Haying the Cows

We went with Darren to check on the cows. We were looking to see if we had any new baby calves, and decided to give them some fresh hay while we were there. Dean didn't wear his warm coat, so wasn't up for riding on the tractor, but KatieLynn was willing! Miss KatieLynn strikes a pose
Dean still loves digging at the dirt pile!

Happy Halloween!

This year KatieLynn wanted to be a pirate princess (from Jake & Neverland Pirates), and Dean picked construction worker. We tried to talk him into being a pirate too, but couldn't convince him -mostly I think he just wanted to wear his regular clothes, plus the hat. We went trick-or-treating on 3 blocks in Emma and Aiden's (cousins) neighborhood, and wound up with tons of candy. They probably ate more than they should have that night, but the next day, I had them pick out 12 things to keep.
They love riding those bikes!!
They trick-or-treated with the fairies! Emma is in the middle green. I didn't get a pic of Aiden, but he was Peter Pan -very cute!

Party

Dean had a terrific birthday party. It was a full week after his real birthday, so he had extra time to look forward to it, which made it even sweeter.
There was digging (of course!)

All the kids got to decorate their own hard hat.

Playing in the sand box!

Bobbing for apples

a Pinata!

The next day, I enjoy playing with some of my new toys.

Having More Energy: My New Job

Almost 3 months ago, I began taking this supplement: Ageloc Vitality to help me feel younger. It is all natural, with ingredients: mushroom, pomegranate extract, and ginseng. I have energy to accomplish my to-do lists when I get up in the morning, and it lasts through bedtime. I don't have any 'crash' time, even if I miss a day.

Previously, I took the 'Energy' ONE-a-Day vitamin. It also gave me energy, but it was because one of its ingredients was caffeine. And if I forgot to take it, I had a very SLUGGISH day.

Vitality supplement gives you more physical energy, mental clarity, and raises your libido. I know several people who take it, and along with these benefits, they sleep better at night. I have nearly always slept good, but it seems like in the last 2 weeks, I have started having more dreams. After taking Vitality, you may see the difference as early as 3 or 4 days, or it may take 6 weeks.


This heatmap illustrates gene expression of three groups:
1st column: Young Gene Expression,
2nd column: Old Gene Expression,
3rd column: Old Gene Expression taking Vitality supplement (notice how similar it is to the Young).



I wanted to use this product daily, and decided to become a distributor so that I could get the wholesale price. I would be happy to give any of friends or family that same wholesale price of $50 per month. It is satisfaction guaranteed, and you can get your money back if you aren't completely satisfied. You may leave me a comment or email me: nfriedel@hotmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.



Thanks! Nicole

Teddy Bears

This year for Dean's birthday, KatieLynn wanted to give Dean some clothes (that I made) for his bear. Denver (his teddy bear) is Dean's favorite stuffed animal. It was given to him when he was born by my brother and his wife; we named it Denver because that's where it came from. I first looked to see if I could buy some clothes, but didn't find anything I thought would work, so I made him overalls. I only had a little fabric from her bedding, and since I didn't have a pattern, I decided to use some of KatieLynn's bedding fabric to make my practice overalls for her 'TinkerBear' (also given to her as a baby from my brother) that is similar in size to Denver. She was really excited about this, especially because the day after Dean's bday, KatieLynn was having 'bear day' at school. I also made Buck (the deer :)) and John Deere bear some collars (to match the one I made for Denver when he was little). Dean could not have been more pleased when he opened the present!Here's Denver and TinkerBear together!

Happy 5th Birthday Dean!

Dean turned 5 a couple of weeks ago. I know I say this at every birthday, but I truly can't believe it's been 5 years since Dean was born! He requested brownies for after supper, and since I couldn't draw a picture on the brownies, we used construction cone candles.

I brought chocolate chip cookies and ice cream to Dean's class to celebrate. He was beaming!
After we picked up KatieLynn from school, we got Daddy, and then headed to Mountasia. The kids loved trying to spray each other on the bumper boats (Darren & I sat that one out), the go-carts, and even miniature golf.

The kids were very pumped about playing mini-golf, but found it a little difficult to get the hole where they wanted. At the third hole, Dean was pretty frustrated, so Darren tried, and his first hit pitched the ball into the water.... I think Dean enjoyed watching the ball move down the little creek even more.

KatieLynn and I lasted until 9 holes, and then we were ready for something else.

Here's my big man.

He adores his big sister!

Dean's Favorites:
Books: Nonfiction equipment and Franklin
Games: Uno, Toy Story Yahtzee Jr.
Toys: legos, construction, tractors, trucks
Stuffed Animals: Denver (teddy bear) & Buck (deer)
TV: Swamp Loggers, Harvest, Ice Road Truckers
Cartoons: Franklin, Curious George
Bible Story: birth of Jesus
Outside: Digging in dirt pile or sandbox, riding bike, or helping Daddy
Food: Macaroni
Dessert: Ice Cream
Color: Green (surprise!)

Special things about Dean
He loves his family, and is completely devoted to us.
He shares whatever he has.
He is a hard worker, whether it's digging in the dirt pile, pulling weeds, or picking up sticks in the yard.
He always tells me thank-you (I hope he tells others too!)
He is usually easy-going, and will go along with whatever KatieLynn wants to do.
At home, he is kind, gentle, and helpful (again, I hope he will do this everywhere).
He takes good care of his stuffed animals.
He is a homebody.
He is a good snuggler.

1st Day of 1st Grade & Pre-K

I know this is a little late, but sorry! This summer the kids had so much fun; they never thought about school starting. Then 2 days (Tuesday) before KatieLynn's first day, we went to Meet the Teacher night; that was when she got excited! She was able to see all her friends, meet her teacher, and check out her classroom. Wednesday night she told me she didn't think she could go to sleep because she was so excited, and the next morning she got up almost an hour earlier than usual! Thursday was a fabulous day for her.After KatieLynn's first day, Dean started asking every day when he was going to school... it was nearly 3 weeks away! But we filled our days with Daddy, errands, taking lunch to KatieLynn, playdates, and of course playing! On his first day, he asked me if any of his friends from last year would be in his class, and I told him no, they were all going 3 or 4 days a week this year (instead of 2 -Dean goes Tuesday/Thursday). He had a great first day too! Though the second week of school, he told me that next year, I should sign him up for just 1 day a week! I laughed, but broke it to him that next year would be kinder and 5 days a week! He was comforted by the fact that he would be at the same school as KatieLynn.Most mornings, the kids spend 15 -30 minutes outside playing, before loading up for school. The mornings are when they play the best together!KatieLynn is ready to get to work!Dean is ready for centers.

Neither of them shed a tear, and actually barely told me good-bye! I fared pretty well too; no tears.

Weekend in San Antonio

This past weekend we went with my parents for a mini-vacation to San Antonio. We got there Friday afternoon, where the kids were anxious to swim in the hotel pool. After swimming and relaxing for a while, we ate yummy Mexican food, and then settled into our hotel room to watch Swamp Loggers before turning out the lights.

On Saturday we headed to Sea World. The kids played in the middle play area, but I wasn't entirely comfortable. There were people EVERYwhere, and it was difficult to keep an eye on both kids through all the mazes. The kids and I went on some of the water slides. The slides were fun, but very crowded, and a little foul smelling. We watched a couple of shows, and loved AZUL! It was like circus on/in the water! If we are able to go back next year, I think we will plan to go during the week (not the weekend), as soon as KatieLynn is out of school (her school gets out a little earlier than most schools, so it should be less crowded, plus not so hot!)

Sunday morning we ate breakfast in our room, and then enjoyed a couple of hours at the pool, before we checked out. We ate lunch, and then headed home. I was shocked that Dean didn't nap in the car, but he was in bed that night at 7:15, and KatieLynn at 7:30, and they both slept 12+ hours! We all had a fun time, but were also ready to sleep in our own beds Sunday night.

Bebe & Papa with the kids One of the AZUL performers
KatieLynn cools off at hotel
Dean splashing in the water

The hotel pool was pretty neat!

Swimming

We are lucky to live so close to Bebe & Papa's (my parents in Brenham). We love visiting with them, and also enjoy cooling off in their pool!

KatieLynn & Dean are both great little swimmers!

Uncle Harper can throw us really high!!