beach chairs all day, someone setting up my beach chair with towels and pillows every morning in the spot I liked, an "amazing golf course" according to Wayne, and someone putting our napkins in our laps for every dinner. Fabulous! We had a driver take us shopping one day (you will see him in one of the pictures. His name is David and he is sitting at a table with Wayne in one of the pictures.) He went everywhere with us, made sure we got treated fair, and even called every few days to see if we needed anything. We ventured into Montego Bay a few nights as the night life for the "rich and famous" at the resort was pretty low key. We spent one evening at Margaritaville in Montego Bay. Thus, the picture of me with the tequila test tube shot - haven't done one of those in a long time. Met another man and his "trophy wife" from Pennsylvannia who were married at the resort two years ago and their maid of honor was Johnny Cash's daughter!!!! Some family on the beach by me one day was given the royal treatment-literally- and were addressed as "Your Magesty" so I was very curious who they were! Never found out though. As I said, we were pampered big time. It was great but did make us see a side of a lot of people who are too wealthy for their own good and rude, expecting everyone to do everything for them. We survived though! :)

The strangest coincidence happened on the 2nd night as Wayne and I were sitting at one of the lounge bars talking to people. A man was waiting for a drink and started chatting with us. He mentioned that he was from Iowa and played basketball at Coe. The conversation went on a little and I found out he was good friends and played basketball with Dennis!!!! (my young uncle - like that Dennis????) hehehe His name was John and he is a Dr. in Wisconsin. He made me promise that what he told me about Dennis stayed in New York. . . . .hahahah. . . .but what a small world??? He found it interesting that I would have been at some of his college games when I was in elementary/jr. high watching their games. Every day I saw him he called me "Dyersville" as that is where Dennis is from. So crazy!

So here are some pictures from vacation. Remember some of them were taken on the beach after a long day in the sun and we look like it. The resort beach was not one of the best beaches we have been on, too small for all the people, but we survived. A favorite was the jerk shack where we had jerk chicken and jerk beef - the Jamaican favorite. There are also pictures taken up in the mountains on the golf course Wayne fell in love with. The ocean is behind us.

Thanks for everyone who helped with the kids while we were gone! We appreciate it more than you know!

What a January!

Hello strangers! You would think with as many days as we have had off of school due to snow, fog, and freezing rain the past two weeks I would have had time to put a more current blog post wouldn't you? Guess not. There may not have been school much lately, but the kids still keep us very busy. I also am very tired of this weather!

Elyse's AAU basketball team won 1st place at a recent tournament last week. The team played well together and pulled it through. A week before that they placed 3rd - should have gotten 1st but nothing would fall in one game that they lost in the last seconds. Thus the pictures from a few of her games. I also included a picture of Wayne and another father, David, playing on their iTouches and PSPs showing what "dads do between games". Elyse has been playing well, still practicing weekly with a local Cresco athlete, Kyle. Now that she doesn't have bball practice every day after school, she has replaced that with practice for the upcoming musical she is in in March. You would think she would be home more but that is not true. . . .the moment her friends find out there is a snow day, she is gone or they are all over here. Not complaining though. . . . we were talking yesterday about this summer and how our lives will change with her new summer schedule. . softball, driver's ed, etc. She will have her school permit next year. . . .scary!!!!

Alex has not had a tournament in a while. They recently had a double scrimmage and came out victorious for both of those as well. He is loving it and goes to the fitness center almost daily to keep practicing with his friends. I am not sure how much "practicing" they are doing, but he appears to be very dedicated. He has also started weight lifting. . . .part of our basement has transformed into a weight room, and he is also busy with Park and Rec basketball on Monday nights. His group of friends are more on the "go" than Elyse's friends ever were in 5th grade so I am a little concerned about what Alex's social life will be like in high school. . . . hard to keep my finger on that kid. (I hear he is just like his father. heheheh)

I want to congratulate Wayne's niece, Kayla, and her new husband, Peter, on a great wedding reception last weekend. It was a fun night with a little Vegas theme to it so the kids were able to actually try gambling at real "casino tables" in a pretend way. Of course, the first thing Elyse says when she sees me take a picture, "Mom, I could get in trouble for this or kicked out of sports for gambling." I reassured her that there was no money involved, everyone was just given chips to play with no exchange of money or anything, all in fun with no real betting. Of course, Miss Analyzer, was a little hesitate at first as she knows what is right and wrong. She needed a little reassurance from everyone that it was fine, no money involved, just pretending. Next thing I know, Kirstin and Elyse are at the table playing 21 and never left their spots the rest of the night. We also had to pose as a family for a photographer in a "James Bond/Charlie's Angels" kind of photo which was very fun as well. Can't wait to see those pics. Anyway, congratulations Kayla and Pete! Great creative wedding reception as well!

Wayne and I are leaving in a few weeks for our trip to Jamaica. (So excited!) I have read three books in the last week (2 pleasure, 1 education related). I have 2 more here that I know I will read before then. I also know my family, avid readers, so I would appreciate any book suggestions for my time on the plane and the beach. Just email me any suggestions. I am up for anything. . . . Thanks!

One last comment. . . GO VIKINGS!

Happy New Year from my 3rd Grade Students

I continue to love my "flip camera" and the students are working on a video in class to show my Jr. Block student from Luther college what literacy looks like in 3B. In the process, they decided they wanted to make a quick "Happy New Year" video for practice on using the little flip camera and get it sent out so here it is. Happy New Year from 3B!

(Another snow day. . . .look for more post later. I am getting behind I know)

Future Rock Stars - Alex and Graham!

We have returned home after celebrating Christmas in Cedar Rapids at Ken's for the last 2 days. I was going to start taking the tree down, but the dogs and I decided it could wait until tomorrow or Monday as it is nice to sit with the lights on and relax. Norah has her legs up in the air sleeping on her blanket in the chair - she hasn't moved since we got home. I guess she had a great Christmas too! The kids are downstairs messing with their new Christmas items, and Wayne is hanging Elyse's new flatscreen TV in her bedroom. I think I can speak for all of us in the Kerian home that it was a wonderful Christmas- even with the crappy weather. While I have many pictures I could, and will, post to share from both the Nadermann and Kerian Christmas, I couldn't help post this great video of Alex and Graham singing. Graham got a new guitar for his 2nd birthday 2 weeks ago and then Alex gave him a drum for Christmas. Alex and Graham sat in the back bedroom for a long time "jamming out" as it appears Graham LOVES to sing! Graham walked around with his guitar singing for at least an hour - Ken told Sara she needed to get Graham some tools. :) Anyway, I used my new "Flip Camera" to video tape and load it on the computer - thanks Wayne - love it and highly suggest purchasing a Flip Camera for quick video usage or for teenagers! Fun little gadget that I will utilize a lot both at home and school. Anyway, enjoy Graham and Alex singing part of "Elmo's Song" and "The ABC's".

Happy Birthday Wayne!

What better way to spend a "snow day" than reading books, listening to Christmas music, shopping on line, and blogging? Yes, we have a snow day today - nasty winds and LOTS of snow in Cresco (all over Iowa it sounds like). I wouldn't be surprised if we don't have school tomorrow either. Elyse is thanking God right now for the snow as she was to get her braces put on early tomorrow morning in Waterloo, but we have had to reschedule due to the weather. Lucky her! With two basketball games left in 8th grade, she was glad to wait until the games were over to get her braces on any way. She doesn't think about all the AAU games/tourneys she has in January through March, but we'll make her feel good today.

Wayne celebrated a birthday last week so Happy Birthday again to Wayne! We celebrated his birthday by a Christmas dinner hosted by the firemen the night before (which was very nice), Elyse's choir concert the night of, and being his birthday was on Thursday (his "Man Day") he played cards with the guys to the wee hours of the night. Simple for me, being I didn't have to plan anything, but I think he had a great bday! We did go out with some friends, the Lentzs, Saturday night, which was also fun - and we were home by 12:30 compared to the other nights with Chris and Brenda and it's 3:00 a.m.

I put a picture of Wayne and I with a bartending in Jamaica at the resort we stayed at last February. His name was Courtney and he was awesome. Wayne tipped him well the first night, and from then on, we never had an empty glass nor had to ask for something when he was around. It was a great time! Brings back great memories! Thanks for creating so many memories with me Wayne, for being a great father, and Happy Birthday! Love you!

Thankful for So Many Things

I think I speak for my whole family when I say it was nice to have a big homecooked meal on Thanksgiving - as we haven't had a stove for over a week. Yes, a week! I am not one who enjoys cooking, but I do realize now how much I miss having a stove. So it was nice to see everyone on Thanskgiving as well as enjoy so much yummy food! Our new stove and microwave is suppose to be here Tuesday. . . the grout is done in the kitchen . . .they are coming to make a final measurement on the new island and prepare for the counter top on Wednesday night. . . .can't wait until it is done. We have decided to wait to do the living room floor (hardwood or new carpet?) after Christmas so that we can enjoy the holiday season without so much of a mess.

Amid all of this, the kids decided they wanted to move bedrooms. I don't know if I am ready for it, but Elyse is moving downstairs, Alex is moving into her room, and the extra guest room will move into Alex's old room. All of this involves repainting each room before the kids move in, new bedding, etc. We just repainted one of the downstairs rooms so Elyse will be moving down this week. Next weekend we will repaint Elyse's old room in preparation for Alex's move. Why not???? We have nothing else to do!??!!!??!! :)

The pictures I have posted are from last weekend of the kids with Derek and Sara before going to the Broadway show of "Grease". They had a wonderful time, and Elyse wants to download all the songs from the show to her iPod. Again, thanks Sara and Derek as they had a really great time! And as always, thinking of Buzz every where we go.

Elyse's basketball team continues to be undefeated. The season has just flown by as they only have two or three games left. Then comes all the weekend tourneys with her AAU team. Alex has his first AAU tournament next weekend, Dec 5th, which we are also excited about. He has been practicing hard with his team and a family friend, Kyle McCarville. It's fun to think about how much they have both improved since their first AAU games in 3rd or 4th grade. . . .they have come a long way . . . .It is so much fun to watch them. . . .and Elyse said that I have quieted down a little as well as far as "cheering goes". :)

The night before Thanksgiving we spent some time with Wayne's family visiting Wayne's grandmother, Lucy, for her 95th birthday. Yes, 95! It was nice to see her and spend some time with her as well. Sadly, it was a night we will cherish as she past away last night, Saturday night. She lived a great life and will be missed. I am so glad that we had a great night all together as a family before she past away. Kind of makes me think that in some magical way, that night was meant to be together. Makes her leaving us a little more peaceful in a way, I guess. We will miss you Grandma Lucy! We are thankful for having you in our lives. Some how you always made me giggle, and I will miss that!

Vikings vs. Seahawks - One Part of Great Weekend!

We just returned from a great weekend that was very much needed after a week of "grout removal hell". Wayne, myself, Elyse and Alex went to Minneapolis for the weekend to enjoy many activities, one of which was the Vikings game today! The Vikings looked incredible, we had great seats, and it was a fun time for us together. Luckily, our seats were on the side of the end zone where the Vikings scored every touchdown (except maybe the last one by Jackson as we left by then). I have included a slide show of our pictures from the game - Elyse and I randomnly snapped pictures when the Viking's "Main Men" came near our end (Farvre, Peterson, Rice and Harvin of course). We also made sure to take a picture holding up a "Beat it Buzz" sign, (post below if unsure what this is about) and I have already sent it to my friend in charge of his "http://beatitbuzz.blogspot.com" blog page to show we are always thinking of him! Fun day cheering on the Vikes! My weekend was complete because I got 'carded' today at the Vikes game and no one else around me did as the vendor guy was selling beer in our section. I was so excited, and Wayne just shook his head as he knew it would make my day. The guy looked at my ID and said, "Wow. I would have never guessed you were that old." I'm not sure how I should take "that old" but I am going to take it as a compliment. :) My weekend was complete. hehehe. Wayne was way excited last night because as we were having drinks at Cosmos at our hotel, some past fooball player with the last name of Allen, I should know but can't remember, sat down by us and had some drinks. I didn't believe Wayne at first that it was this ex-Viking, but I was wrong. Ihen as we were leaving the stadium today, ex-Viking Randall (again, I can't remember his first name either) walked along between Elyse and Alex. I told Elyse to "bump" into him, but she looked at me like I was so uncool - which is the look I get often from her. hehe Anyway, that was pretty cool too.

The kids had a SUPER time staying with Sara, Derek, and Graham over the weekend also while Wayne and I did a little shopping and stayed at our favorite hotel in Minneapolis - Graves 601. The four of them went out for a nice diner then to see the Broadway show of "Grease" and according to the kids, it was "incredible and better than Mama Mia"", which they both loved! I can hear Elyse downloading songs from "Grease" right now to her phone as ringtones as I type. They loved it so much and had a great time with Sara and Derek! Thanks so much you guys!!! Elyse is so hooked! Once Sara sends me the pictures from that (hint hint Sara - just kidding) I will post those as well! Even Vinnie and Norah enjoyed spending the night at the Johnsons - and all slept hard on the way home today! That's a good sign! So. . .look for my next post to be pictures of their fun night and updates on Elyse's basketball games. Thanks Sara and Derek for creating more special memories with Elyse and Alex (and the dogs too, of course).

Heroes, Birthdays, and Special People

This week's post is all about the things we want to say but don't say enough, happy birthday wishes, and pulling together in times of need.

I think all of you share in my pride about my brother, Ken. Well last week with Veteran's day I wanted to get a post up of his Army "family" and let them know how much we all appreciate what they have done, some still doing, for our country. Just a little thank you (something I need to say more often). I dug through my pictures and found a picture of Ken and some of his Army buddies at a recent Army vs. Navy party. Now if you know Ken, he doesn't like Sara and I taking pictures of him, so I am sure he will be emailing me with a comment about putting his picture on my blog. Too bad Ken. I, along with many others, are so proud of you, and I want to thank you for being you, teaching my children about the priorities in life in your subtle ways yet helping them realize to dream big and go for those dreams, being the role model for all of us, excusing my "loans" from "Ken's bank" while I was in college, and opening the world to Sara and I by showing us what it was like to leave our safe home outside Colesburg and explore the world! And in connection to Veteran's day - thank you for serving our country! We love you lots! Thanks to the "Frogs" for also "adopting" Wayne into your troop. . . .maybe that should concern me a little. . .just kidding. He loves it!

Wayne's brother, Kevin, was also in the service so thank you also Kevin! I'd write more about you during that time Kevin, . . but that was before my time with Wayne. But we want to thank you too Kevin for serving our country! We love you too!

Next, happy birthday to Sara and Derek! I tried to find the oldest picture I had of both of you together , but I had too much fun looking and lost track of time so I took some that I could find. The kids are so excited to see the Broadway show "Grease" with you this weekend and spend some fun times with the Johnson family in Minneapolis! Sara - I hope we never get too old to act "too young" at concerts. :) Life is great! We hope both of you had great birthdays and special memories! We love you both!

Last, I want to share a heart felt story about a great friend and fellow classmate of Elyse's. His name is Andrew "Buzz" Miller, and his picture is above. The picture shows him getting his "leukemia kickin' umbilical cord blood" on November 7th. He is battling his 2nd round of leukemia after a bone marrow transplant in 2007 and now a stem cell transplant this past November. He is a fighter with a wonderful attitude, passion for life, and great guy all around. Anyway, his family is doing a "prayer map" in his hospital room as he is spending at least 100 days in a hospital in Minneapolis trying to build his immune system and kick those cancer cells. They have a "guestbook" where you can say who you are, where you live, how you found out about him (you can say through Elyse Kerian's family) and that you are praying for him. We, the Kerians, are asking you to send an extra prayer out for Andrew, aka Buzz, and send him a little special message. If you don't want to send a message, just let me know via email that you are praying for him and I will let him know. He has a "caring bridge" page that you can log onto and read his story, see pictures, and write him a message. Just go to "http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/buzzmiller". You need to sign in by giving your email and then making a password and that is it. You will read also about the "Beat it Buzz" activity and photo quest. If you would like to participate in the photo quest, we'd appreciate it. You can create your "Beat it Buzz" sign, send me the photo, and I will get it to the people in charge of that quest. This is a time when Buzz needs a lot of prayers and pull. He is a wonderful young man (was one of the boys here when Elyse had her sleep over a few weeks ago) and good friend to Elyse! So. . . take some time. . . .read his story.. . . and add to his prayer map. Thank you so much!

Here's a quote taken from someone who signed his quest book that I really loved and think it is fitting at this time: "You gain Strength, Courage and Confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do" - from Eleanor Roosevelt. Ken, our role model, and Buzz, our fighter, both are models of this. .

P.S. If you want a "Beat it Buzz" tshirt or rubber wrist band, and don't live in Cresco, let me know and I will get you one. It's neat to have pictures of people all around the US wearing them and showing their support for Buzz. Thanks!

Halloween, Hunting, and UNI Volleyball

I just got home from Rochester, Wayne is golfing being it is such a wonderful day, and the kids are with Kirstin who took them bowling for the afternoon. It is nice and quiet, so I thought I would do some blogging and computer "stuff" instead of cleaning up the house. That can always wait. . . besides. . . .everyone else is away playing so I am not going to clean! :) Elyse and Wayne are finally getting over their "cold/bronchitis". Elyse still has a pretty nasty cough, but she was hit harder with it than Wayne. I am just hoping Alex and I don't get it as it was nasty! They both were in bed for at least 3-4 days, not moving. Elyse ended up in the emergency room unable to fully breathe. Wayne even skipped a sunshiny Thursday for golf so that shows you how sick he was. Nasty stuff!

I know I said I would make a post about Alex, but it was a crazy week. Didn't get it done. I can tell you that Alex had his first experience pheasant hunting last weekend, much to his mother's dismay. I wasn't even aware that Wayne had bought him a gun (which I know why Wayne didn't tell me) let alone that he was old enough to go hunting with Wayne. I was worried the whole morning!!!! He said he had fun, although they only saw one bird. He did get a chance to shoot at it, so he thought that was pretty cool. I may not be quite ready for all of that, and I was actually hoping that he wouldn't enjoy himself. (Don't tell him though) Oh well. . .good time spent with his dad!

You can see that I included a picture of Wayne and I for Halloween. Quite funny I know. We had a great time being hippies, and everyone who ran into us and knew Wayne long ago said that he must have pulled his outfit out of his closet because it looked familiar. hehehe We had a great time with friends at Tiffany's annual Halloween party. I also posted a picture of my friend, Tiffany, as Velma from Scooby Doo, Michelle as a patient at the gynocologist, me, and Kelly as Cindy Lou Hoo from The Grinch. Good time!

Last night Elyse and I went to UNI to the girls volleyball game. She took along her friends Megan and Hannah, and my friend Julie (Hannah's mom) went along as well. We had a great dinner at Beck's on the Hill and then went to the volleyball match. UNI won big time, quick and easy. The girls had a great time, and it was nice for me to catch up with Julie as we haven't chatted in a while. Go Panthers! Wayne enjoyed a quiet night of rest, as he decided he shouldn't go with his cold, and Alex spent some time with friends working on their bowling game. My children are never home. . . :)

Enjoy the sunshine and have a great week!

Elyse's Little Friends and Basketball

It's been a while since I have made a post. Busy! Busy! as usual. I thought I would write about Elyse this morning and share how she is doing and then make a post about Alex this afternoon.

I have included some pictures of the two adorable little ones Elyse babysits. They both came trick or treating, and Elyse had Halloween baskets with little gifts in them for each of the kids. Their names are MacKenzie and Isaiah, and their parents are very good friends (Michelle/Brian and Kelly/Jason for those who know them) of ours. Elyse loves babysitting both of them and the pictures were too cute so I had to post them. She spent Halloween night babysitting Isaiah and then ventured down to a friend of her's for a sleepover in the middle of the night - or what was left of it. She was glad to spend time with Isaiah and also her friends. It's still so hard for me to see her growing up so quickly right in front of my eyes. So proud of her! She is so independent yet still needs big hugs from her mom and dad.

She started basketball last week. They played in New Hampton against a school that has 12 girls total on their 8th grade team. We, Crestwood, are used to playing 3-4 games (A,B,C, and D teams), but New Hampton could only play one and a half games due to their limited numbers. Elyse started the A team and did very well! Scored points, played awesome defense, and ran faster than I have ever seen her (yes. . . .I am talking about Elyse :)) Very fun to watch her and her teammates. Let's hope everyone stays healthy as schools are having a hard time making enough teams due to players being ill with flu etc. Elyse has developed quite the cold this weekend. . . .game tomorrow on Monday so hopefully she can shake some of it off before then. Anyway, she did fabulous and is really getting into her basketball, which we are excited about!!!