West Point - Bitter Sweet - Ken's Class Ring

All of us in front of West Point Class Ring Case

We all agreed that the best part of the trip was the return to West Point, but we also all agreed it was probably the most emotional part as well. The drive up was kind of rainy but when we arrived at West Point up in the mountains, it stopped.  Everyone was on leave so it was very quiet there...which was kind of nice.  We spent a lot of time just sharing memories about Ken and what we knew about West Point.  I was glad Kirstin was there to experience this as well as this was her first trip to West Point.

Holding Ken's Ring

For those who do not know, my brother Ken attending the Army Academy in New York.  His classmates, called the F4 Fighting Frogs had recently returned to West Point for a reunion.  While there, they participating in a ceremony to pray for those in their troop who had past away, one being my brother.  During this same time, one of the classmates and very good friend of Ken's, recognized what I will call the "wall of rings".  In this large display, there is a West Point classring represented for each graduating class.  The ring that is displayed was given in memory of a cadet who graduated or simply given by a family.  Jerry, Ken's friend, realized that the class of 1990, which is my brother's class, had only a display ring.  Well, he contacted my family seeing how we felt about giving Ken's ring to the "wall of rings".  Long story short....Mom, Sara, Dad, and myself all agreed it would be something Ken would want and be honored to do.

Kim and Wayne overlooking Hudson River

So being I was going to New York, it was decided that Wayne and I would take the ring up.  While West Point was mostly closed for the holiday weekend, a wonderful lady named Elaine and her husband met us to accept the ring.  Elaine's husband graduated from West Point and her son is currently a plebe, freshmen, there as well. 

The gang overlooking Hudson River at West Point

Elaine was wonderful and gave us a tour of the new library before we reached the area where the rings are displayed.  It was very emotional seeing that "wall of rings" and hard to turn over Ken's ring.....but I am so happy to know that I can take my kids back to West Point some day and show them where Ken went to school as well as show them his ring from West Point- a place that was so much a part of the person he was.  There were lots of tears shed by all......but memorable in it's own way.

I received a note from Ken's friend Todd not long after this event and he said, "Ken would be proud!".  I know he is too!  At least I hope so.....

Ken's room.  Right side of this portion, top floor, middle
room with air condition unit sticking out.

James was a book of knowledge as well and showed us where Ken's room was when we were visiting the chapel.  James had shown Ken pictures of a trip he had taken to West Point and Ken showed him where his room/dorm was.  That was neat to see as well.  We took many pictures on the landing overlooking the Hudson, just as we had done so many times with Ken.  Memories from the past and new memories made....none forgotten!!!!

Elaine accepting ring...bad picture of me crying but Connie
said it is important as it was emotional, to keep these
memories.  I agree (even though i look horrible)

Wayne and I are already talking plans to return next year for a football game and showing the kids a part of Ken's world.....West Point.  The lady, Elaine, was also crying at the time as her husband told Wayne and I Ken's ring is now with a group of honorable men....one of which he is!

None of us look too wonderul in these pictures as they were taken after emotions were flying and lots of crying.  But I still wanted to share them....Funny part was that while I was trying to speak to Elaine and give her the ring, I could imaging Ken saying, "Stop crying!" and laughing......I read once where he wrote that I was "his emotional sister".....I guess he is right....:)

J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Kim, Kirstin, Wayne at Jets game in suite

The title of this post signifies a new cheer we have learned that will stick in our heads forever.  Wayne even thinks he could convert over to a Jets fan!  What a great night it was for us Thanksgiving night!  A friend of Dennis and Connies', as well as the family that Kirstin sometimes babysits for and tutors their little boy, had a suite for the Jets vs. Bengals game. We joined in their fun (thank you to them!) and had a spectacular night of football and fun!!!!  The stadium is brand new and it was "sweet" being in the "suite"! 



Kim's Uncle Dennis, Aunt Connie, and cousins Joseph,
James and William

 Of course, we cheered the Jets to a victory against the Bengals!  Kirstin was excited because Jessica Simpson was at the game.  And the halftime show was presented by the cast of "Rock of Ages", which is a Broadway show we have seen and loved!  It is all 80s music and fun!  If we got chilly, we just walked into the suite that was glass enclosed to watch the game or the big screens all over while enjoying hot chocolate and pizza.

So......a Thanksgiving night we will forever remember!!

Kirstin, Connie and William in back



Kim and Wayne in suite at Jets Game



Thanksgiving in New York!



Connie and Dennis preparing turkey for Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving from New York!  Wayne and I, along with Kirstin's boyfriend, Nate, took a quick trip to New York City over Thanksgiving break.  We had a super time thanks to my relatives, Dennis, Connie, and the boys!!! It was so nice to spend time with them on this "whirlwind" trip.  For those who do not know, Kirstin has been living with them the past month and a half as she is student teaching outside New York City.  She is loving it and fits right in the family.....which was great to see! 

We did so many things on this trip that I thought I would make a new post for each day's adventures.  So look out, there are many more to come! :)

Connie, William, Kim, and Joseph at Soup Kitchen in Bronx

I will start with Thanksgiving day.  We arrive at the Deutmeyer's Wednesday night and tucked in for a busy day ahead.  Wayne went golfing - had to force him - yeah right - with Dennis to the Westchester Country Club for a golf benefit.  They left early and had a great morning of golf.  Not sure how they did but they came back very happy.....not so much due to the score though if you get my drift. 

Kirstin and Nate ventured into the city to see the Macy's Day Parade.  Wayne and I had already seen it as we have been to NYC over Thanksgiving a few years ago with Elyse and Alex.  They heading into the city very early and had a great morning enjoying the parade.

Yankee Stadium replica made of twigs

I woke up and had a very rewarding experience of helping volunteer in a soup kitchen in the Bronx of NYC.  We were on the "set up" so Connie, William, Joseph, and myself arrived ready to help in any way we could.  There were so many generous people there volunteering that it was almost overwhelming.  William, Joe, and I worked on rolling silverware into napkins.  Joseph made it like a race to see how far ahead of me he could get......I did enclose a picture of the four of us when we were done.  When we left, people were already outside waiting to get in and have a nice, warm meal.  It was a wonderful feeling knowing that you were part of something so meaningful to them.....even if I only wrapped silverware.  Thanks Connie for letting me share that experience.

Thanksgiving at Deutmeyers

We then ventured to the New York Botanical Gardens to see their train spectacular.  This was very neat as everything there was a replica of something in the city and made of tree twigs.  Very impressive!  The bridges were amazing! 

Everyone returned home for a great Thanksgiving meal before resting up for the Jets game!  Read about that in the next post!  Go Jets!!!

Dad-Daughter Time Traveling



Wayne and Kirstin on boat around Harbor in Baltimore

 Wayne ventured to Alexandria, VA, last Wednesday to spend some time with Kirstin and move her to New York.  He went a few days early to spend some time with her as well as see Darby and Deanne.....he saw plenty of Darby and they had a little "too much" fun together.  Just kidding.  It was great for them to spend some time with Darby and Deanne and the girls before heading to New York.  He had the pleasure of going to school with Kirstin on morning, meeting her students, and watching her with the kids.  He called me and said he was almost crying from being so proud when he was watching her! I am sure she is a natural!  They spent some time with the family Kirstin stayed with before having one last night at Darby and Deannes' and leaving Saturday morning for Baltimore. 



Kirstin doing oyster shooter in Baltimore

They decided to take a trip to Baltimore to take advantage of being out east as well as Wayne wanted to go back to where we spent some time with Ken when Ken lived there.  When Sara, Wayne and I went to Baltimore to see Ken, he made everyone do Oyster Shooters so Sara and I felt it was only right that Kirstin do them as well.  Next time you see her you will have to ask her how that experience went.....she did it and I know Ken was smiling!!!!  They took a boat ride around the Harbor in Baltimore and had a nice dinner that evening.  In between there, Wayne was so pumped that ISU beat Texas in football they stopped at "Hooters" for a celebration drink.  I think Wayne liked the scenery there as much as the victory drink.  :)


Wayne celebrating after ISU beat Texas....

 And now, they are at my uncle/aunt, Dennis and Connies' outside New York City in Rye.  Kirstin is beyond excited!  She has already been on a walk with the dog (that looks like our dog, Norah) and is loving the location!  Thank you so much Dennis and Connie!!!!  We couldn't be more grateful that you are giving her this experience........Wayne called tonight and told me that when the family was doing prayer before dinner tonight, my uncle Dennis made a comment to his 3 boys (who are the ages of Elyse and Alex) something like, "And we are so excited to have the boys welcome their new sister."  It almost made me cry!!!!  She drove by her school and is pumped to be with 2nd graders as well as spend some time with James, William, and Joseph.  I know she will have many ventures there with the Deutmeyer family.....(I am kind of jealous...I admit!!! :)

Connor's Baptism in Houston, Texas



Connor

 This weekend the family is literally spread across the US.  I traveled to Houston, Texas, on Friday for my nephew, Connor's, baptism while Wayne went to the east coast to move Kirstin from Alexandria to New York.  He decided he needed some "dad-daughter" time, which I am glad he did, so they are enjoying a whole week together.  Although my trip was quick, it was wonderful to be in Houston with a great family and enjoy the warm, sunny weather.  (Hard to come back to this junky weather in Iowa!!!)



Kim and Connor

 Connor was baptized at the chapel in which Derek's mom and Pastor Ron were married.  It was a very quaint ceremony that was very special!  Pastor Ron held the ceremony with another Pastor and they did a wonderful job making it very meaningful.  Graham held the holy water for his brother and was a super helper!!!  Wayne and I were godparents, along with Derek's sister and brother-in-law, but Wayne was unable to make it.  He was there in heart though and loves little Connor!!!!

We had a super night out at a Tex-Mex restaurant, which was so good!  The margaritas weren't bad either....they were great!!!!  Derek's mom, Gretchen, and his sister, Amy, were wonderful hostesses and made our short visit very enjoyable.  We even spent some time at Mike's recording studio.....Graham loved that!!!!  Sara and I decided it was a good thing that we hadn't had too much to drink or we would have been "rocking it" out in the studio!! :)  So fun!  We also can say that we have never seen our mother and Derek's mother have so much fun dancing with Graham.....until now!!!!  Special memories with special people!!!

Oh yeah....perfect time to be in Texas as well because Iowa State beat Texas in football Saturday!  Go Cyclones!  (had to throw that in there).

Love you Connor!  We are proud to be your godparents!!!

Family Fun at the Pumpkin Patch in Hastings

It was been a week of memories for the Kerian family.  I thought I would back up a week and share the fun day the whole family had. Last Sunday the Kerians met up with Kim's family in Hastings, Minnesota, at the pumpkin patch.  Perfect weather and lots of things to do so it was a wonderful day!!!! We all spent some time at the petting zoo, which Graham was a little hesitate to feed the calves and it was so cute.  Then we let Graham play on the playground before taking a hayride to the pumpkin patch and back for some apple cider, caramel apples, and a balloon hat for Graham.  The start to the day couldn't have been better!  Super place to take your family on a fall day and lots to do!

Then we headed up to Minneapolis to Sara and Dereks' for some soup.  The boys prepped before heading to the Vikings game.  The Vikes were playing my dad's favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, so it was a big competetion within the family.  Of course, Alex was rubbing it in to his Papa, as well as vice versa.  Luckily, the Vikings pulled out a win so the guys had a super time....my dad was not happy how his Cowboys played, but he was pumped because the owner of the Cowboys, Jerry Jones, was in the box seats right behind the boys at the stadium.  According to my dad, he waved his Cowboy hat at him and Jerry Jones waved back.  Highlight of the day for my dad.  :)

Fun day for the whole family!  Go Vikes!

A Little Humor in Football

Alex going to smash little opponent.

I had to post these two pictures seperately because I think they are hilarious.  Now, Alex is a big boy, but there are a lot of boys on all the teams his size and much bigger.  Somehow today for a few plays, the opponents put this little guy up against Alex.  It was so funny, as you can tell by the pictures.  Alex just pounced on him and that was it.  Not funny for the little kid, but the picture is great.

Another picture shows Alex pretty much lifting up a guy and then he did take him down!  No problem!

Go get'em Alex!  Very proud of you!!! At least you did not hurt either one too badly. 

Wonder what Alex is thinking as he faces this little guy.



Alex picking up opponent and eventually throwing him down to ground



Alex's Final Football Game of Season - Next Week; Vikings vs. Cowboys!!!!



Alex, 45, playing defense busting through to hold them.

 I think we would all agree what a gorgeous October day it was today!  Wow!  80+ degrees might just be a little warm for boys to play football, but they survived.  Sadly, Alex's team did not come out victorious.  A turnover turned into a touchdown for the other team was the winning score as Alex's team lost 6 to 0.  Tough game played by all. 



Alex and teammate taking down opponent on 1 yard line.  Alex is
going in for tackle behind player in red.

 Highlights of the game include Alex having a 60 yard punt that was so sweet the whole crowd was just amazed.  He also had a few qb sacks and great tackles that I have included pictures of. Another highlight was Decorah getting to the 1 yard line and our defense holding them there, even when they went for it on 4th down!!! I have posted a picture of Alex and another teammate taking down the opponent trying to run the ball in at the 1.  Very exciting!! 



Alex with a quarterback sack.  He is on the ground
tackling their qb.

 All in all though, it was a rough day for the line and while our defense was fabulous, our offense just couldn't hold the line so our quarterback could make some plays.  Coach Wayne as a little frustrated, to say the least, so it was a quiet ride home.  This was Alex's last game playing with his team as they have one game left next weekend but Alex and Wayne will be enjoying the Vikings vs. Cowboys football game with my dad and brother-in-law Derek.  So, great season to the Cresco Admirals!  Nice job Coach Wayne and my number 45, Alex Kerian!  Proud of both of you!!!!

Halloween Fun with Elyse and Friends - Elyse is the Witch

Elyse was having a little fun with "Jib Jab" and came up with this.  Maybe it will put you in the Halloween Mood!
Elyse- witch
Molly - Dracula
Megan- Frankenstein
Hannah - Mummy
Rachel - Ghoul

Enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Long Day of Volleyball on a Gorgeous Fall Day!

Elyse's freshman volleyball team had their last Saturday tournament yesterday.  While it wasn't a display of "skilled" volleyball all day, there were some very exciting volleys and hits, and her turned ended up placing 5th out of 8 teams.  Not too bad....but they could have played better.....the good part was that no team was really "dominating" and every team was struggling a little the whole day.    We ended up playing 5 matches (each went to third game for best out of 3).  Her team won 3 of the matches and lost 2 of them.  The hardest part of the day was the fact that we were all inside and it was 80+ degrees outside for October 9th.  We did have a chance to sneak outside between games and enjoy the sunshine a little bit.

Elyse had some very good hits and blocks that were fun to watch.  I got a new camera from Wayne and the kids for my birthday that takes six pictures in a second so I spent most of the day trying to figure out how to get everything on it to work.....which I still haven't as there are some many options and gadgets....but I am loving it and it works perfect for the kids sports!  I have included some of the pictures I have taken of either her blocking or hitting.

Thanks to G'ma Janet for making another trip up and spending the day watching Elyse play volleyball!  The only thing better would have been for her to spend the weekend with us but she had to get back home.  My mom, Elyse's G'ma, really gets into sports so it is almost as fun to watch her as it is to watch the team!  :)  Thanks for coming up Mom!

Elyse wraps up her volleyball season tomorrow night.  Her team started the season strong, had a downhill crash, but have build themselves back up and won most of the games the last two weeks.  She has already been preparing for basketball by going to open gym at 7 am twice a week and attending a camp at Wartberg college on the weekends.  Never a dull moment......and always on the go......gotta love it!!

Oh yeah...a funny comment.....my mom, Wayne, my friend Julie, and I have determined that after so many volleyball games and Saturday tournaments (3 out of last 4 weekends) that there truly is a condition called "bleacher butt".  Throw in all the football games and we are positive there is such a condition because after sitting at volleyball from 8:45-3:30 yesterday, I felt like I needed to seek medical attention for mine.  :)  And Julie and I refuse to get those "stadium seats" that fold and you can use on bleachers.  As she said, "We might as well get our senior citizens card and realize we are getting hold when we buy those."  Sadly, we both realize it might be sooner than later. :)

Homecoming Fun 2010

Homecoming week just wrapped up for Crestwood High School.  Elyse and Alex both participated in a variety of activities during the week....Elyse is enjoying her "high school" freedom and having a super time while at it.  I posted some pics from the week.  One is of Elyse and her friends waiting for the parade to go by (she's in the middle).  Two others are of Alex on the Youth Football League float (he's number 45 in the middle).  The last one is of Wayne's nephew, Brandon Kerian as he was a Homecoming King Candidate.  Congratulations Brandon!!!!

The football team pulled out a super win for the game.  Brandon played awesome football and scored two huge touchdowns!  It is so exciting to watch him as he is so aggressive and determined.  A funny thing happened that day that I thought was kind of cute...Brandon probably didn't even realize it.....but we had a pep assembly at school Friday morning for Homecoming.  Our's was just for elementary and middle school.  Anyway, Brandon is a football captain so he and the other three captains spoke quickly to the elementary and jr. high students during the pep rally.  I told a few of my students that Brandon was my nephew and when he said his name, I wanted them to scream, "Go Brandon!".  Well, when he said his name, a few of them, including myself scream, "Yeah Brandon!"  He may not have noticed where it was coming from, but it was really cute and my students not think he is "so cool".  Makes me giggle!

Walk for ALS 2010- Because We Can!

Not only was today a gorgeous day, but it was a special day in that I had the opportunity to participate in raising money and awareness in "Walk to Defeat ALS". Although our team was small consisting of myself, my mom, my dad, my aunt, and a past high school teacher we had in school, we were strong and walked the 3 miles that were part of today's walk.  It was a special day, sad in it's own way, but one that I know was important and I was glad to be a part of again. 


Each team had a little sign to carry around on a stick.  Of course, our's said "Team Nadermann".  Those of you who knew Ken would know that if he were sitting up above the bleachers like he did at last year's walk, he would tell me not to look like a dork and don't carry that sign around.....so I didn't.  The thought of him saying that made my mom and I laugh.....he wouldn't have said it directly, but I would have been able to read it in his eyes and "the look" we are all familiar with.  Brings a little smile to my face remembering "the look" we would all get from him.....although we didn't like getting "the look" at times, I'd do anything to have him here and giving me "the look" just one more time.....

The goal of today's walk was to raise $25,000 for ALS Association of Iowa.  Well......when we left the stadium where the walk was held, they were over $31,000 and still counting!!!!  Way to go Iowa!!!!  I posted a picture of my mom, my dad, and my aunt walking as well as the scoreboard at the Kernal's stadium saying "Walk to Defeat ALS....Because We Can!".  I am sure Ken was watching over us, and the many others who walked today.  Until next year's walk......because we can!

Alex's Football Game - Ends with a Tie

Although I missed his game today, Alex said they played well.  Sad part was that his team was on the 1 yard line within inches of scoring when the time ran out and game was over.  Bummer!  So his game today ended with a tie of 12 to 12.  Alex scored another touchdown today, again on his favorite play of "22 Dump Pass"!  Great job Alex and team!

Alex is number 45.....kid with ball.  Last picture he is making a catch.

It's Been a Long Time Since They Won....But They Did It!!!

Elyse's freshmen volleyball team had their conference tournament yesterday.  It's been a rough couple of weeks for them as they haven't won since the first two weeks of the season....close matches....but no luck winning.  That turned around yesterday as they finally pulled a win out against Decorah.  Girls played great volleyball and were pumped to get a win after such a dry spell.   There were some losses as well....vs Waverly and Waukon (who they have beat before) but at least it wasn't a total loss of a day.  Anyway, one and a half weeks left and volleyball is done for Elyse......then off to basketball.  Great job yesterday Elyse and freshmen team!!!

More Pics from UNI vs. ISU Game

Wayne is a Happy Man! The Rest of Us....Content!

The weather cooperated with us yesterday and it stopped raining right as we parked and were ready to begin tailgating for the big UNI vs ISU football game. Due to all the flooding Ames had, there were minimal spaces to tailgate. We found a parking lot right by a park that was very close to the field. Needless to say, when one comes, others follow and the parking lot filled with people. The kids had a great time playing football, bocce, and hanging out. My uncle Dean, my cousin, Blake, my cousin, Ryan, and their UNI posse joined us for a while as well as our friend, Tom, who used to play football for ISU. It was a fun afternoon, although Wayne felt a little outnumbered by all the purple. Alex was good and work a UNI jersey but ISU shorts (until he had to put jeans on). Wayne made us suffer on the way down to Ames. We weren't even out of Cresco and he blared the ISU fight song on the radio....

Anyway, Elyse's friend, Molly, want to her first college game as well as my "other son", Spencer, joined us. Nate, Kirstin's boyfriend, went along as well. Fun time tailgating!

The game....well....let's just say that Wayne was very happy!!! He usually cheers for UNI but NOT when they are playing his ISU team. I was content, as I usually cheer for ISU but NOT when they are playing my UNI team. I don't think UNI showed up.....it must have been a different team as they couldn't do anything. three turnovers won't help you win a football game. Oh well....

Good memories were created on a gorgeous evening of football! (I still love my UNI Panthers!!!)

Alex's Favorite Play

I thought I would throw up a quick post about my boys and their football team. Thus far, Alex's team has had 2 games and won both of them. Alex has done very well and has scored in both games, often by the play you will see her. Coach Wayne says it is called the "22 Dump Pass" and Alex loves it! Great job Alex! (Sorry about the screaming in the background....wonder who it is anyway????)

Oh yeah, you might want to know which one is Alex. He is the one in blue (which one?), on the line (where at?), the outside of the line on their left, and on the team's left running with his arm up to receive the ball and gets it thrown to him.

UNI Football.....after Volleyball All Day...Can't Get Enough!

After a full day of volleyball, we headed to the Dome to watch UNI football. It was a big game as UNI is rated number 11 and the team we played is rated 10! Elyse decided after a full day of volleyball to go home instead of the football game, and she really missed a super football game!!!! Alex had gone down with some friends of ours and tailgated before we hooked up with them to go into game. He was ready for some football.

We had seats in the 5th row, about 5 yard line, which appeared to be the place to sit to witness the action. Lots of "excitement" on our end of the field the whole game. UNI had three turnovers that would have been touchdowns, which lost them the game, but it was exciting all the way to the end. There were times when I would have called it a wrestling match as it was pretty brutal. Lots of penalties on both teams for unnecessary roughness and illegal hits. (I can't think of proper penalty terms.....but you know what I mean.) UNI ended up being 3 points short of winning the game (which wouldn't have happened if they didn't have so many turnovers or missed field goal), but it was a fun night for the Kerian family.....even if we were exhausted from being gone all day for volleyball. Proud to be a Panther!!!!

The funny part of the night was our seats were 2 rows behind my cousins and uncle who have season tickets. So it was nice to get to chat with them.

The football tickets also got you into the UNI volleyball match....which I heard was so intense....but we decided to go grab some food and head home since we had been gone since 7 AM. If Elyse would have been with us, we would have gone to UNI volleyball like planned, but Alex had football the next day and Wayne and I couldn't take anymore sitting on bleachers/chairs. I was bummed we didn't go as I heard it was a super match...next time.

Next week UNI plays ISU in football. Elyse's volleyball game was cancelled for the weekend so you know where the Kerian family will be.....Iowa State football field and tailgating. Wonder who will come out winner of the house??? Kim for the purple and gold or Wayne for the cardinal and gold?????? Bets are on!!!!