As October Ends

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
I didn't read as much this month as I normally do, but I did manage to read a couple of books. For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men (Walker Large Print Books)
was my favorite relationship book to date and I can't believe how much I learned from it! The wisdom in that book truly helped improve my outlook on my marriage and, most of all, my husband. I am so grateful for that book! I also started the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!
. This is a mash-up of the original book with a tale of zombie invasion woven in. It's been pretty interesting so far. After I finish this I may just have to read the original.
I've been enjoying Disney Family Fun
magazine, too! This magazine is full of so many great craft ideas, learning games, stories, etc. A great resource for parents of young children.

What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
I saw Zombieland for my birthday. It was pretty funny. Eric and I enjoyed it! We took the girls to see Where the Wild Things Are on opening day. It was interesting. Not really sure how much I enjoyed it. It was definitely stranger than I was expecting, and a lot more depressing.
I've been enjoying the new TV show, Glee. This show completely reminds me of high school and of the stigma that went along with being a part of groups like choir and colorguard. I pretty much enjoy anything with singing and dancing. Also, Eric and I have been getting pretty into the show True Blood on HBO. It's a pretty graphic show about vampires and at first I wasn't sure what to think about it, but the story line has been ridiculously engrossing. I still think the vampire obsession and love stories are strange and they kind of make me uncomfortable and awkward at times, but the show keeps ending with these crazy cliffhangers that make you crazy with the need to watch more! Please, though, if you consider checking it out, you need to know that it is explicitly graphic with violence, blood, gore, sex and is not for everyone. And please do not let your teenage kids watch this show. Oh man, it is NOT for kids. If you hear of your kids watching or being into this show, you should see what it's about... seriously. Please.
Oh, and Flash Forward. That one has been pretty interesting too! Really makes me long for Lost to start up again!

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Well, for my birthday I spent the day with Eric just shopping, eating, talking, relaxing. In the evening we went out with Mike, Abby, and Landon for some drinks and dancing. We had a great time!
We've also been going to small group Bible study with a group that our old church in Thief River Falls put together for those of us who live in the GF/EGF area now. It's been great to get together with friends to talk about God and love.
We took a trip out to the Pumpkin Patch for the third year in a row and had a great time as usual. It was so funny to look at the pictures of Alex compared to last years photos! He was a little wrinkly baby a year ago!

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Well, I bought a few new shirts for myself. I was long overdue, believe me. You know, it's pretty sad when I look at our closet and Eric's side is more than twice as full as mine! I need to start doing a little more clothes buying for myself. I also have seen a need for my girls wardrobe. They have next to nothing to wear for church. I'm not the type that thinks we should all wear our "Sunday best" every week, but sometimes would be nice. We don't even have enough for sometimes. We really don't even have enough for once. Man, those clothes really add up!

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
I've been very healthy. I hardly ever get sick. Jenna has been healthy all month as well. Marah has had a cold for over a month, as has Alex. They must keep catching new cold viruses. It's been unending! Eric took Alex to see the doctor yesterday and he's fine, just has a virus, so that's one less thing to worry about which is always nice. Eric has been doing okay. No Crohn's flare ups and no real issues with cold or flu either. Hopefully things will stay that way.


Overall, October was a great month! I'm enjoying being thirty, my kids are loving Awana, Jenna is so busy with Girl Scouts, Eric has been doing great in school, Alex is close to walking, and we are trying to enjoy the coziness of fall before winter flies in. Tomorrow is Halloween and we will be heading to the church for their party plus some trick-or-treating in the mall. Should be fun!