Yup, October just came and went.

Luckily, October was a big picture month. Halloween provided many photo opportunities. This month was a busy one, of course. Jake's mom came and visited us in the middle of October. She helped us put some finishing touches on the house. I can't wait to show you some pictures. While Cindy was here we visited the pumpkin patch, it seems to be our annual tradition with Grandma G. This month also marked the start of Jake's new job as a store manager in San Bernardino. His hours are longer, as well as his commute...but he seems to be very happy managing again. His branch is already performing a thousand times better. We are very proud of him...and miss him a little too. Weekends are that much more special. My dad had open heart surgery this month to replace his aorta valve. The surgery was successful, and he is recovering nicely. The doctors would have liked to have put a pacemaker in as well, but there was just too much scarring to put it in. We are all looking forward to having a Papa with more energy! And lastly, we got our annual family photos done by our favorite photographer! Here are a few previews she gave me.
Halloween was tons of fun this year. We packed in the activities. Andrew went as Peter Pan, and Allie was Tinkerbell. The kids and I celebrated with our Stroller Strides friends, a pumpkin carving party at the Gronzo-Durkee household, a trunk or treating experience (that one we can skip next year), and of course trick or treating our street and meeting the neighbors. Our new neighborhood likes to set out firepits...I like how family oriented they are. Can't wait for Christmas, I hear that our street is rated in the top 5 for Christmas lights in Southern California. Jake and I said, 'Yikes'. Thank goodness for the new energy saving lights!
Our new house is coming along nicely. It seems we have been painting forever...but I think we are completing our projects now. We just finished our master bedroom this week. I think it is quite beautiful. Here are some before and after photos:
Health: The itching is awful...really bad. My doctor prescribed me a new medication, it is a risky one, as it can create further liver damage. The benefit has to outweigh the risk....I'm not sure if I want to take that risk just yet. I requested be put back on birth control to regulate my hormones...I have a feeling this will help my PSC issues. Probably more detail than you need to know... I'll let you know how it goes.