Life and Times of the Sharp Family

There are days where you feel like you just can't do anything right. Today was one of those days. I came home defeated, convinced that I was a terrible mom, teacher, wife, friend. After trick-or-treating, my exhausted kids came home, and watched Charlie Brown before brushing their teeth and settling into bed with a book (or two or three or ten).  I was assigned AJ duty, so we read Put It on the List  and Otto Goes to Camp .  After we were done, we gave each other some "turkeys" (it's a weird high-five thing...I don't really know where it came from), some kisses, and said goodnight. As I pulled away, my daughter threw her arms around me and said genuinely in a soft whisper, "Mom, you are the best mom ever." I guess I'm doing something right. Thank God for a sincere compliment! Lord, thank you for my daughter and for her words that came at just the right time tonight.  Thank you for my role in her life and for all of the joy she brings to...

My Dharia woke up this morning with a burning fever.  She wasn't doing well, and it was pretty obvious from the get-go that school was not going to be an option for her. My heart sank as I realized that yet again I was facing missing a part or whole day of school.  After two days with AJ last week, an afternoon yesterday for my hand, and then this, I was definitely not going to be in the running for any teacher or employee of the year awards. And then Colby had a genius idea: he called my dad.  He remembered that my dad had some meetings he was conducting from home this week.  Mercifully, my dad was able to swing by and pick up my little girl.  She spent the remainder of the day sleeping in grandpa's bed, watching grandpa's cartoons, and munching on grandpa's food.  They even went out pumpkin shopping in the afternoon when she felt a bit better. I am so, so thankful that my dad was able to hang out with my little girl today, so that she was able to ge...

Today I had a little mishap while working in my back storage room.  A spare cabinet door that was propped up above the cupboards fell down onto my arm during 5th hour.  It was immediately apparent that I would need X Rays. It hurt like crazy, and there was no way I was going to be able to drive myself as it was my right arm...and I was driving the Saturn, which is a stick. My friend, Tonya, who works in the athletic department, graciously offered to take me in to the occupational health center for testin and treatment. Thanks to her, we were in and out of there and back to school before the dismissal bell.  Preliminary scans show no breaks, thankfully. I am still in pain and stiff, but I am wearing a pretty heavy duty splint and I know it could have been much worse.  I am grateful for the ride and for the people who stepped in to take care of my afternoon classes, all of which allowede to get things taken care of quickly. Thank God for a ride! Lord, ...

I love the little art projects AJ comes home with. Heavens little Helpers does such a amazing job fostering our kids' creativity while integrating learning. For example, last week, when Colby and I asked AJ what she did at school one day, she told us, "I painted my feet green!"  We looked at each other with confusion, but I burst into laughter when I saw her art on the wall the next day: her green footprints making the letter F. Today she brought home her name made out of colorful pipe cleaners .  She was so proud of it and I'm so thankful she has the opportunity to participate in these valuable activities in a daily basis. I am also incredibly grateful that I will have these keepsakes for many years to look back on these days and smile. Thank God for AJ's art! Lord, thank you for all the cool art AJ gets to do at preschool. Thank you for the awesome people who love her while we are apart. In your name, Amen .

One chore that I always dread is switching out the kids' clothes at the change of seasons. Sadly, our closet sizes do not allow us to store tank tops and sundresses alongside sweaters and corduroys.   So, every fall and spring, I go through the arduous task of taking out all of the clothes from the previous season, sorting them into keep, Goodwill, and garbage piles, and replacing them. I'm so thankful today that I got this done today.  I managed to get all three kids' closets switched out and ready for winter AND take a huge nap.  Best of all, I no longer have this chore hanging over my head.  Every time I go to their drawers are closets, the piles of clothes are neat, tidy, in season, and fit. Thank God for the winter closets! Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and determination to cross an annoying chore off of the list today.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Colby and I had been watching Dharia and Breslin play tonight and we're remarking how similar they seemed in. Height to each other. To get a better feel for exactly how close in height they were, Colby asked them to stand back to back--whereupon they each stuck out their rear ends and dropped their heads back as though they were trying to touch the two. It was so strange and so delightfully weird. We laughed about it the rest of the night. Thank God for standing bac to back! Lord thank you for some time with my kids tonight and for the way they always bring joy to our lives. In your name I pray, Amen.

H old on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth. Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself. Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here. Hold on to life  even  when  it is  easier letting go. Hold on to my hand  even when I have gone away from you. hold on to what is good - nancy wood - 1974 I have always loved this poem inspired by an old pueblo prayer, and I stumbled upon it again this evening. I am so thankful that I did.  I so desperately needed to be reminded to cling to what is good.  I so desperately needed to be reminded to hold on in the midst of chaos and discouragement.  Because there is so much good all around me: a warm safe home, a good, kind husband, a sleepy kindergartner in my arms, a kiss goodnight from my son. There are days when the ins and outs I everyday life make you want to just give up; days where things seem pointless or when I seem like an entirely hopeless case....

AJ got sent home from daycare yesterday with instructions not to return until she had been fever-free for 24 hours. I have to admit that being able to write lesson plans the night before was a huge blessing. I went to bed knowing that I would not have to get up in the morning.  Just spending a quiet day at home in my sweatpants with my daughter was just what I needed. It was pretty apparent that AJ felt much better, but she was totally on board with hanging out in her jammies all day, watching Disney, Jr. and reading books. I got to read too, polishing off an entire YA morsel by afternoon. I feel so blessed to have been given a day away from the hectic, frantic chaos of school. I am thankful that AJ is feeling better. I am happy that I feel rejuvenated to face one more day this week.  Thank God for a day home with AJ! Lord, thank you for giving me a restful, wonderful day with my daughter. Thank you that she is feeling better. In your name I pray, Amen.

This year has proven to be challenging in terms of all of the technology that teachers and students are having to learn and implement. There have been times so far this school year that I have been irritated with all of the technology that we are having to deal with on a day-to-day basis. It's rare, however, that I take a moment to be thankful for how this technology often makes things so much easier.  For example, I need to stay home with AJ tomorrow because she is sick. Instead of giving my students a worthless set of practice problems over concepts we've already covered, or stressing out about giving them something they are not quite ready for, I was able to record a video of myself giving them the notes that I would've given them tomorrow anyway. Through email, I was able to send practice problems electronically to the administrators at school so everything would be all set for my sub in the morning. I did all of my planning from my comfy chair, in my sweatpants, with a...

My daughter has come up with an ingenious new contraction. I think the best way to illustrate is by providing you with a specific example. This morning I was taking her into daycare when I told her, "I love you.  You're my baby." At which point, she looked at me and said, "NO I AM'NT!" It's a delightful combination of "am not".  As in, "No I am not a baby".  Or "No I am not eating candy out of Dharia's basket". It sounds funny, but I'm thankful for its existence because it makes me laugh.  It also makes me think that my daughter is kind of brilliant to come up with her very own new contraction...that actually sort of makes sense. Thank God for a new contraction! Lord, thank you for my daughter and for her funny, smart, sassiness.  Thank you for the way she always makes me laugh and smile.  In your name I pray, Amen.

When AJ and I got home from school today, I started the tedious process of cleaning out my car.  After a couple of crazy weeks at school (including homecoming and parent-teacher conferences), a few cross-country meets, and a weekend trip to a marathon, it desperately needed some work.  My bike rack was even still on the back. So, as I gutted out the Saturn, AJ rode her bike in tiny circles around the driveway.  On a whim, I decided to put the dog on her leash and walk with AJ as she rode her bike down the road. She had so much fun and it was amazing to hang out with just her, watching her ride and listening to her constant chatter.  Even though it got pretty chilly, I definitely enjoyed these few relaxing moments of being outside and being together and I am thankful that my daughter was able to get at least one more bike ride in. It was a breath of fresh air on this gloomy, long Monday. Thank God for our little bike ride! Lord, thank you for my daughter and...

Today, I completed the Grand Rapids Marathon in 3 hours and 33 minutes.  Not only was that a Boston Qualifying time (something I've always wanted to cross off my bucket list), but it was 2 minutes under my goal time. I am so thankful that I managed to stay healthy during the course of training for this event, even though by doing so, it really didn't feel like I had trained quite enough.  This especially became apparent around mile 23, where the proverbial wheels seemed to come off. I am grateful for my dad and Colby, who ran around the course cheering me on.  I saw them so many times I lost track, but their smiles and encouragement were something I cherished throughout the race. I am thankful for Colby's strong suggestion that I run with my iPhone so that I could listen to music.  It quit working around the 24 mile mark.  It was awful, but it made me realize how wonderful it was the rest of the race. I am thankful for a wonderfully executed race -- it...

I'm staying over tonight in Grand Rapids to get a bit of extra sleep tomorrow morning before the big race.  Courtesy of www.hotels.com, Colby and I landed a king suite at the Hyattt.  It's amazingly nice.  After this insane week, I am so thankful to be sitting here in a giant king-sized bed reading a book.  It's comfortable, clean, and quiet.  Just this simple pleasure brings me great joy tonight. Thank God for this big ol' bed! Lord, thank you for a chance to relax a bit tonight.  Thank you for the opportunity to get away just for a little while.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Tonight I am snuggling up with my girls in my own bed.  I feel their warm bodies and smell in their sweet scent and am overwhelmed with gratitude.  I am so grateful they are healthy.  I am so thankful they are safe.  And I am so happy that I get to just be with them tonight. Thank God for our slumber party! Lord, thank you for my little girls.  Thank you for the chance to spend some time with them tonight, even if it's just when we're all sleeping.  Thank you for watching over them and protecting them.  In your name I pray, Amen.

In my fourth hour class, to honor Colton's memory, we have decided to create a 1 Second Everyday video.  Each day of class, we are recording a short video clip to remember -- to make every day that we spend without him in class matter.  My plan is to have us watch the video as a class once of month as well as at the end of the semester. Here is an example of my month's worth of 1 Second Every Day that I have done for my own family: While videotaping their 1 second for today, a few members of my class had an idea to dance -- on top of the tables. A few weeks ago, we hypothesized that standing on top of the tables would make you happier, so it's not fairly uncommon to see them jump up on top of the desks every once in a while. But I couldn't believe that I was seeing it today.  For almost a week, the students in this class have been nearly catatonic dealing with this loss.  They have muscled through it admirably, but every 4th hour has been full of tears, hu...

At the funeral services today, the select choir sang two pieces in honor of Colton.  He was a proud member of the select choir, and I know that singing at his funeral was one of the hardest things his classmates have ever had to do.  I watched them stand up there, being brave as they fought through "Showing Us the Way" and Martina McBride's "Anyway". I was so proud of them, I found myself grinning like an idiot there in the audience. These kids have been so strong and so brave, and here they were bringing joy and encouragement to everyone in the audience. I am so thankful for the words of this song that brought comfort, peace, and inspiration to me.  I am grateful for these students, who brought me this song. Thank God for Anyway! Lord, thank you for these brave students and for the words of this song.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Today was better.  Not great, but better.  I cannot express my deep gratitude for those of you who have offered your prayers, your words of encouragement, and your sincere support. We managed to muscle through today, even participating in a little bit of content.  We are not healed, and we are not normal. As I was walking down the hallway today, I glanced up at my windows that face out towards the students' lockers and saw a card one of the students had written saying "Just Keep Swimming".  Colton used to quote that line from Finding Nemo  in my class.  And it struck me as so funny and so appropriate that his wisdom will help us get through this amazingly awkward and difficult time.  All we can do is just keep swimming. Thank God for just keep swimming! Lord, thank you for helping us stay afloat.  Thank you for the strength to keep on.  Help us to be there for each other and to allow your love to flow through us onto each other. ...

Today was easily the most difficult day I have ever had as a teacher. There really isn't an adequate way to describe what we went through as a school today.  Each one of my hours was a little bit different, but each one was filled with hugs, tears, and pain. First hour was the hardest of the day.  I tried, unsuccessfully, to talk to my students and bring them some measure of comfort.  It didn't work.  We sat in silence staring at each other, nobody knowing what to do or say. Finally, after several heart-breaking minutes had passed, I turned to a couple of children's books to fill the silence.  It was definitely awkward, but it was something.  Then, I passed out index cards and markers and let them write messages to tape up on my windows that face the hallway as I played some Blake Shelton, who was frequently requested by Colton during class.  That seemed to help a little bit, although it did make the tears start flowing more freely. During second...

I got a phone call this morning that one of my students, junior Colton Aukerman, was killed in a car accident last night. Colton was in my 4th hour class.  He had an amazing sense of humor, a sweet, polite demeanor, and an enchanting way of making you smile. Shortly after I initiated "Feel Good Friday", he walked into my classroom super excited to show me this video made me fall in love: I now sing this song to my girls, but it will now always make me think of this charismatic spirit, who left this world way too soon. I am thankful for the students at Western, who came together tonight to honor him.  At 5 pm, I watched them paint our spirit rock blue and stand together, comforting each other, praying, and telling stories about their friend and classmate. I am grateful for the hashtag #RIPColton on twitter, that is allowing them to share their grief and find support in each other. Mostly, I am grateful for my heavenly Father, who will be the only source of stre...

The Jensen meet is sort-of an county all-star meet at Ella Sharp Park.  We always make this meet optional for our athletes because it's an individual competition, and no team scores are calculated.  We have had one or two of our runners place in the top 25 before, which earns you recognition at a banquet in November.  It's a nice event, but we haven't really enjoyed widespread success as a team.  I always feel bad for our kids, who, for lack of a better term, have gotten waxed year after year and walked away mostly empty handed. Well, the day started out with me getting to bike in the glorious weather from my house to the park, as the meet had a unheard-of late 3 pm start. In the girls race, we only had a few show up, but of the ones that did, three made the all-county team and one got her season's best time!  So three of our girls will be attending the dinner -- the most in a very long time. In the guys race, most of our team raced, and four of our g...

It's always a crazy day.  This year was no exception. Being one of the student council advisors is simultaneously fun, frustrating, stressful, emotional, and rewarding.  All of these feelings surface on homecoming day, where we plan and execute a formal assembly, a pep assembly, get an entire school's worth of votes for candidates, organize a half-time celebration, announce a new king and queen, and decorate for a dance. My co-advisor, Kim, and I have been doing this for three years, and I have to say, I honestly couldn't do this without her.  In fact, I wouldn't do it without her.  We work incredibly well together and are extremely close.  My favorite thing about homecoming week is that I get to hang out with her more than normal. We looked at each other last night and said, "Is this getting easier, or are we getting better at it?"  Because it seemed like we were able to enjoy this year's festivities much more than normal.  There were moments of...

I feel so lucky tonight to have lots of people who watch out for my family. This evening, I fell into bed exhausted well before 9 pm. I woke up late in the night to see my dad's head poking in the room.  I couldn't be sure if I was dreaming or not, but the last words I heard him say were "Everything is fine." so I closed my eyes and fell back asleep. I learned from him this morning that the police had driven by late last night and noticed that our van doors were open (Colby had accidentally forgotten to close them when he got home with the kids). The police spent 20 minutes knocking on our door and blowing the air horn outside our house in an unsuccessful effort to rouse up from sleep.  Giving up, they called my dad, who drove over to check on  us.  Apparently there have been a slew of break-ins in our area lately and everyone just wanted to make sure we were okay. It was a little scary, and a lot weird, but it made me realize how fortunate I am to have peo...

The boys beat Lumen Christi tonight.  I haven't been able to say that sentence for the boys or the girls since I started coaching.  I am so thankful for a big win over a formidable opponent. Thank God for a win for the boys! Lord, thank you for giving the boys the strength and tenacity to pull out a win tonight.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Colby and I got an unexpected night out when my dad offered to watch the kids for a bit.  We decided to go to Cascarelli's in Homer, which is my new favorite place.  I think the atmosphere and the food are both amazing.  It was such a nice surprise for us to be able to spend some time together talking and catching up. Thank God for an unexpected night out! Lord, thank you for a chance to go out with my husband.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I had an appointment today with a college student at the Biggby Coffee in Albion.  Since I had some extra time, I decided to walk.  The fall weather was amazing and the town hadn't woken up yet so everything was peaceful and beautiful.  I drank a hot caramel apple cider and gave thanks for a glorious morning and my hometown. Thank God for my Sunday Walk! Lord, thank you for a beautiful fall morning and the opportunity to enjoy it.  Thank you for my town and for allowing me to walk through it.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Our cross-country meet at Hudson was long.  Brutally long.  Unnecessarily long. The races kept getting pushed back more and more throughout the day.  Even our first girls' race, which was scheduled to go at 10:30 was still waiting at the line at 11:08. My beautiful varsity girls waiting patiently at the line. I love my team and I love this sport, but it does take up valuable weekend time. I am thankful, today, however, that I was able to knock out a long mileage workout during this event. I decided when I saw the first race going long that I would try to get in some mileage while I was waiting and see how much I could do before going home.  In the back of my mind, I was secretly hoping I would be able to cross off my long mileage day from my list -- a 12 mile run. Before our first girls' race I was already at almost 4 miles.  Then I got another 2 in just taking splits for our girls.  Add almost 2 more for the boys' varsity and the JV ...

I received this from a student today: "Oh my goodness I don't even know where to start! You weren't lying when you said college chemistry would be different. The pace is crazy fast and most of the time I find that I have to teach myself most of the material. I'm so grateful that you taught me, I have all the tools that I will need to get through this class. My professor, who by the way treats us like her grandchildren, teaches in ways that confuse me to no end. Her methods and strategies to solve problems do not work for me. But thanks to you, I have easier methods for me to apply. I understand the material better than most people in my class. Thank you for being such a great teacher and an awesome person. You made chemistry fun, well as fun as it could be. And that made it easier to learn. Any student that has you this year is lucky and they need to know what's coming for them. Miss you as a teacher and thanks again!" It was exactly what I needed at the end o...

Today I had to take our cat to the vet during my prep hour.  When I got to school early in the morning, however, I realized I had forgotten my house keys.  This would make it considerably more difficult for me to get into the house during my prep hour and retrieve the cat to take to the vet.  In a panic, I called Colby.  My darling Dharia picked up the phone: Dharia: Hello, who's this?  What's your name? Me: Hi Dharia, it's mommy!  Listen, can you -- Dharia: We are coloring right now.  Daddy's in the shower.  We're sitting on stools. Me:  Awesome!  Hey, can you tell dad something for me? Dharia: Sure.  Hang on, Breslin wants to say hi too. Breslin: Hey mom! Dharia: He's coloring too. Me: Can you tell Daddy he needs to leave the door unlocked when you guys leave?  I forgot my keys. Dharia: Oh, you forgot?  Yeah, don't worry I'll tell him. Me: Are you sure you'll remember? Dharia: Oh yes mom.  No p...

I've read the same three books to Dharia and AJ the last three nights. It mildly annoying, but I love our ABC book when we get to the letter Y., which in this book is for Yoga.    Every time, AJ points at it and says. "Daddy does Yoga!" It cracks me up. Tonight I finally asked her where she has seen daddy do yoga and she told me very matter-of-factly, "At the beach." Thank God Y is for Yoga! Lord thank you for my daughter and for the funny things she says. Thank you for the time we have been able to spend together last few nights reading books. In your name Amen.

"Max" is a runner for the Lansing Waverly Cross-Country team.  My teams had a double dual meet against the Warriors tonight up in Lansing.  We won both races, which was wonderful, but my favorite part of the entire race was at the end of the guys' race, when one of the members of the Waverly team, "Max" reached the 2.5 mile mark.  I'm not sure if Max was physically or mentally challenged, but it was evident as I watched the encouragement from his teammates that finishing the race was a big deal for him.  I had goosebumps as the boys who had already finished clapped, shouted, even ran along the course to make sure Max went the right direction on the course.  The girls made a tunnel for him to run through on his way to the finish line.  It was such genuine joy and I found it truly uplifting. Thank God for Max! Lord, thank you for these amazing high school students who were so inspirational tonight.  In your name I pray, Amen.