Andy left for Washington, D.C. last night. Every other year, he takes his class on a trip to our Nation’s Capital and this was the big trip year! I certainly wish I could be there with them, but I’m at home, teaching as normal. I am going to use this time to try to do some deep cleaning of all the hidden nooks and crannies. I’m in an organizing and simplifying mood right now!

In the quietness of our home, I continue to give thanks. I give thanks for…

…the freedoms of our country.

…students who have the opportunity to discover firsthand the history of our nation.

…good hymns sung in worship at St. Paul’s.

…witnessing 24 sixth graders profess their baptismal faith in their confirmation.

…pleasant days and cool nights.

…good guacamole.

…several projects that are already prepared and waiting for my students.

…a to-do list that shrinks and grows.

This list numbers items 1098 to 1105 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.

It was a whirlwind week and weekend, due in large part to our spring musical of “Malice in the Palace”. As busy as it was, I am quite thankful for the musical moments of the past week.

I am thankful for…

…students who were excited to share our musical.

…Kindergarten students who journaled about the musical.

…junior high students who rose to the acting challenge.

…modest girls who actually did NOT want to wear much make-up for their part as the beauty pageant girls.

…beautiful solos sung by Ruth, Sam and David.

…a full crowd (of close to 400) who came to see our musical.

…Dads who stayed around to clean up the gym afterwards.

…complimentary comments from people who noticed the hard work we had done.

…junior high boys (from my husband’s school) who wanted to come watch with him, too.

…relaxing at last over late night, half priced appetizers at Applebees with good friends.

In non-related musical thoughts, I am thankful for…

…brainstorming congregational ideas.

…dancing with my husband at the CLHS band auction.

…a new printer that is finally set up and working.

…a visit to the Fort Wayne zoo. I finally made it there and it was very nice!

…chaperoning an 8th grade “date” with my husband. I guess we really are old enough to do so!

This list numbers items 1066 to 1086 my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! With the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection, my heart is filled with thankfulness.

I am giving thanks for…

…SonRise worship with my husband.

…good Easter hymns such as “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds.”

…a productive Spring break.

…a clean house, clean garage and a clean basement.

…opportunities to eat out with friends.

…a quiet 30th birthday celebration.

…happy birthday songs sung by my nieces in Japan, left on my voice mail.

…a long overdue visit with a friend from long ago, Josh.

…our boys and way they played at the National Lutheran School tournament.

…one more day before I return to school.

This list numbers items 1046 to 1055 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.

We had a wonderful visit with my sister, Mikaela. It was such a special treat to have her here for a whole week.

I am thankful for her and I am thankful for…

…walks around downtown (Grabill) together.

…reminiscing over childhood stories.

…laughter and more laughter, shared as only sisters can.

…introducing my sister to my class, and hearing her share about Brasil with them.

…a wonderful co-teacher who graciously subs for me, so I can enjoy a long afternoon with my sister.

…bargain shopping at thrift stores together. We do have the same frugal genes!

…enjoying buckeye cake together. Delicious!

…a buckeye cake that raised $290 at the St. Paul’s auction. I’m also thrilled that it was the second highest bid in the dessert auction. Woo-hoo!

…relaxing together, even if meant short nights of sleep as a result of staying up late, and still having to wake up to teach. It was worth it!

…a week full of precious sister memories.

Thanks for coming, Mikaela Anne! Andy and I will gladly welcome you back anytime!

This list numbers items 1026 to 1035 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.

Once again, this week marks National Lutheran Schools Week. I’m going to use the most recent statistics from the 2010 – 2011 school year as the basis for my thankfulness today!

I am thankful for…

…243,212 students enrolled in our Lutheran schools.

… 2,382 Lutheran schools in the United States.

…1,393 of those being early childhood centers.

…899 elementary schools.

…90 Lutheran high schools.

…over 16,000 teachers serving in these 2,382 schools.

…10 Lutheran universities in our Concordia system.

…our 2 seminaries.

…my 8 years of teaching in Lutheran schools.

…my husband’s 10 years of teaching in Lutheran schools.

…the 5 Lutheran schools I attended in my years of schooling.

…my Lutheran school teacher Mother and my Lutheran pastor Father.

…my many relatives who teach, pastor and serve in Lutheran schools.

…the blessings of countless faith building moments that I have been privileged to share as a Lutheran school teacher.

More specifics can be found in this Lutheran Witness article written as a Snapshot of our Lutheran schools.

This list numbers items 1002 to 1015 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.