Life and Times of the Sharp Family

I have been noticing lately that my kids seem to know and understand my training. When I returned from swimming tonight, Breslin asked me how it was.  Isn't that sweet? When I load the bike into the van in the mornings, AJ says, "Momma...that your bike! That your bike, momma!" When the girls play with their dolls, they run with their stroller like it's a jogger. It makes me happy for them to see what a huge part of my life this training is and that they have an understanding of how important it is to me.  I feel thankful that even though they are little, I can still share this part of my life with them.  I hope that someday, they may even be able to remember me training for triathlons and be proud of me. Thank God they know! Lord, thank you for my kids and that they can share this part of my life with me.  In your name I pray, Amen.

This is Colby. Today, I am thankful that the high temperature today was 30 degrees cooler than the 94 we faced on Sunday. Not only did it make the school day about a billion times better, but it also made Alaina's 15 mile post school run a little more tolerable. Lord, thank you for giving us a break from the heat. Thank you for helping Alaina make it through another tough workout. In your name I pray, Amen.

My aunt was kind enough to give my husband and son haircuts yesterday.  Despite having had people over at her house all day in the hot weather, she was happy to give of herself one more time before being able to relax for the evening. Or, she couldn't stand how they looked with their long, disheveled locks and had to do something about it.  Either way, it was nice of her. I can't stand it when Colby's hair is long.  I give all of the subtle, nice hints that I possibly can when it starts to grow out, but my husband does not respond well to subtlety, I've found.  Eventually, I just have to be blunt or even threaten to not go out in public with him or withhold certain extra-curricular activities until he does something about it.  Even then, it still usually takes a couple of weeks of this before I see any results. Breslin, on the other hand has always had a major problem with haircuts.  Just saying the word "haircut" is enough to make him dissolve in...

When I was a kid, swimming was one of my most favorite things to do.  It could be Lake Michigan, the Nottawaseppi River at my grandparent's log cabin, or a friend's pool; if there was a body of water that I could swim in, I wouldn't hesitate to dive in.  I wouldn't get out until my parents absolutely made me.  I would make up water floor routines (complete with mount and dismount), pretend I was a mermaid, or explore whatever shells/rocks/wildlife I could find.  I couldn't fathom why a hotel wouldn't have a swimming pool.  What was the point of even going to a hotel if you couldn't swim? As an adult, my love for swimming is satisfied throughout my triathlon training.  I love the peaceful intensity of a swim session and the refreshing sense of cool water gliding over me during every stroke. Today, I was happy to see my kids exhibit a budding love for swimming as they played for hours in Lime Lake.   Within 10 minutes of arri...

Sundays are great, but they are about a million times better when there is a no-school Monday to follow. Today, I am thankful that I was able to enjoy my Sunday, without having to worry about going back to school on Monday. Lord, thank you so much for a wonderful day with family. Help up to have a great Monday together. In your name I pray, Amen.

Today, my mom and I decided to run the Alma Highland Festival 8 mile race on our way up to Clare to visit.  We had a great time hanging out together and were both pleased with our races.  My mom won her age group, and I was the overall female winner!  Besides just running, we had time to hang out before the race and we got to peruse the Alma bookstore and the Scottish festivities before heading out.  I felt so lucky to have this quality time with my mom today.  We had such a great time being together and encouraging each other through the race.  I am also grateful for the part that Alma College played in my life.  At Alma, I feel that I had the best educational experience.  My classes were challenging, but I never felt as thought it would be impossible to do well.  I had great friends, phenomenal professors, and amazing teammates.  I felt thankful to have the opportunity to visit this special place again today. Tha...

Just now, I heard Breslin coming down the stairs. I asked him what he was doing, as it is close to 11:00 pm. His response, "I gotta go dung, mom." I was stunned into silence when he went on to explain, "Mom, dung is poop." When I turned to Colby, wondering what in the world was happening, he explained that yesterday they read a book about beetles.  Apparently dung came up and was clarified through the reading of this book. Oh, the joys. Thank God for...well, a funny kid. God, thank you for Breslin's love of learning and the way he picks things up so quickly.  Thank you for giving me such a cool kid to take care of.  He really is awesome and makes my job pretty easy.  In your name I pray, Amen.

This week has not been especially kind to us teachers.  It's been the seniors' last days and we have put up with pranks, interruptions, last minute grade verifications, and the like.  I have had seniors in my room every day freaking out about something or another, dropping off books in the middle of my other classes, and demanding to have things graded right away so they will know how their grades are effected (seriously).  It's been an exhausting, irritating, thankless week. This morning, within 10 seconds of sitting down at my computer, I heard a knock on my door.  I sighed heavily as I imagined a student needing help with something or needing to make-up something they missed.  I was surprised to see next year's student council president standing at the door with a pot of beautiful white tulips.  She came in and said that she just wanted to show me how much she appreciated me helping with student council this year.  She gave me a hug and left....

The last couple of nights the kids have been playing so well outside together. Last night, Dharia and AJ have been the best of friends: collecting sticks, jumping on the trampoline, hugging and falling down (a new game they invented). Tonight it was Breslin and AJ's turn to play together. My favorite part was watching little sister AJ push Breslin on the swing. Lord, thank you so much for the great weather and for giving our kids a chance to play together. In your name we pray, Amen.

Breslin sat down next to me on the swing tonight and just started telling me this story.  I loved it so much that I had to get it on tape.  I think part of the story stemmed from Breslin being grumpy and me telling him to go play outside, but I'm not sure.  He has been such a good storyteller lately and hearing this semi-autobiographical story made my night.    Thank God for A/My Very Grumpy Bug! God, thank you for my very grumpy bug and for his ability to tell stories.  Thank you for time together as a family tonight.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I was having a pretty lousy day when I stumbled upon this video that a fellow teacher forwarded on to me. I laughed my butt off. Being a teacher can be fun.  At this time of year, it can be sometimes hard to remember why, but this helped.  I vow to have more fun at school tomorrow. I'm grateful for a reminder that school is what I make it and thankful that I have another opportunity to try again tomorrow. Thank God for Teachers dancing behind students! God, thank you for laughter and for a reminder that it's important to have fun while we work.  Help me to make school more fun tomorrow.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Today, I rode over 70 miles on my bike.  I wasn't sure how it would go, but I did it!  I am amazed and proud, but still overwhelmed at what  long way I still have to go before I'm ready for July 22 in Lake Placid. It was hot and muggy and I went through the water in my Camelback within the first 40 miles.  I have some pretty interesting tan lines and have been gulping water all afternoon, but other than that, I am no worse for the wear.  I feel grateful that while I was on my bike, all of my family was out doing something they loved, so I didn't have to feel guilty about being away from them.  Breslin and Dharia had spent the night with my mom, so they were enjoying some high-quality time with their Nana and Papa Bob.  AJ was hanging out and loving on my dad.  Colby was attending a breakfast with some colleagues and authors from the Nerdy Book Club in Michigan City, Indiana. So, I had nothing to do but ride, ride, ride.  I got...

Dharia LOVES Papa Bob's chicken. Lord, thank you for a great day at the East Lansing Art Fair with my mom, and great fellowship with my family afterwards. Thank you for my lovely daughter, and her big appetite. In your name I pray, Amen. 

After a long day at school and a one hour run, I headed to the Albion College pool to swim for 45+ minutes. I was tired and I didn't want to go. When I got their, much to my surprise, I saw my dad who also at the college to swim. It didn't make the swim any easier, but seeing him lifted my spirits. Lord, thank you for giving me a friendly face to see when I got to the pool.

Our next door neighbors were babysitting the four-year old daughter of friend tonight.  When we got home, they asked if she could come over and jump on the trampoline and play on the swingset.  When Dharia saw a little girl about her age playing in her backyard, she was off the couch with her shoes on, running out the door within a matter of seconds.  For over an hour, the girls bounced, giggled, took turns going down the slide, and pushed each other on the swing.  When she had to go back to our neighbor's house for dinner, Dharia was devastated.  It was really cute to see our social butterfly fall completely in love with a new friend so quickly.  While the girls played, Breslin entertained our neighbor.  I couldn't help but chuckle as he introduced her to our "huge conifer tree" and asked her to choose her favorite planet in the solar system.  On this beautiful night, I was grateful to see my kids happily playing and thankful that m...

I realized today that I am over halfway done with my Ironman training.  At 10 weeks in, I know I have a long ways to go, but I've made it this far and have no intentions of quitting.  Only 68 days until the big race!  I know that the training will continue to be tough, but with the end of school looming on the horizon, at least finding the time should be a little easier.  At the same time, I noticed that I have eclipsed the halfway point here as well.  I did nothing to celebrate or even acknowledge the special 500 day milestone, but it feels good to know that I have made it this far.  I have seen huge changes in my life because of this endeavor, and I am excited to see what the next 490 days have in store. Thank God I am over halfway there! God, only you have provided the strength to get me this far.  Thank you for helping me to daily better myself.  Please continue to guide and direct me and give me the fortitude to finish.  In yo...

Manchee is one of the main characters in the book I just finished, The Knife of Never Letting Go , by Patrick Ness.  Manchee is a dog.  Not only can he read the thoughts of his owner, but he can talk.  He is one of my favorite book characters ever.  He made me laugh, smile, and cry.  Even though the book is over, I am so grateful to have been introduced to him.  I am confident that the things Manchee does and says in this most amazing book will stick with me for many years to come.  Thank God for Manchee! Dear God, thank you for good books and for characters who make us fall in love with them, like Manchee.  Thank you for the joy and relaxation that reading can bring.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Today was long. It was hard. The day was long. The Sharp family is exhausted. Monday's kick our butt.  The good news: we only have two more Mondays. We still have 18 days of school, but with Memorial Day off, only two of those 18 days are Mondays. Lord, thank you for getting us through a difficult day. Thank you for helping us see the light at the end of the tunnel. In your name we pray, Amen.

Today I am thankful for the moms in my life.  I couldn't do a post about how much all of the moms in my life mean to me or how grateful I am for the ladies who have shaped me into the person I am today any sort of justice whatsoever, but that doesn't make it any less true.  What I will say is that I strongly believe that my mom, my Grandmommy, my Grandma Stuart and my mother-in-law, Kathy Sharp, have helped me become the best mom I can be.  I'm thankful today for a chance to recognize their influence and importance in my life. Thank God for Mother's Day! Lord, thank you for the ladies in my life.  Please help me to show them daily how much I love and appreciate them.  In your name I pray, Amen.

This is Colby. Tonight we celebrated Mother's Day with my mom. We spent the evening at 441 S. Union playing baseball, eating pizza, and chatting. It was great. The best part for me, and probably my mom, was having all seven of us together for an extended evening. It's the first time we've all been together since Christmas, and it is the longest amount of time that we have all spent together in a super long time. It was great. Lord, thank you for my gigantic family and the time I was able to spend with them. Thank you for my mom. She is a wonderful mom and an amazing grandmother. In your name I pray, Amen.

Tonight a game was invented. The game was called Golf/Shot. Here are the rules: 1. Be nice to each other 2. Insert golf ball into eaves trough 3. Watch ball shoot down the eaves trough and into the air hoping it will land in pot at the bottom 4. Re-position pot 5. Take turns 6. Be nice to each other Lord, thank you for the creative game play that we enjoyed as a family this evening. In your name we pray, Amen.

I have really ugly feet. I have a blister on every single toe. I am missing several toenails (which was interesting to explain to the woman doing my pedicure a few weekends ago). They are gross. But, I'm proud of my ugly feet and what they represent, mainly miles and miles of running.  Running in the rain, running in the heat, running when I didn't want to, running with the jogging stroller, running fast, running slow, running because I needed therapy, running before swimming, running in the morning, running because I am lucky enough to be able to run, running off a bad school day, running after biking, running off slices of pizza, running to beat the Garmin, running to write a commencement speech, running to clear my head, running to be free, running to finish an Ironman, running to gain perspective, running to wake up, running to figure out who I am, running to decide who I want to be, running to listen to good music on my iPod, running to see how far I can go...

Dharia is completely obsessed with the book Penny and Her Song. She has read it every singe night for more than two months. Yesterday we recorded her singing Penny's song. Enjoy! Lord, thank you for Dharia and her love for Penny and books! In your name I pray, Amen.

I have honestly been trying out the best way to spell this out phonetically since before 7 am. Both days this week, as we slow down to turn left from M-60 into the Heaven's Little Helpers parking lot, AJ has let out a cry of delight upon seeing the building: "DJOOOOOLIE!" That's, Julie, in case you didn't know. (Just try to say a d and a j together when you say Julie.  That seems to be the best way for me to describe it.  Seriously, go ahead.  You know you want to.) Julie is AJ's lead teacher at HLH and is hands-down stinkin' fabulous.  Of course, we love all of the teachers there, but Julie holds a special place in AJ's heart.  Dropping the kids off at daycare is always a bit of a question mark.  It can be and easy, seamless transition -- in and out and back on the road in 5 minutes -- or it can be a disaster of gigantic proportions.  One not-so-memorable morning, we had a goldfish spill, a fall, and a pulling-hair figh...

Breslin isn't enamored by many of the stereotypical boy things; he's not really into trucks, or baseball, or Spider-Man.  The boy is obsessed with the alphabet mostly, but he does have passion for one truly all-boy topic: dinosaurs. My Breslin has a love of dinosaurs that dates back to his early, early days when we would read Ten Little Dinosaurs , and he would stun me into speechlessness by repeating the names of the dinosaurs.  Can you imagine 18 month-old Breslin saying "Pachycephalosaurus"?   I am grateful that Breslin has something besides the alphabet that he can pursue with fervency.  I am especially thankful because on nights like tonight, I get to watch his face light up with joy while sharing this love with him.  Before bed, we read a giant dinosaur pop-up book that my dad gave Breslin by Robert Sabuda.  This is no ordinary pop-up book.  The sheer engineering brilliance of the pop-up dinosaurs is a marvel in and of itself. T...

At my wedding shower, which seems like a hundred million years ago, Colby's mom surprised me by presenting me with a beautiful quilt, which was made by her grandmother, Grandma Combs.  The gesture was so thoughtful, and the quilt so breathtaking, that I broke down into tears on the spot.  The quilt has held a special place in my heart ever since.  The blanket has been come to be known as "Grandma Combs" and is a staple in our living room.  It has wrapped up all three of my babies, covered me up when I have been sick, covered up the kids when they have been sick, been an indoor picnic blanket, topped several forts, and has played an essential role in many a good nap.  Tonight, after giving the girls a bath, we all curled up together on the porch.  Dharia has really taken to making sure that whoever is on the couch has Grandma Combs covering them up.  She and AJ sat together drinking milk, and I sat on the end with my feet up (my legs were dyi...

Today was Western's prom.  Since I bailed as junior class advisor last summer in order to take on student council, I once again managed to get out of the planning and execution of a high school prom (I moved to WHS the summer before the year I would have had to at Northwest).  Nevertheless, I had a role in picking the location before I stepped down: the beautiful Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson.  I took Dharia with me tonight, because I wanted to see how it all turned out.  I was in awe.  The old building sparkled with the old Hollywood theme.  The kids all looked amazing in their formal wear.  Dharia and I nibbled on movie-themed snacks like concession stand candy and popcorn while we oohed and ahhed at the "princess" dresses and watched the dancing from the movie seats.  The committee really did a wonderful job at making this year's prom one that these students won't ever forget. I had an unforgettable time with my daughter as well...

My aunt has this super-cute cherry red VW super Beetle, which I like to admire when I come over to her house.  And when I say "admire", I definitely do not mean "get insanely jealous".  I don't.  I don't.   The kids were staying with my aunt and uncle tonight for a couple of hours so that Colby and I could grab a bit to eat and spend some time together.  Colby whisked me out the door just as Suz was leaving to pick up the pizzas she had ordered for dinner.  As we backed out of their driveway, I saw the garage door open with her holding the wheel of the adorable super Beetle.  As we inched our way down the driveway, I gasped with a rapturous squeak to see two little heads in the backseat.  They were connected to two cute  little bodies, because if they weren't, this really wouldn't be a very good story at all. Breslin and Dharia got their first ride in a Volkswagon tonight.   Grins from ear to ear, waving fi...

I hate to be that girl, but I really think the weather we've been having the past couple of days stinks.  I loathe the heat and humidity.  I am still resentful of the fact that we never really got any snow this winter.  And although I know that the chances for snow are still slim, I am not and will never be ready for the mid-80s and near-100% humidity.  It makes me feel tired, sweaty, and grouchy.  It makes me wish that I had air conditioning in my house.  Or my van.  Or my classroom.  Today when I looked at the forecast, I saw that today seems to be the last of the ridiculous heat wave we've been experiencing.  I am grateful to have the hope of reasonable temperatures on the very near horizon. Thank God for the forecast! Dear God, thank you that the heat spell is almost over.  In your name I pray, Amen.

The last two nights we've eaten off of the grill. Not many things signal that summer is coming like having burgers, chicken, or pork chops on the grill. Lord, thank you for allowing us to sit down together as a family and have a meal that symbolizes summer, and all the time we will get to soon spend with each other. In your name I pray, Amen.

Today is May 1.  In addition to that meaning that we are another month closer to the end of the school year, it also means that we turn the blocks on our goofy kitchen calendar. The calendar is pretty cheesy, but I think that Colby and I get a strange, yet satisfying feeling of accomplishment when we change the day.  It's like, no matter how bad or long a day is, you always get to turn the block. The reason May 1st is such a big deal is that the rectangular prisms with the months written on them have to be moved from front to back every four months (since a rectangular prism has only four sides, one block can only be responsible for 1/3 of the year).  May 1st represents the movement from the January/February/March/April block to... ...the May/June/July/August block. We like this block. Summer is coming, the end is in sight.  After a day like today, Colby and I are especially grateful to see the January-April block safely behind us. Thank God for the t...