Whew! I thought I'd never get a turn at the computer. The homework load gets pretty heavy some nights.

Is anyone in suspense?

Congratulations Tarie! You get to play with $50 Amazonians. I'll be peeking "Into The Wardrobe" to see what you choose.

You know, it was so much fun pulling one name out of the hat, I couldn't help pulling out just one more. And just as soon as I can come up with a clever prize, I will be sending it to the extraordinary Janece, Amira and Paul.

And now, it is time to sleep. Alex tells me the number of days until summer vacation (with and without weekends.) I am ready for long summer naps and a break from packing lunches.

This morning I stayed at school to take photographs of a flag raising ceremony. One student's father is serving in Iraq, and he sent his son a flag that was raised over the United States' Embassy in Baghdad. Now that flag is raised over the school. All the children and staff, some parents and a visiting Marine officer were present for the flag raising. It was a very moving ceremony. The children sang several songs, including God Bless America.

I often stay with the middle school students when they raise the school flags and say the pledge of allegiance. I like to remember that our country is fundamentally good, that our possibilities and potential as a nation are great and that we are fortunate. Yes, there are problems, but for a few minutes I like to focus on the hope that we as a nation will realize our best aspirations. It's another moment to pray for peace and to be thankful.

I am thankful for flowers and teacups, for my family, friends and memories. I am thankful for the luxury of sitting in a comfortable and safe room, where I can freely express my thoughts, right or wrong, and where I can share it all, if I choose. I am thankful for pens, paper, stamps and light. I am thankful for email messages of support, humor, insight and reflection.


I am thankful for thrift shops, fabric sales, my wonderful car, my cowgirl boots and my camera. I love glue-sticks and glitter, thin crust pizza and organic raisins. I love dogs riding in cars, ears flapping. Happy dogs. I love rabbits, chickens, homemade corn tortillas and the smell of limes.


Tonight I'll pick a name from the hat and share some of our Blogiversary celebration with one of you. I hope you come back and share your celebrations with me, your triumphs and trials, the little things that make you pause... I am thankful for 5 years of blogging, with the best technical support I could ever hope for. Thank you for playing with me, supporting me, listening and participating.