Friday, May 14, 2010

Virtually Accountable

So, I've realized that my time with God recently has not been what it should be. My Bible reading is spotty at best, when I get around to it, and almost never do I take the time to think deeply about what I've read. Lyndon is nearly four months old; it's time to stop using the "new baby" excuse.

(As a disclaimer, I know that even a good thing like consistent, meaningful quiet times is not my hope of salvation. It will not get me into Heaven. Only Christ's sacrifice can do that. BUT I do want to spend consistent, meaningful time with my Savior, and sometimes we need a little nudge to do even the things we want to do.)

So, I'm starting a series here on the blog. Once a week, I pledge to write about my time in God's Word. I hope to expound on something I've read, which means I will actually have to think about it, which will be good for me. Writing is THE BEST way for me to organize my thoughts and discover new things. It's how I learn. I used to go through journal after journal, crafting responses to everything around me, but it's been a long time since I've done that, and this is the closest thing I have to a journal right now. Plus, it will keep me accountable. If I don't write something, you will know.

So, here we go. Look for my first post sometime this weekend (as this post is already long enough) and AT LEAST once a week after that. Help me get back where I want to be.

Monday, May 10, 2010

vote for Lyndon!

I opened up my email this morning, and look what I found:
(Sorry that it's cut off; I can't for the life of me get blogger to show the whole thing. I describe it at the bottom, though.)





Parents
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Congratulations!

Thank you for entering the Parents Magazine Cover Contest! Your photo is currently in the running to become one of our weekly Reader’s Choice finalists! The photo with the most votes this week will go into our semi-final Reader’s Choice round for a chance to travel to New York City for the Parents Cover Contest Photo Shoot.

Vote Now
Come back daily! Voting ends 05/16/2010.
Get your friends and family to vote too! Just forward this email to them or share the link. http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/279761


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I entered Lyndon in a contest at Parents Magazine a few weeks ago, to be a cover kid, just for fun, not expecting anything to come of it, and now, apparently, he's one of the favorites and a possible semi-finalist! So, now that I'm all excited about it, I think you should all go vote for him. :-)

In case you can't see the link, it's http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/279761

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

This just in! Mow your lawn!

My husband has encouraged me to follow the news more. There ARE interesting stories online, he claims. It isn't all the "Someone was Shot in Philly" and "Deadly Fire Kills Apartment Owner and Two Dogs" types of stories that appear on televised news.

But I digress...

The point of this post is to inform you about a bit of news I read today. Apparently, in the town where I live, it is no longer acceptable to let your grass grow. According to the article (which you can find on Google News, if you happen to live in my town), a new ordinance has been passed that declares, "any grass or other natural growth above 10 inches on any residential property in the Town" is unacceptable. Growth of this kind will result in an official warning; the homeowner then has 7 days to mow his lawn or the Town will do it for him and send him the bill of "the cost thereof, together with any fines and cost".

Really? I mean, I knew I lived in cookie-cutter suburbia, but . . . really? We need an ordinance to enforce this kind of thing? Is someone really letting their townhouse grass go to seed? What about the family I saw growing corn in their backyard? It was taller than 10 inches. Or those homesteaders who have lived in this town since before it could pass ordinances? They don't have the right to do as they please with their property anymore?

Don't get me wrong; I believe homeowners have a responsibility to keep their homes and properties well cared for. But that's just it: it's THEIR responsibility. Different things pass for "well cared for" in different communities, and a homeowner should be in tune with that. Isn't that why we have deed restrictions? Just because a herd of sheep isn't acceptable in my townhouse community doesn't mean it can't fit nicely with my friend's neighborhood down the road (true story). Does the town government really have the right to declare that all properties must adhere to one standard of neatness, or else?

My husband was right. Internet news IS enlightening

Friday, April 30, 2010

Three Months Old!

Happy three months, little guy!



Things Lyndon has learned in the last 3 months:
  • how to breathe
  • how to eat
  • how to smile
  • how to hold his head up
  • who his mommy and daddy are
  • how to charm his grandparents into doing anything for him
Things I have learned in the last 3 months:
  • how to change a diaper
  • how to change a diaper without getting peed on every time
  • that what I thought of as sleep training had very little to do with it
  • how to go from sound asleep to wide awake at the slightest noise
  • exactly how little sleep I need to function
  • how to ask doctors dumb questions
  • that I am not always right, nor do I know everything
  • how to spend every waking moment of an entire day thinking about serving someone else
I'm not sure who's learned more, me or the little guy.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Tummy Time

Our little guy is officially three months old tomorrow, although he was 12 weeks old last Saturday. It's been a big week for him. His Grammy got him a mirror designed for tummy time, and suddenly, what used to be a chore is now playtime.


  Add in a Boppy, and we're finally enjoying this tummy time thing!



It's paying off, too. His head is already looking less flat, and yesterday, our little guy rolled over! He didn't seem to know how he did it, so I'm not expecting it to be a common occurrence just yet, but the point is, he can do it!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

the picture that makes me cry

five generations of Petersons

clockwise from left: Mom-Mom (now a great-great-grandmother), Grandmom (Lyndon's great-grandmother), Cole (Lyndon's "Pop-Pop"), Adrian, and Lyndon 


What kid gets to say that he knew his great-great-grandmother? That's right. Our kid. :-)

And, just for fun, here's the more laid back version.

(What can I say? Our little guy smiles with his whole body.)

I'm so glad to have so much family. I haven't had much extended family since I was little, but I married into the jackpot!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

technology troubles solved!

This post brought to you by my brand new Dell netbook... which was brought to me by the generous check the post office sent us. :[) Despite all their incompetence, they do keep their word.

*aside* As I typed the previous paragraph, Lyndon grabbed one of his toys-- the first time he's done it on purpose! He's blowing raspberries too, also a new skill.

I won't even try to update you on all we've been doing in the last two months . . . but this about sums it up: