Technology

As I sit here tonight I thought about my update for today I was just overwhelmed to think of all the changes in technology - it's amazing.

When I was young I had a pen pal in Japan and we wrote letters back & forth...a pen pal now is instantaneous. I mean the car I drove in high school had a cassette player - my kids don't even know what a cassette tape is. We were one of the few people who had a Betamax (those were the VCR's that took the small tapes as opposed to the VHS size - you can google it) to watch movies on rather than the digital options we have today. I don't think we had a cordless phone until we moved to Seattle after high school graduation. .  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, MySpace (if anyone still uses it) and every other social media sight make it so easy to keep in touch with the world. Meetings that used to be only available via radio can now be viewed via web streaming. It's mind boggling all the things we had that were the hieght of technology at the time and now they seem so archaic.

When used for good technology is fantastic and I'm so grateful for the advances that have been made.

Animals

Today I'm thankful for our furry, hairy, four-legged friends. Some may have feathery, slimy or scaly friends, but for our home it's just the feline or canine variety.

At work we tend to have a few "wild cat"s around - gotta have a mascot right?

This little guy is one of four kittens we have around the office. Don't worry - he was removed from this temporary prison he put himself in.

This little cuddle bug is our boy Clifford. I've posted about him in the past you can find that here if you'd like. We all love him so much. He's quite the dog. He makes us laugh, keeps my feet warm at night and in a pinch if you have some rabbits you'd like to get rid of...he's excellent at that!

It's amazing how much joy animals bring into our lives. I'm so thankful for all their uniqueness and unconditional love. If you're looking for a dog (specifically a Yorkie) to share your life with might I suggest looking into OK Yorkie Rescue...these people work their tails off to care for these dogs.

Work

Every day I am thankful for my job. I feel so blessed to have the position I currently have. I'm not just saying that either. Currently my boss is out of the country so he can't even read this, I think! Regardless - I'm so grateful to have celebrated my 1st anniversary here. 

I'm also quite thankful for my hubby's job!

Both of which allow us to provide for the things we need to live. 

I've also just discovered this little gem...

This has started making me feel a lot healthier.

Then of course there's this little gig I have after school gets out...

Work can be hard. It can make days long. It can also be very rewarding and satisfying. It can give a sense of accomplishment. I am grateful I am able to work and provide. I am grateful I have a partner who does the same. 

Country

Another post from captain obvious here, but I'm going to go with it.

Today I'm thankful for our amazing country. There is no place like it on earth and for that reason alone people have died trying to get here and to preserve her. For all her faults I personally think she's amazing.

Today we have the opportunity to choose those who govern us as well as here in Oklahoma we also have the opportunity to choose judges and state questions. I urge you to get educated on the issues both federal, state and city and excercise your right to vote.

Lauren the Explorer

Last Saturday we had a party to celebrate the girl. She wanted a Do-Do-Do-Dora the Explorer (I think it's cruel the theme song does this to her name) party so we did the best we could. I consulted Pinterest of course! So I will link what I used so those who came up with it will get credit.

We had treat bags...the inspiration for which I took from this blog. I am very fortunate that I have a friend who improvised and I think the bags turned out really cute. Ours is now our Sunday bag used to carry stuff to church.

There were balloons...

 



Friends & gifts...

 

Crafts...
 

 

 

Dancing, flapping arms like a chicken...

Hopping, twirling...

 

All of which were part of a game I found here. The girls really seemed to enjoy it!

 

Last but not least there was cake with edible rocks!

 

 

Our little explorer seemed to have fun and really enjoyed having her friends over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Girls

Today's thankful post is pretty easy. I'm thanking Heaven for Little Girls today!

4 years ago today we went to the hospital to bring our sweet baby girl into this world. We had a few uneasy moments during the pregnacy and we even got to visit an geneticist - but she arrived at 10:48 am (yes an epidural can work in 40 minutes!) quite healthy!

 

Through the years she has given us so much.

 

 2009

   2010

2011

 

2012

 

 

I don't know what we did without her and I'm glad we don't have to find out. So thankful for her today and everyday!



Sundays

Today I decided I'd write about how thankful I am for my faith. Seems very apropos since it's the day of the week set aside for worship.  As you all know I'm Latter-day Saint or Mormon. Didn't grow up that way - but it just worked out. I enjoy knowing where I came from and the Gospel just makes sense to me. I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father who is merciful and loves us all very much.  I thankful for Jesus Christ my Savior who atoned for our sins. It's very humbling to stop and reflect on just that aspect of Christ's ministry. I'm grateful to raise my kids in the Gospel so that can have the assurance of a loving Heavenly Father.

If you have questions you can check out The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website or this other website. Or you can ask any member.