Saturday came and went without a minute to spare for the update. We had a busy weekend around here, with Joe fixing the pipes in the house, hair cuts (I chopped mine!), and working. I got about 10 projects done at work that I was needing to get done. It was one of those weekends where you get so much done that you wonder what were you ever doing all those other weekends. I’ve got to head to Manhattan today for three days of out-of-town work. Robert is off to Pennsylvania this week to work as well. Joe’s 31st birthday is on Wednesday — that I will miss due to travel to NYC — but Michelle promises to gather his friends and make sure he is made fun of at appropriate levels. Dad has set up Isaac with email. You can drop the little stinker a line at isaac@friedenfarm.com. Our Aunt Susan is stopping by this weekend after working this week in Dallas, so I suppose I should pick up the house a little before I take off. I’m a little out of touch this week, so I have nothing further to update. Other than I spoke briefly with Michelle’s bedroom on Sunday and it mentioned that it was considering defecting to the neighbor’s house. I offered to get it a therapist, which Bedroom is still considering. I’ll keep you posted.

Love ya,
Andi

Thanks for sharing your pictures, Kristin—they are great. What a terrific weekend we had!

Love you guys, Aunt Mary

We awoke to a most gorgeous fall morning—cool and crisp with the sun promising warm rays later in the day. The girls are gone to school so Anna and I are trying to be productive. She’s doing great—-lounging on the bed, bottle in mouth, watching her favorite Elmo!

Just wanted to let you all know how special you are and how blessed we are to be alive today!

But oh how I miss Jeanie’s Kitchen!!!!
Love you, Mary

Born in 1988!

Born in 1947!

So the fudge sat there on the edge of my desk. Mocking me. And I had to work late. Fudge said, “just take a little pull of soft gooey fudge.” Oh, little Fudgey, that sounds so nice. “Think of all the time you will save, I’m right here. You can just eat me.” But Fudge, I want to save a little for Michelle and Joe to try. I mean, I can’t eat a whole pound of fudge. “True.” said Fudge. “You should save a little.” And so I ate some, and saved a little. But then I felt a little bad about it. I mean. All I ate all day was 7/8 pound of fudge. I thought, “I need some nutrition.” So, I cracked open my Women’s One A Day, and washed that horse pill down with a can of delicious Coke. All better now.

My secretary came back from her week trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan, and she brought me back a pound or so of walnut fudge. One of those soft, delicious, giant slices off of a fudge block with crunchy fresh walnuts. I’ve eaten half of it so far today. It’s hard to stop. I’m now wondering if that was such a good idea for lunch? I’m thinking probably not. But, I’d do it again.

Today was a VERY productive day in the Georgia Frieden house. Rob mowed trimmed and cleaned out the garage, and got the outside of our house looking AWESOME!!! Me and Kel (my sister) got some painting done–got the family pictures back up in the newly painted hallway–cleaned the house–LIKE CRAZY–from top to bottom–and here’s the best part–made pies!! Yeah apple and pumpkin!!

We put out the Halloween decorations up for Isaac when he gets here–we are super excited for him to come back. I am going to try and get my pictures of the party on here soon–I’ll try tomorrow but after all it is a sacred day in our house… the Bears game!!

Today I thank God for this beautiful weather, my husband, my wonderful family, apple pies, and most of all this sqirming kid in my belly!!!

Jeanie’s kitchen is busy again. It really never gets a break I’m finding out during this wonderful stay with her. Very exciting things happening all the time.

Today she was up and had 3 apple pies in the oven before I even heard her. I awoke to the aroma of the pies (sorry John, but I know you’ll be glad your Pal will enjoy them).

Green bean casserole and boiled chicken waiting for some elegant concontion awaits on the sideline. The “to die for” potato salad, which Donna and I actually helped put together, is ready along with my Cowboy beans. There must be something big coming!

Another Frieden moment hopefully will come together this evening. David, Andrea and kids are in town, so we’re prepared!! Oh, and I must not forget the mighty hunters. Jamie is also here. The guys are all out somewhere in a cold, wet place shooting at beautiful ducks and geese. Josh told us with it being opening day, it will get ugly out there. They will be glad to settle in with a feast tonight.

I have to tell you, this kitchen would be full of elegant aromas whether there was a big event coming or not. That’s just what happens in Jeanie’s kitchen. What a peaceful place to be on this sunny October morning in Iowa.

Love you guys, Mary

Here we are again at SATURDAY AM. Time flies when you are having fun. It’s 59 degrees this early am, but we’ll get back to the 80s once the sun comes back out. Houston has World Series fever. Joe along with the rest. He’ll be at every game this week in Houston. Michelle & I have a “to do” list that doesn’t seem to get shorter, so we will tackle those tasks today. Dad, Vikki & Isaac are en route to their new adventures in Georgia, with a UHaul trailer tugging behind them. While the Georgia crew of Rob, Kristin, Liz & Benn continue doing the fun things they do down South. Jonathan and Daniel are still chilly in Minnesota, studying away to become the great men God intends them to be. Where did October go?