This is your life...

Forgiveness is Free

2010-06-03T21:50:00.002-04:00

In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus capped his triumphal entry into Jerusalem by clearing out the temple. He rid His house of those who were buying and selling. But why did he call it a “den of robbers”, and why was Jesus so angry?

Note that the people at the tables were “selling doves.” Don’t pass over this. Additionally, I don’t think it’s too much to presume that they were probably selling the doves for more than the MSRP. Why is this important?

The doves were used for the sacrifices that were required for the people of Israel. Most families and clans had come from far and wide and were probably not able to bring their own animal for sacrifice. As a result, they had to buy a dove at whatever the asking price was.

Not only was this highway robbery, but it made Jesus angry for even another reason. The doves were used for sacrifices for the sins of the people. The people were selling forgiveness! And they were selling it at a high cost! Jesus was angry, because forgiveness is free – and in a week he was going to prove it.

This reminds me of something else that happened in the early 1500s. Martin Luther tacked up his 95 Theses to combat the unbiblical actions of the Catholic Church. Specifically here, I am reminded of Luther’s chastisement of the church because they were requiring the purchase of indulgences. Again, they were selling forgiveness. And again, right in the church building. But Luther knew that forgiveness was free.

So I wonder what the church of today is doing to sell forgiveness. What are we requiring of people before we allow them to meet Jesus and his true forgiveness? Are we trying to change the sin of a person instead of showing them the gift of forgiveness? Are we selling them something as a prerequisite to meet Jesus?

Today, I’m thinking that forgiveness is free...although let us never forget that it was very costly for Jesus.

Back to the Future

2010-03-28T20:11:00.001-04:00

Would you want to know your future if someone offered to tell you? I dare say that many people would say ‘no’, depending on what tidbit of information was being offered. Would you want to know if you still had the same job in 10 years? Or would you want to know how your kids would turn out? Or would you want to know when you would die?

Some may want to know so they can change a mistake that they will make or to prevent some sort of disaster. But for the most part, we would probably want to avoid knowing every part of our futures, so we can just live our lives and enjoy them.

In my favorite movie, Marty McFly goes back in time to try and warn Doc Brown about the future. Marty is trying to prevent Doc from getting shot in 1985.

As Marty begins to tell him, Doc cuts him off and counters with this statement: “Having information about the future can have disastrous consequences. Even if you're intentions are good, it can backfire drastically.” He goes on to say, “Whatever you've got to tell me, I'll find out through the natural course of time.”

This issue has come up for us recently in two ways. And although it’s not a good idea to argue with the man that invented the flux capacitor, I think there are a few instances when having some foreknowledge can be a good thing. (And if you’ve seen the movie, you know what I mean.)

Firstly, as a couple, we are studying and thinking about prophecy. Prophecy is a spiritual gift – and is still active today. While it may not tell the future like a fortune cookie (“you will get respect at work today”) or be a predictor for some event (“a car will hit your mailbox tomorrow”), prophecy is a way that God communicates to his people – either directly or through others, through a community.

The second issue that has brought up the idea of the future is the Book of Revelation. This book by John can appear very confusing, so it is read infrequently. But if Jesus is telling us the Ending, then we better pay attention. We are to live today standing on the hope of the future. But just like the Pharisees who missed the prophecies about Jesus’ first coming, I’m afraid that we too may miss the signs of Jesus’ second coming.

God has given us two ways to know what lies ahead, and we should take hold of them. The gift of prophecy enables people to experience God and his purposes in the near future. And the Book of Revelation gives us explanation about the not so distant future. Today, I’m thinking that we may need to go Back to Future.

Getting Good Reception

2010-02-16T20:07:00.006-05:00

Driving in my car, I tried to tune in a radio station. Unfortunately, after one of our recent snowstorms we were shoveling two feet of snow off by car and broke the antenna. So I was not getting good reception. The radio personality's voices sounded like they had hiccups and the music had too much static.
Back at the house, I tried to adjust my rabbit ears on our TV. (Yes, we've heard of cable.) We have problems with poor reception if there's a storm in the vicinity. Oddly, we also have major issues with TV reception if a cell phone rings or the central heat turns on.
Quite obviously, the problems with reception usually do not have anything to do with the broadcasting agency. In the case of my car radio, I no longer have the proper method of receiving said signal. And in the case of my TV, there is outside interference with that signal.
Maybe your mind started going where mine did. Usually, I have a tendency to ask God why He is not speaking to me, but of course the problem lies with me. My reception is not good even though the signal is clear and the broadcast is steady.
That is not to imply that God speaks like banners behind beach planes ("Eat at Jimmy's Take-Out") or over the loud speaker like an airline pilot ("There is turbulence ahead") - because, frankly, this is rare. Elijah didn't hear God in the earthquake, the wind, or the fire. He heard God in the whisper. So we need to be very attentive and to eliminate everything that will prevent us from hearing the Word of God.
I may have a problem with my spiritual antenna, so that while God is talking to me or singing over me, I am not consistently hearing it because I am not paying attention. I may not be in prayer enough or may not be reading the Word enough. Or maybe I should be spending more time in silence and solitude. I need to fix my antenna.
Or I may be dealing with some spiritual interference. Storms may be blocking my signal or there may be competing signals in my life. I could be worried, or lacking faith, or there could be sin inhibiting me from hearing God.
Today I'm thinking that I need to get the best reception that I possibly can, so that I don't miss a thing that God is trying to tell me.

Photo Delay

2009-06-24T20:22:00.009-04:00

I just joined Facebook, so maybe photos might start going there. But for now, here are a couple selections from the past few months.

Caleb's Birthday Party and More

2009-04-14T20:11:00.012-04:00

Here we go...

Jonathan's Birthday Party and More

2009-03-05T18:52:00.018-05:00

The Boys

Puzzling

(Eating) Snow

Counting

Dumptruck Cake

Eating the "rocks" in the back

"This is good cake, mommy"

Opening Gifts

My new favorite "car"

Next time: Caleb's party

2008 - Year End

2009-02-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

Let's finally get this out...

Christmas 2008 photo

Gingerbread House

Christmas photos which included time with family, gifts, the great cookie mishap of 2008, the oven-mitt monster, homemade presents, and more:

Too bad there's not much occasion to use it
(maybe we should go see the Meehans)

Is this candy for me?

Still good

Caleb painted something for all the grandparents

Contrary to popular belief, Christopher actually does the blog,
and that is why things get posted like this.

Reading with the Grandmothers

2008: the year of the train

Next post: my birthday pictures1

Very Behind in Posting

2009-01-15T21:03:00.009-05:00

Don't get upset - there are more pictures of me!

And me too!

We moved back to PA, and still no snow?

Next post...Christmas photos

Catching Up

2008-10-16T21:09:00.016-04:00

So much has happened: crawling, pulling up, eating solid foods (Jonathan); and potty training and puzzles (Caleb). Here's an extra long post due to the delay.

Beach and more

2008-09-12T20:41:00.016-04:00

It's halfway through September! Ahhh!

Explanation: Large bubble machine on the boardwalk

The picture was about a half a second too late.

June and July (not forgotten)

2008-08-10T20:18:00.016-04:00

So I'm behind. Let's catch-up:

Two Boys

Smiling

This is a nice artistic shot
(except for the elmo pjs)

Happy Boy

Screaming Boy (aka "the Velociraptor")

Cute

Teaching the boy about our alma mater

This water was cold...and Caleb didn't care.

Peeking and waiting after a nap

Caleb likes to hold Jonathan

Vlog - June 2008

2008-06-23T19:47:00.015-04:00

Here are some recent videos that we love:

"Pretty funny"

"The Ninety-Nine" Song
w/ "been here all week"

"Come" (now is the time to worship)

The Family (May 2008)

2008-05-30T19:27:00.014-04:00

Here are this month's pictures. As a warning, the last picture may not be for the faint of heart, so be careful as you scroll down there.

Sitting up on the couch

Playing on the tummy

The boys

Mother's Day 2008

Wide-eyed

Wide eyed 2

Mommy and the boys
in front of her rose bush
that was transplanted from Raleigh
(it was her first Mother's Day gift)

Caleb joining Jonathan in the fun

Hands in pockets

Sticking out the tongue

Warning: The following photo may make a person cringe.
The story: Memorial Day weekend, Caleb fell off the couch and bonked his head on the couch. We weren't even rough-housing. I looked at the back of his head and knew immediately that we were going to emergency room. I had my chin split open in gym class in high school and had to get stitches, and Caleb's cut looked like that, but smaller. It wasn't bleeding to bad, thankfully.
We walked to the emergency room (because we can here in the city). The nurses numbed the area while we waited. We were told that they don't use stitches anymore, which is good because we could hardly keep him still. On the other hand, they used staples! Yes, staples. And we will have them removed on Monday. His wound is healing well, and any scar will be under his hair in the back of his head.
So if you would like to see the picture of the staples, scroll down.

The Kids (April 2008)

2008-04-30T20:41:00.022-04:00

Yes, I know I owe everyone a post and that you've been checking this blog repeatedly for updates - you know who you are. I've been trying to get to this for a few weeks now, but haven't been able to. So this will be a reworked super-sized post. By the way, if you haven't read about my experience at Walmart, go check out that post as well.

Jonathan sleeping on the couch

Jonathan started communicating recently.

Snow storm over Easter in State College

Caleb has plastic bags on his feet,
because his parents didn't bring his boots.

Opening the eggs after the hunt

Jonathan likes peek-a-boo

He's pudging up.

Laughing and playing

More laughing

...even while sleeping

Peanut butter and marshmallow

Wide-eyed

Making chocolate-covered peanut butter eggs
after most of the Easter candy was gone

Making blue icing for Daddy's cake

Hopefully this will hold you over
until the next post.

Caleb (at two years)

2008-03-20T19:46:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures from Caleb's two-year old party and other events in the past weeks. It's a long time coming.

THE CAKE

the canvas

the artist

the result

THE PARTY

my first easel

gifts

elmo and lolli-pops

smiling

no utensils

new bike

JONATHAN

smiling

lying around

Walmart

2008-03-15T12:50:00.023-04:00

This post will break all norms for me. Instead of photo-blogging, this will actually be akin to a real blog entry. Last night I went to Walmart for a few items, but it ended up lasting so long, and the trip was so awfully memorable, that it had to be recorded. At one point, I almost laid down in the throw rug / stationary aisle and gave up. But I am getting ahead of myself...

The impetus of my trip was to purchase those plastic eggs for Easter hunts. If you were Walmart, where would you put them? Well, they weren't near the impulse-buy Easter candy at the front (which I did succumb to). And they also weren't with the party supplies or Easter cards that were also near the front.

(By the way, who is buying Easter cards and who are they sending them to? There is only one logical answer. I mean do the cards read something like, "Dear Jesus, thank you for rising from the dead, because if you didn't then we'd all be in a heap of trouble. Sincerely, Christopher...and Amen.")

But I digress. After a pretty good search, I gave up on the eggs and started looking for thank-you notes. Do you know that they aren't with the rest of the pen and paper supplies? After a while, I discovered they are actually with the party supplies and Easter cards. Unfortunately, I didn't notice that the first few times I walked through that aisle looking for the plastic eggs.

At this point in time it's good that I found the bagels when I came in because I had to use them to leave a crumb trail to find my way out of the deep recesses of the store. By now, I've walked up nearly every aisle multiple times. I considered lying down in desperation. But I forged on, bleary-eyed.

I also needed a Brita water filter. Do you know that they don't keep them with the water pitchers? In fact, do you know that they are not on any shelf in the kitchen section at all? Brita filters, I was told, were in the hardware section. After more wandering, I discovered the water filters next to the air filters, which were near the smoke detectors. Maybe they figured if you had a fire and your smoke detector wasn't working, your next best option was to throw filtered water on the flame.

After further searching for the eggs, I gave up and went to the check-out counters. Apparently, every hick in Lancaster County was spending their Friday night at Walmart, and they were all checking out with their entire family at this very moment in time - buying their Stone Cold Steve Austin DVDs and their Elvis Pez dispensers. This would explain why there were no employees in the aisles to help my find the eggs, because every available clerk had been called, on multiple occasions, to the front registers.

While waiting in long lines, I saw it. A man checking out with a light green basket. Where did he get that? I look to my right, and all the way at the back of the store sticking up above the shelves were what appeared to be pre-wrapped Easter baskets.

Taking the chance, I left the line to seek out the pastel Promise land. Just beyond the pet food and across the aisle from the motor oil were the coveted Easter supplies. I had figured the seasonal merchandise would be in the front, but they actually bury them in the back - much with the same rationale a grocery store uses when they put the milk in the rear of the store, I guess.

Their plan works, too, because in my wanderings I almost bought a throw rug, more candy, and an attache case. Luckily, I only came away with a $5 DVD (not of Steve Austin).

I got back in line at the 10 items or less "speedy" counter, which is what they like to call it. Unfortunately, they put their slowest cashier person there. Walmart's policy must be that the amount of items is inversely proportional to the age of the employee. It went so slow that by the time I got to the front, the speedy line was the only one with people in it and the rest were empty.

Finally, I made it out of the store alive with everything on my list - although with a few less bagels. My own personal Easter egg hunt was over.

Jonathan < 1 month

2008-02-25T19:53:00.013-05:00

Jonathan has had a tough week with a an earache and a very stuffy nose. He's still not quite over it. Maybe because of that, we haven't taken many pictures recently. But here area a few that we have:

And a bonus:

Jonathan < 2 weeks

2008-02-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Here are a number of pictures from Jonathan's first two weeks of life. 14 pictures in 14 days.

Caleb before Jonathan

2008-01-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

I bet you were looking for more picture of baby Jonathan Micah. Well, I thought I'd sneak in a few pictures and videos of Caleb, who is not to be forgotten in all of this hullabaloo. These are of Caleb before the arrival of Jonathan.

Snow!

Snow!

And how about a few videos...

Wee-oo Wee-oo (fire engine sound) Lolli-pop

Caleb has been saying 'Home Depot' for weeks and weeks now. If you leave the house, you may be going to Home Depot. He lost the letter 'S' from a puzzle; it went to Home Depot. This is a product of his parents purchasing a hundred year old house and making frequent trips (sometimes multiple daily trips) to the store.

The baby in mommy's tummy.

January 25

2008-01-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Micah Peters - born January 25, 2008 at 4:41PM. He was 6 lbs 15 oz, 19 inches long.

After barely making it to the hospital (the baby's head came out in the hospital lobby), we made it to a room, and Mary Grace birthed our baby boy in a wheelchair. Baby and mom are doing very well. We're at home now, and would like to pass along a few pictures:

Not even 1 hour old

Daddy and baby

Proud Parents

Mommy and baby

Big Brother Caleb holding Jonathan

Showing my eyes early on

Bundled up with Mommy

Sleeping

Sleeping, again

Cuddling

Getting ready to go home

The brothers at home.

Christmas 2007

2008-01-02T22:11:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos to close out 2007. The year of 2008 should be a good one. The next post should have a few newborn baby photos!

Ba-oom!

Ha-yo baby.

Our first major snow.

Wrapping paper with Trees.

Buh-dough-dough

Peters Puzzle Time

D'aw. D'aw.

Wee-ooh Wee-ooh (Fire engine)
yoyi-POP!

A book that changes into a truck! What?!

At Nanna and Paw Paw's house

Ice Scuptures in State College

4 weeks left

2 months

2007-12-01T15:31:00.000-05:00

This will be 2 months worth of Caleb photos. It's also 2 months until the new baby arrives (circa 01/29/08). Hope you enjoy. Oh, and Merry Christmas if we don't post until then.

A nice fall day

I see you.

Sitting with George

Learning to share

Favorite activity: reading books

Pumpkin seeds

Smiling

Halloween: fireman

Rolling!

Riding in the Red Wagon

Bed Head

Peek-a-boo

The first batch of Christmas cookies
(Decorating with Stars!)

Visit to the Strasburg Toy Train Museum

New favorite activity: Drawing (with Aunt Jen)

Washing the apples for mommy

Next time...Christmas photos

762

2007-11-01T19:58:00.000-04:00

This is the day (the 2nd) where it's normally Caleb photo central. But the blog is changing. And in my mind, I am about three blogs behind anyway. Pictures of Caleb and other news will have to wait.
So without internet I am at a friend's house, because the blog must be posted. People are waiting for house pictures. So I will deliver:

Front

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Kitchen/Dining

Caleb's Room

Master Bedroom

Back Yard

Back

Still unpacking...future baby's room

Nomads

2007-10-02T19:38:00.001-04:00

This month we've been living with our good friends Brynne and Brian while we've been searching for a house. We're happy to say that we will be moving into a new house this weekend. But before we get to that, here are some pictures from September - the month of the Nomads. A lot has happened, so here we go:

Fall means Apples!

Flying!

Learning to use a spoon properly

Caleb and Brian dressing alike

Caleb riding high with Brynne

Mmmm....icing

Petting a baby llama at the (Ephrata) State Fair

Daddy's sheepish about Caleb hogging the limelight

The ladies making 46 quarts of applesauce!

The guys digging in the yard

Learning to use a real cup

Maybe this will work for Caleb's first album cover

Teaser: Caleb in front of our new house
(more pictures next time)

Goodbye Raleigh

2007-09-03T19:32:00.000-04:00

I think this is a good time to break from the routine of entitling the blog after the age of Caleb. Not that Caleb isn't important, but it is our blog (see the URL). And with one more little one on the way, we need to make it a good transition.

Besides, there has been so much change in our life. We sold our house (although we haven't found a new one yet). We've moved to a different state and Christopher has a new job. Leaving is never easy, and it certainly was sad this past month.

With that said, what would this post be without pictures of Caleb (at eighteen months). He has some to show you:

Wraslin' with Daddy

Conga Line with my friend Marie, who I miss

Chillin' on the couch, which I learned to crawl up on

Flying Caleb (I love my Daddy)

What Extreme Sport is this a precursor of?

Cuddling with Mommy

I'm not sleeping...

Relaxing on the way to Pennsylvania

Goodbye Raleigh

Life (at 17 months)

2007-08-02T21:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't done this earlier. We've been a little swamped here with house stuff. The big news this month is that Caleb finally decided to walk - and now that's all he does! He'd like to show you a few pictures:

My first watermelon on the Fourth of July

I hit the Blueberry Jackpot!

I love the wa-wa.

I used to need help walking...

But now I'm going everywhere on my own.

My new favorite game: Rolling on the Pillows

"Ball"

Waiting 4 hours in the Philadelphia Airport

Life (at 16 months)

2007-07-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

More firsts this month. First PB&J. First Haircut. And lots of fun...

Learning to drink out of my mouse cup.

First haircut

Bubble boy

Learning to stick out my tongue

I have to go see a man about a horse

Car ride game: Bear-on-the-head

Making a sand castle with Daddy

First carousel ride with Mommy

Caleb: the Beach Bum

Caleb: the Joker

Caleb: the Virtuoso

Life (at 15 months)

2007-06-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry this is a few days late. We were camping over the weekend, with Caleb - and (Tropical Storm) Barry dropped in for a visit the second night. Now, I know you're thinking: You went camping with a 15 month year old?! For two nights?! During a Tropical Storm?! Yes, and it was not a good idea. Lesson learned...on to happier things:

OK, so that means my allowance comes to...
(Oh, and you will notice that I am pulling up now)

Just fooling around

Mother's Day

I love reading!

Swings!

"Baaoowwll!"

I love the outside

Duet with Daddy

Us (at five years)

2007-05-10T21:18:00.000-04:00

We need to branch out in this blog. But is there a possibility to have too much of Caleb? At any rate, Mary Grace and Christopher went to Charleston for an early 5 year anniversary trip. Here are a few pictures:

(The courtyard of the place we stayed)

Life (at 14 months)

2007-05-01T21:05:00.000-04:00

From pulling up to always reading to getting new teeth to rolling with Daddy - it's been a good month. Not to mention that Christopher and Mary Grace got to take a trip, alone. More on that on another post. On to some recent Caleb pics brought to you by Oragel and the Fire Engine book.

Daddy's boy

Grammy made me cookies

My "new" chair
(Actually it was daddy's when he was young)

I love the outside

Cover art for my first music album

I can sit on this car and push the buttons for a long time

Life (at thirteen months)

2007-04-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

A few pictures from this past month with trips to Hilton Head and to Duke Gardens.

Mommy's going to make me applesauce.

I went straight for the ocean.

The water wasn't too cold.

Peek-a-boo.

I loved to splash in the pool.

Well, they told me not to eat it.

The family

Photo shoot

Always on the go these days...

Life (at one year)

2007-03-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

It's taken me too long to get these pictures up on the blog. Enjoy the few photos from Caleb's one year old weekend.

Opening some gifts.

Mary Grace decorated the ceiling fan as a palm tree...

...and she made a Curious George cake.

Caleb didn't want to get too messy.

Caleb reading one of his new books: Swimmy

Life (at twelve months)

2007-03-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well. Twelve months ago today, we went to the hospital, getting there at 7:15AM. Caleb was born at 7:39AM. And the ride continues...

Mommy is my favorite.

Wow, this is Downy soft.

I can eat at the table with Daddy.

You've heard of Black Beard...This is Black (Bean) Gotee.

Caleb and his friend Marie in their first Cheerio eating contest.

That is water on my pants...really.

48...49...50 one-armed push-ups

Did someone say I could have cake tomorrow?

Stay tuned...!

Life (at eleven months)

2007-02-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

Now in cased you missed it, I uploaded two posts today. Please see the previous VIDEO post for some funny Caleb action - provided it actually works. On to the stills:

Can you believe this January weather?

I saw/ate my first snow.

Can you believe these deals at Furniture World?

I am currently belly-crawling!

Life (in video)

2007-02-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

Currently I am updating this as Caleb and Mary Grace are in Columbus, Ohio visiting Great-Grandmother and other relatives.

I'm going to venture into the world of vlogging this time. The below video was taken during Christmas decorating time. (My apologies to those with dial-up; we can empathize. This will take a while to load, but it is too good not to post. I am currently sitting in Panera to upload it.)

Life (a Christmas miracle)

2007-01-15T17:47:00.000-05:00

Jesus came to earth; God became a man.: A Christmas miracle.

Christopher did more than one blog in a month's time: A lesser (very much so) miracle. Enjoy some Christmas Caleb pictures:

Putting up the tree

Caleb with Pa(w) Pa(w)

Bean Bags at the Beelman's

Walking with Nanna

Caleb and GrandPop making similar faces

Eating at the Peters'

Grammy and Caleb unwrapping gifts

Aunt Jen gave Caleb Curious George.

Taking down the tree after Caleb's first Christmas

Life (at ten months)

2007-01-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

Christmas and New Year's: Done. 2006: a thing of the past. Caleb will present to you some of his year end pictures:

My first photo shoot

Merry Christmas!

Taking a break from decorating

Playing with Daddy's train.

Having fun.

I'm up from my nap.

My first Christmas.

more pictures soon...

Life (at nine months)

2006-12-02T11:39:00.000-05:00

OK, busy time of year. I'm barely getting to this. Christmas trees, architecture exams, deadlines, shopping. 'Tis the season. But those holiday pictures will be in the next blog.

For this one, Caleb is now out of the oven just as much as he was in the oven, so to speak. He is exploring and starting to "help" Mommy with the house work, as you will see. Caleb has discovered that there are things behind cabinet and draw faces. He also is eating more foods, including finger foods like grapes and avocados.

In addition to making some more sounds now (ba ba, etc.), he has started waving. When he goes down for a nap or to sleep at night, or occasionally when people leave - he will wave a little bit. No photographic proof yet, though. Caleb does have proof of some of his other adventures and endeavors:

Family photo

Playing outside

Playing on the floor

Loving the bath

Eating grapes

Hair = reins

Helping mommy with the laundry

Caleb and Mommy

Caleb and Daddy

Bouncing in the kitchen

Did you want the eggs? The wine? The ReddiWip?

Did you want Saran wrap or Aluminum foil for that?

Life (at eight months)

2006-11-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

Wow, is parenting fun. Caleb is giggling and babbling. No crawling, though; so we're avoiding that mayhem so far. Five teeth and counting. Here are some recent pictures that Caleb would like to show you:

Giggling Caleb

Dancing Caleb

Tackling Caleb

Smiling Caleb

Loving Caleb

Fall Caleb

Winter Caleb

"Walking Caleb"

Life (at seven months)

2006-10-02T21:34:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to do these more often than once a month, but I just haven't been able to yet. Besides, what would I call the blog entry?
Caleb is looking more like a little boy, with his own personality. The pictures can't really express it, so stop by and see for yourself. So many pictures, how can we choose? Caleb will present his favorites:

The phone cord is my favorite chewy thingy.

Who doesn't like a trip in the washbasket?

I've got two bottom teeth, so you gotta brush 'em.

Mommy and daddy can make me giggle.

Another picture?

Is that the camera again?

I can sit up now all by myself.

I can spell my name.

One step closer to crawling...

It's football season.

Life (at half a year)

2006-09-02T08:47:00.000-04:00

It's about 6 months, and we're getting a "good" night's sleep about every other night. Caleb seems to be learning to nap longer as well. As you will see, this seems to be the month of the new food. Caleb would like to show you some pictures:

Almost...Almost...

I did it. I rolled over!

Playing outside. I love the outdoors.

I don't know how I feel about sweet potatoes.

Pillow fort!

Peeking over the couch at mommy.

Oooh. Bananas.

Rooaaaaaarrrr! (Go Nittany Lions!)

Well, maybe it's not so bad.

Life (at five months)

2006-08-02T18:36:00.000-04:00

Apparently some of you are actually looking at this blog regularly and waiting for these monthly updates, because I've got a couple emails saying that you're waiting for new pictures. So here they are.
Also, I'd like to direct you to a blog of one of Caleb's friends, Marie, at meehans.blogspot.com for some other cute pictures.
This past month was a month of firsts. Caleb stuck his toes in the ocean and in the pool for the first time. He also fell asleep during his first fourth of July fireworks display. He also ate cereal for the first time.
As you will see, it seems that Mary Grace took most of the photos this month. On to the show...

Chilling on the beach

Caleb's cool swimming suit

Learning Beethoven's Fifth

Eating cereal bad. Chewing spoon good.

Noticing faces

Does this thing have safety features?

Hiking in the frontpack with dad

Cute picture of the month

Life (at four months)

2006-07-02T07:05:00.000-04:00

Caleb is now over 15.5 pounds (50th percentile) and is 26 inches long (90th percentile). This past month Caleb took his first trip to PA for his Aunt Jen's wedding. And he took his first plane flight and did great! Caleb would like to show you some more pictures:

I'm not crawling yet.

I slept and ate on my first flight.

Boxes can be toys!

Not quite tall enough to move in the walker.

I can hold toys (and put them in my mouth).

We match for Father's Day!

I'm holding my head up so well.

Life (at three months)

2006-06-02T22:21:00.000-04:00

We are loving being parents, and it's getting better and better as Caleb is more responsive, interactive, and smiling. And he's sleeping up to 8 hours a night now! Never thought the day would come. Here are some fairly current pictures:

Smiling Boy!

My grumpy face.

Chubby belly.

Beach bum.

First trip to the beach.

I can stand (but not balance).

I'm not always happy and content.

I've discovered by feet.

Cute boy.

Life (at two months)

2006-05-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

Can you believe Caleb is two months old?! He is smiling at us and even giggling. And he's 12 pounds! Here are a few updated pictures:

I'm OK with bathtime!

I'm looking all around now.

I love playing with my toys.

Baby's first Easter.

Mommy's feeding me well.

One of my favorite places to sleep.

Ready to mooove!

Smiling!

Looking up to Daddy.

Life (at one month)

2006-04-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

Caleb is one month old today! See how he's grown...

Playing with Mommy.

Sleeping in my crib

I can lift my head high.

Dad took this picture of us.

Mommy is teaching me how to read.

I'm looking all around now.

One month old!

Life (at a couple weeks)

2006-03-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

Caleb is now over two weeks old. Here are more pictures from his life so far:

Tummy Time

My first "bath"

Enough said

Wide Eyed

I like Trains!

Pondering Plato...

A soft blanket

Smiling for mom

Life (at a couple days)

2006-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

When I created this weblog a couple of weeks ago, I thought I might use it for a few things. I thought we could use it to post our favorite movies and books, and to note what books we now have "off the shelf" and are reading. I thought we could use it to post interesting articles and information on ceramics and architecture. I also thought that I might even post my own thoughts about religion, philosophy, and life.

That will all take a back seat for now, since we now have something even bigger to post. On March 2, 2006 at 7:39 AM, little Caleb Christopher Peters was born into this world! And like all good parents, we are going to show him off. So go ahead and take a look at our beautiful baby boy, and I'm sure we'll be back here to post more pictures as time goes on. (We might even get back to some of the original ideas for this weblog.)

Christopher named this blogspot "This is your life" after Switchfoot's song of the same name. This is a great song on a great CD, with a great message. But those are thoughts for another time. The title of the blogspot still seemed appropriate when posting images of little Caleb. So "this is your life" Caleb, so far:

Mother and Child

Cute!

The Family of Three

Father and Son

More Cute!

I'm awake!

Hi there.

Looking at the camera

Getting ready to go home