Smoky Haze

Here is a picture of the beautiful California sunset we had tonight. Although we seem to be safe from the threat of the fires, we still experience some of the effects of them. The air quality is supposed to be so bad tomorrow that Hero's school classes have been canceled. Now, I have to find something for three very active children to do inside all day.

Little Climber

Ransom has mastered the art of climbing onto Jericho's train table. To scare his mommy even more, he likes to crouch down and pop up as if he is about to jump over the edge. Thankfully, it seems as if he is able to get on and off just fine by himself. (Should I be thankful for this?!)

Coast Pictures

Oceanside at sunset.

Yes, we know we are cute.

Ransom loves cousin James.

Justin, Meredith, Hero, and Jericho climb the big rock.

Wedding Photos

This past weekend we drove up to the Oregon Coast to attend my sister-in-law Julie's wedding. It was a long, tiring drive but worth it. The day was beautiful with perfect weather. This is truly amazing for Oregon in October.

The happy couple.

The Flower Kids.

Throwing the petals.
Jericho put a lot of effort into tossing those petals just right.

Pumpkin Pirate

Michael's was having a craft day for kids, so Grandma took Jericho to decorate a craft pumpkin. Yes, he did choose pink; all on his own. He calls this his "Pumpkin Pirate"...with two eyes.

October Giveaway

Click on the link at left to be entered in the October Giveaway at Challies.com.

Honey

Jericho is eating toast with honey. Most of the honey has dribbled on to the plate. He proceeds to stick his tongue out and lick it up.
Hero: "Don't lick your plate!"
Jericho: "I'm not licking my plate, I am licking the honey!"

The Electric Bill

(Disclaimer: My father's works for Edison and I am thankful for electricity. Especially in the summer.)

Last month we had the highest electric bill we have ever had. (Except for that $3000.00 one but that was an error of course.) Since our meter has been read wrong in the past, I had my husband check it. I compared this with the number on our bill, and perceiving a discrepancy, I called up customer service. The woman that I spoke with on the phone said the the reading was accurate. We'd had "record breaking heat over labor day" and this must be the cause. This was rather fishy to me considering that we were gone for about four days during this billing cycle. Also, last year when we had "record breaking" temperatures all summer long, (I was pregnant, so that ac was blasting constantly) our Edison bill was never over a hundred dollars. The customer service rep proceeded to inform me that I would be receiving some information on how to conserve energy and that I should set my thermostat at the temperature that it was already set at.

Throughout this past month, I have received various energy conservation pamphelets and a note from Edison once again affirming the high labor day temperatures. I read over each one carefully. I realized that aside from replacing all my windows, installing solar panels on my roof, and getting all new appliances, I was doing the best I could. So, why the high bill?

This month our bill was only $8.72. Our lowest ever. If you add the two bills together and divide them by two, this amount is what we average for a normal month. Hmm...

Daredevil II

After trying to post this video numerous times, I have given up. Please click on the del.icio.us link in the sidebar to view.

Field Trip

Hero and some classmates anxiously await their adventure at Riley's apple farm.

While picking up apples for cider, Hero found a slug on one.

The kids (and mom helpers) had a challenging time making corn husk dolls.

I am thinking that I should make her work harder at home. Next time I need tortillas I will show her this pic.

Alpine Photos

Ransom loves Great Grandpa.


Hero after the zipline. (I've tried to post the video six times, no luck.)


Hero braved the slide into the cold pool.


Jericho loved the pool, but no slide for him.

Cubbie Verse

Here is Jericho's paraphrase of his Cubbie verse:
"While we were...sinners, we will get spankings." Romans 5:8b

Daredevil

I hope this works. I have been having issues with Blogger Video. Anyway, this is how my little guy keeps me on my toes. Yes, normally my step stool is kept in the kitchen but this is just for illustrative purposes. He has done this in the kitchen too (which is even more scary because of the tile floor!

September Giveaway

Challies.com is giving away free books (Reformed Expositionary Commentary Series.) If you would like to be entered into the drawing, please click on the link at the left. (By using the link at the left, my referral ID is automatically entered this increases my chances of winning.) After you sign up, you will be able to receive your own ID to use on your site.

First Day of School

Here are some photos from Hero's first day of First Grade. She was a little scared, but her teacher was very understanding. She made Hero feel right at home. (Mommy was a little weepy herself.) Jericho, however, couldn't wait to leave his sister at school and go home by himself!

For the Love of Mommy

Oh how it stirs my heart to walk into a room and have my youngest crawl toward me. He reaches my feet and looks up with arms outstretched. A pitiful cry is uttered as I stoop down and pick him up. It is then that I notice the odorous vapors wafting from his backside. Does he love me only because I can put clean pants on his tush?

Conversations with Yummibears

(Note: Yummibears are vitamins shaped like Gummy Bears.)

Jericho is given two with his breakfast. After playing with them for a while...

Bear 1: "Okay, Let's jump in the mouth."

Bear 2: "Okay, Let's go!"

Both: AAHHH!

Bear 1: "I can't find you."

Bear 2: "Here I am."

Both: Down, Down, Down..."

The Haircut

Jericho got a "big boy" haircut today. He was crying so much when I was trying to cut his hair the way I always do, so I chopped it all off to get the task over. He was not happy with it at first. (I thought he called it disgusting but he was really saying he was "dusty". Thus referring to all the hair that was on his shoulders.) At least he will be cooler. I also think he looks cute like his Daddy!

Swinging

Jericho has learned how to swing all by himself! Now every time he goes outside he is on the swing.

Nine Month Check-Up

Here are the stats from Ransom's nine month check-up:

Height-28" ~ 25%

Weight- 18lbs 9 oz ~ 25%

So, he's a little small for his age. At least he is growing. In other exciting news, he took a few steps on his own a few nights ago. Unfortunately, I was not there to see his first steps. He started walking in the nursery. When we came home, he would only take a couple steps for his Daddy. Now, he doesn't even want to stand up. I think he is afraid we will try to make him walk. Right now, it is so much faster for him to crawl.