Life and Times of the Sharp Family

Yesterday, while Dharia and I were in Traverse City, we swung by Einstein Cycles where I used my earning from my summer's work with 3Disciplines to purchase myself a new bike. It's good to have wheels again. I am blessed in so many ways here: 1) My dad was gracious enough to allow me the use of his bike in the interim between my bike being stolen and purchasing this bike.  Now I can give his bike back. 2) Einstein Cycles gives a massive discount to 3Disciplines employees, so I was able to get a very good deal -- actually the owner must have thought Dharia was extra cute or something because I would up with an insanely nice bike for the budget I had. 3) Dharia was more than happy to hang out at the bike store for a little bit with me on her birthday.  In fact, she was super-excited about it and didn't complain once.  She charmed every one in the store by "test driving" out the kids bikes. 4) My grandmommy has already suggested three totally fabulous and...

I had the honor of spending the entire day with my daughter on this, her 5th birthday. During our time together going horseback riding, shopping, and visiting the beach, I realized that every minute I am with her, I fall a little bit more in love with her. When I looked down at her sweet face five years ago, it was love at first sight, and I couldn't imagine ever loving her more than I did just at that moment. I was wrong.  I love her more every day as I learn who she is and I see glimpses of who she will become.  Every giggle, every snuggle, every act of sincere generosity and concern for the welfare of others makes me fall a little harder for her. I feel so blessed to have a daughter that I can fall in love with over and over again.  I certainly did today. Thank God for falling in love! Lord, thank you for my daughter.  Please help me to be a good mom to her and to guide her on her path to becoming who you desire for her to be.  In your name I pray...

Dharia went for her first long run today. She made it a mile and a half without stopping! To reward her efforts and  In celebration of her birthday, I took her to get her first pair of running shoes. She settled on a pair of bright pink New Balances. I am so excited That I was able to be with her to enjoy this first running shoe experience. Thank God for bright pink First running shoes! God, thank you for my beautiful daughter. Thank you for this memorable experience. In your name I pray, Amen.

I love my new kitten.  His name is Diddy.  I guess "new" is probably not exactly the right term.  We brought him home the last week of school and he's been a member of our family ever since.  I love stroking him and loving on him, especially if I'm feeling grumpy or stressed out.  He makes me feel calmer.  Plus, he is a barrel of fun during his "witching hour", where he goes a little crazy each night around 10 pm.  See the example below: He's probably the best cat in the world.  He not only jumps up on my lap and allow me to pet him while purring at extraordinary decibels, he tolerates the kids tough love too.  They drag him around the house and squeeze him a little harder than he probably enjoys and he takes it like a total champ -- unusual in my experience with cats, to be sure. I'm so thankful for this cuddly little bundle of fur and for all of the joy he has brought to our family. Thank God for our little Diddy cat! Lord ...

I have presented twice in the last two days. Tonight, I am thankful that my presentations for the summer are over. It was definitely stressful for me to go all summer without having to present at all and then, BAM-BAM, just like that present two time in two consecutive days on two entirely different topics. Yesterday, I presented on Incorporating Standards-Based Grading into the Classroom using a variety of easy technology tools.  It was a part of the "Best of MACUL" series and I was honored to be invited to present.  I brushed up my presentation, did some additional research, and was ready to go.  I think it went rather well. Then today, I was asked to present at the "Officiate Michigan" conference in Grand Rapids for the sport of gymnastics.  My colleague Angie and I prepared four breakout sessions (each an hour long) on officiating gymnastics.  It was a ton of work, worry, and stress.  When we got there, we found that the turnout for the event wa...

This afternoon, we all got to take a nice, long nap.  It probably had something to do with the fact that the girls didn't go to bed until well after midnight last night, but I digress. When I woke up from my nap and came downstairs, I left Colby curled up with Goose in our bed.  I turned the corner into the living room to find both girls snuggled up on the couch.  Dharia was watching some TV and AJ was passed out cold next to her. I took the opportunity to do some research on iPad classroom best practices out on the porch.  I watched the storms roll in as I sat on the love seat.  I was engrossed in the literature when my little one stumbled sleepily out onto the porch, rubbing her eyes.  She crawled up into my lap and snuggled with me for another hour and a half, dozing as I held her, stroked her hair, and rubbed her back.  It was amazing.  Now that she is getting so old, I don't get the chance to just hold any of my kids much any more. ...

Yesterday, we had an awesome time at Kids N Stuff Children's Museum with the Messer family.  Each of our children has a Messer counterpart, and the kids have attended daycare together since infancy. Spontaneously during our visit, Colby and I offered to have the Messer kiddos come to our house to stay the night.  So, this evening we have had 6 children. It's been a little crazy, sure, but the blessing has been watching the Sharp-Messer pairings.  AJ and Mary ventured all over the house together, hand in hand.  They engrossed themselves in some sort of imaginative game in the yard.  They played babies in the upstairs playroom.  They banged on the piano.  Before bed, they exchanged their precious stuffed animals.  Mary gave AJ her stuffed deer and AJ gave up Tootsie for her best friend.  May favorite part of the evening was watching the two of them try to talk into the fan after I demonstrated: Dharia and Mia were a bit more active -- j...

Today, Colby began the long process of cleaning out his classroom at Minges Book Elementary and started preparing for the move to his new classroom at Parma Elementary.  The kids and I dropped him off at Minges Brook for a few hours and headed over to the Binder Park Zoo, where we have a family membership. I love the family membership for so many reasons, but one of my favorites is that there is absolutely no pressure to stay for hours and hours to get your money's worth.  So, even though I was playing zone defense with three kids and just myself, I figured we'd at least have some fun before it became unmanageable. We lasted over three hours -- just me and my kids.  We had a blast.  Whenever it's just me and the three of them, many times I get so stressed out or worried that I fail to enjoy the time we have together.  Not so today.  I savored every minute with my three kids (who were extra super good, by the way) and loved watching them take in the sigh...

It came and went without me taking note, so I'd like to do that now: One year ago was one of the most amazing days of my life.  On July 22, 2012, I fulfilled my long time dream of becoming an Ironman. It seems impossible that was already a year ago, but it's true.  One year ago, I ran across that finish line at Lake Placid with the biggest smile on my face. About a week later, I reflected on that day in a series of three posts that you can find here: Start to Transition 1 Bike and Transition 2 Run and Finish I am so thankful to be able for that day and for the fact that I will be able to re-live the moments for the rest of my life.  I am still so thankful for all of my family's support and encouragement to get through the day and for the courage and strength God gave me to finish. Thank God for the Ironman! Lord, thank you for this day and for the way it makes me feel, even a year later.  In your name I pray, Amen.

For the past couple of days, my family and I have been retreating in beautiful Douglas, Michigan (very close to Saugatuk).  We have been visiting with Donalyn Miller and her family, who are up from Texas for both nErDcampBC and vacation.  Donalyn is Colby's long-time friend and co-founder of The Nerdy Book Club, not to mention the sensational and successful author of The Book Whisperer . So, we headed out to share their amazing rental house, less than a mile from the breathtaking Oval Beach.  Sunday afternoon and evening, we hit the beach, then came back to the house to talk books, teaching, family, and life.  In short, it was absolutely blissful.  On Monday, we stayed in our jammies until after lunch, just enjoying each other's company.  Donalyn, her husband Don, and their incredible 15 year-old daughter Sarah sat around the kitchen table with us for hours while the kids watched movies, played games, and explored the cute and quirky cottage. At about 4...

My husband is officially a teacher at Western School District. It was a roller coaster of emotions as we went through the decision-making process, but after much conversation and prayer, Colby agreed to begin teaching 3rd grade at Parma Elementary.  I am so thankful that we will be on the same team, working in the same district.  I think we make a pretty good team, and this is an opportunity for us to take on one more thing together. Thank God we'll be together! Lord, thank you for guiding us through this important decision and for leading Colby where you want him to be. In your name I pray, Amen.

Breslin and Dharia are spending the night with Grandma Sharp. Colby, AJ, and I decided to go out to eat. We had a great meal and AJ talked our ears off the whole time. It was a lot of fun. Lord, thank you for giving the three of us an opportunity to connect over dinner. In your name I pray, Amen.

It is HOT.  Yesterday we slaved in a shadeless transition area and finish line setting up all of the fencing, flagging, clocks, and registration shelters.  We were sweaty, miserable creatures.  To make matters worse, the air conditioning in the staff RV cause the fuse to blow every time we turned it on.  There was no relief and another hot day on the horizon. When this morning dawned there was still much work to be done.  Cooler duty was on that list.  It really is a job that nobody really likes, mostly because it's tedious, messy, and lugging the coolers full of water up onto a giant truck bed isn't exactly easy. Nevertheless, I signed up right away, and as soon as the day began, I drove down to Round Lake in a giant dualie GM 3500 full of a double layer of 5 gallon coolers. I had an ulterior motive, though.  I didn't truthfully volunteer myself just out of the goodness of my heart, I'm sorry to say. Another thing that happens during cooler du...

Several weeks ago, our washing machine went on the fritz.  Again.  We had just recently paid for a new motor to be put into it and it went and died on us again just to be extra obnoxious.  In a family of 5 including three small children and a puppy, doing laundry is imperative.   So, we purchased a used machine.  Due to the nature of our basement, it had to go in through a sub-floor window.  The broken machine had to come out the same way.  It ended up in our front yard facing the street.   When I first came home that day I was (a) elated that we had a functional washing machine, and (b) horrified to now be a person who has an old, dysfunctional appliance sitting in their yard. Like I said, this was several weeks ago. Responding to my initial anxiety, my husband assured me that the machine would be picked up by someone.   He was wrong. There it sat for days.  Then weeks.  Every time I made th...

Cascarelli's is a landmark here in Albion.  Mostly, they are known for their incredible pizzas.  Colby and I went out for a quick bite to eat there last night.  I was thrilled to find that I was able to "veganize" their calzone by simply asking for no cheese and no butter.  You might think that it sounds terrible, but let me assure you that it was amazing.  The bread was warm and delicious and it was stuffed with mushrooms, onions, pineapple, and banana peppers.  It came with a side of warm pizza sauce for me to dip it in.  It was heavenly. The longer I am on this vegan journey, the more I realize that it really isn't that hard.  I am so thankful for all of the delicious, healthier options that I can find no matter where I go -- even just down the street. Thank God for my vegan Cascarelli's calzone! Lord, thank you for simple things that bring us joy.  Thank you for good food and fun right in my hometown.  In your name I pray, Amen...

I am happy to report that after two full days of camping we are home safe and sound.  It was an adventurous journey back, to say the least.  I won't bore you with those details now, as it is extremely late and they are not that interesting anyway.  But, I'm thankful we made it.  We actually decided to come back late in the afternoon today as opposed to tomorrow morning.  We thought that the kids would sleep all the way home this way, but we couldn't have been more wrong.  I'm thankful tonight that, regardless, we are home.  I have even showered all of the sand and bug spray off of me and am feeling quite delightful. Now, I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep in my own bed with the AC on full blast. Thank God we are home again! Lord, thank you for getting us home safely after a fun trip.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Colby and I have been camping in the Hiawatha National Forest since our first year of marriage. It is small, secluded, and rustic (there is no electricity or indoor plumbing anywhere in the park). Best of all, the campsites are spaces extremely far apart and on the south side are situated right on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Today we are back, and this time with the whole family, plus Goose. We pulled in yesterday afternoon, after a long day getting up early for the Tri for Life. We had a fantastic evening setting up camp, making a fire, eating dinner, and roasting marshmallows . Today we have been swimming in the Lake, riding bikes, and eating. Most of all we have been enjoying each other's company with minimal distraction. I am so thankful to be in this beautiful place with my family. Thank God for Hiawatha! Lord thank you for this time together. I pray that you would give is many more unforgettable memories as we spend time here. In your nam...

I got to race today in Otter Lake, Michigan.  I ran the Olympic distance triathlon for the Tri for Life race, which raises money to encourage people to become organ donors. It was the first time I was able to race for free as a part of working for 3 Disciplines. It was a tough race--I had a hard time mentally. I battled throughout the bike and the run to maintain my pace and intensity. When I approached T2, Colby informed me that the lead female was a startling 2 min ahead of me.  Because of the heat and the fact that I was struggling, I decided to just get my head together and run a race I could be proud of. I focused on my run, determined to run the smartest, hardest 10k I could. At about 4 miles in, I notice that ti had cut the distance between the lead female and I to about 100 m. It was now or never. I could either go for it and win the race or settle for second. I picked up the pace and overtop her with a mile and a half to go.   I started  to r...

Today it's my mom's birthday! I am so thankful for her I wouldn't even know where to begin. She is incredibly amazing  and brave and fun. I count myself blessed to know such a phenomenal woman, even more so to call her my mom. So, on this day, her birthday, I want to honor her by letting her know that I thank God for the beautiful person she is and for all of the things she has taught me. Thank God for my mom! Lord, thank you for my mom. Help me to show her how lucky I feel to have her in my life. Amen. 

Earlier this week, Dharia informed me that she was ready to get her ears pierced. From early on, I had told her that whenever she was ready to do it I oils take her. So away we went to Claire's in Jackson. She was a champion, holding still while they cleaned and makes her ears. She barely flinched when the time came for the actual piercing. There were no tears, no screaming. Claire's even has Hello Kitty piercing studs, which thrilled my four year-old and undoubtedly made the process more bearable. After Dharia was all done (she had to get each ear done separately), AJ was convinced that she was ready too. I had my doubts, but I figured we had time to give it a try. She decided on a pair of tiny sparkly flowers. I knew I couldn't count on her to be as amazingly cooperative as Dharia, so we waited for a second associate to become available in order to pierce both ears simultaneously. There were some tears after the earrings went in, but no sc...

My husband and I embarked upon a journey of epic proportions this spring when we decided we wanted to organize and host a conference for teachers to help them learn and grow from other teachers using the Edcamp model.  For those of you unfamiliar with Edcamp, here is an excerpt directly from the Edcamp website that explains what it is: Edcamp is a form of unconference designed specifically for teachers and their needs. What makes Edcamp an unconference? Unlike traditional conferences which have schedules set months in advance by the people running the conference, Edcamp has an agenda that’s created by the participants at the start of the event. Instead of one person standing in front of the room talking for an hour, people are encouraged to have discussions and hands-on sessions. Sponsors don’t have their own special sessions or tables, all of the space and time are reserved for the things the people there want to talk about. People could pay hundreds of dollars to attend anot...

My husband is the co-founder of the Independent Book Blogger Award-winning Blog "Nerdy Book Club".  Today, I made my first appearance on the blog.   I got to write a guest post for Nerdy and today was its publish date. I was so nervous to write a post for this prestigious blog that my husband has invested so much of his heart into.  I knew that, as a chemistry teacher, I was outside my comfort zone speaking to an audience of predominantly English Language Arts teachers. But, tonight, I'm thankful for the challenge and excitement this opportunity brought to me.  I love that I was able to write for this amazing blog.  It made me grateful and proud just to be a small part of it. Thank God for the Nerdy Book Club! Lord, thank you for giving me the honor of writing for this blog.  Thank you for the people who make it happen and for the opportunity to be a part of it.  In your name I pray, Amen.

We went to a pool party yesterday and my kids swam like fish. It dawned on me that, for the first time, my older two are seriously swimming on their own.  They were bubble-less and noodle-less for almost the entire time we were in the pool (which, not surprisingly was several hours). My favorite part was watching them jump off of the side of the pool and swimming all the way to the other side.  It seemed like such a long was for such tiny people.  It made my heart proud. Check out Dharia going for it here. I am thankful that they get to enjoy this activity I love so much and that they were able to experience this moment of pride.  Their faces beamed as they grabbed the wall on the far side of the pool. Thank God they swam all the way across! Lord, thank you for some fun yesterday at the pool and for allowing my kids to experience the joy and pride of achievement.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I took a 6 hour nap today. That's pretty awesome.  I'm sure I could be thankful simply for the fact that I was allowed six hours of uninterrupted sleep on a random Monday afternoon. After I woke up, however, we made a trip into Jackson so that Colby could pick up some groceries.  We were in dire need, as our cupboards have been decidedly bare.  He dropped the girls and I off at the Bounce Castle to play while he and Breslin took care of business. When we got to the Bounce Castle, however, they were closing.  So, we had to come up with a new plan.  My phone had died just before we left, so I had no way to ask Colby to come back and get us. So I improvised.  After spending a few minutes playing on the infamous hippo, we held hands and walked across the street to the Cold Stone. The Dharia and AJ ordered cotton candy and strawberry ice cream, respectively.  Each elected to mix in gummy bears and were thrilled.  I, too, was thrilled to find ...

On the way home from Interlochen to Albion after a long day of working, I decided to make a quick stop at Biggby for an iced coffee with soy milk. This was a wonderful decision on my part. Like a wilted flower, after savoring the cool and refreshing coffee, I perked right back up for the remaining drive home.  I felt as though I was being rewarded for a job well done this weekend. Thank God for an iced coffee! Lord, thank you for simple things we can count as blessings.  Thank you for helping me stay alert and safe on the way home today.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I love being outside! For the past three days, I have been working outside in beautiful Interlochen, MI.  I am working hard, but breathing in the sweet northern Michigan air and feeling the warm northern Michigan sun.  It's hard not to be anything but giddy on a sunny summer day in the great north woods. Thank God for being outside! Lord, thank you for the beauty of your creation.  Thank you for beautiful weather to work in and enjoy.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I've been working hard up here at Interlochen preparing for the big Inter-Rockin' triathlon to take place on Sunday. The set up is demanding physically and intense. Today, the heat and humidity made our tasks even more challenging. It's been a day that seemed like it went on forever. I just collapsed into bed and saw this on my phone.   It reminded me of how blessed I am and how lucky I am to be able to do something I love with a family at home who is totally supportive. Thank God for this picture! Lord thank you for allowing me to do something I enjoy with the support of my family. Thank you for their sweet faces that kept me going tonight. Amen.

My family had a 4th of July celebration today that sadly, I was unable to attend. I am up in Interlochen, Michigan, setting up for a triathlon. I am excited to work and completely in heaven that I get to experience Interlochen, but I was super bummed to have to miss out on hanging out with my family.  Tonight, I am thankful that even though I wasn't there, I got to experience the joy throughout the day. Colby and my aunt Suzanne kept me updated by texting me pictures.  Every one made me smile. Thank God for party pics! Lord thank you for helping me stay connected to my family today and for sharing some of their joy with me. In your name I pray, Amen.

Those of you who know my son, know that he's not exactly easily amused.  He's a tough customer.  Not all jokes are funny, not all stories are interesting, and not everything we do is fun--and he's not shy about telling you so.  This is exactly the opposite of Dharia Lou, in case you wondered. There are very few things that get Breslin truly bristling with excitement. One is Donkey Kong.  That kid will tell you about every level in vivid detail, while bouncing up and down from sheer excitement. Another, as I found out this weekend, was being on his Uncle Brian's bowling team.  This, of course, comes in a distant second to Donkey Kong; but, nevertheless, it was fun to watch him scream "STRIKE!" every time Brian rolled one or be moved close to tears when he managed his first spare. And, finally, tonight I got an unexpected surprise when the fireworks began.  Breslin was giddy with excitement, chatting and shrieking excitedly about the color and size of...

My daughter Dharia has a gigantic heart. Today, she accompanied my dad out to my grandparents' log cabin, where she caught a tiny frog. My grandma helped her to make a cozy habitat out of an old pickle jar and Dharia was over the moon. That is, until we told her she had to set it free before she went to bed. We explained to her how, if we didn't let the frog go, it would die.  We described how much happier the frog would be in a beautiful river with other frogs.  She nodded as tears streaked down her sweet face.  With heaving sobs, she prodded "her best friend" out of his pickle jar and onto the banks of the river. The rest of the night, she was inconsolable.  She missed her frog and was devastated she would never see it again.  It was the type of sadness that was tangible -- the type that reached out and squeezed my own heart and made it ache. I am so thankful for my daughter's huge heart, for her endearing sensitivity and empathy that she has been bl...

Dharia came home from Grandma's house tonight loaded down with coloring books galore.  She's really quite artistic, and can spend hours coloring, drawing pictures, or decorating things.  Before she went to bed, she wanted to color a picture with me.  We sat down side by side at the kitchen table and worked on a picture of Strawberry Shortcake together.  It was wonderful.  We talked and sang and bent our heads close to each other so that I could breathe in her perfect, beautiful scent.  And, coloring is cathartic somehow.  Being 31, I don't find myself coloring that often anymore, but I sure enjoyed it tonight.  It was quiet and relaxing.  I am thankful for the opportunity to share this with my daughter tonight. Thank God for coloring with Dharia! Lord, thank you for this sweet moment with my daughter tonight.  In your name I pray, Amen.