Life and Times of the Sharp Family

We were at the beach all day today, which is evidenced by our red faces and shoulders tonight.  Although we were diligent about applying SPF 30 all day, our Michigan pastiness was no match for the blazing Alabama sun. Being at the beach itself is something to be thankful for, undoubtedly.  But, once again, I was amazed by my kids as our day unfolded. A group of boisterous college guys were camped out nearby, and were amusing our kids throughout the afternoon by their antics.  They would watch in amazement as the boys ran down the beach throwing a football and giggle as the boys sprinted headfirst into the waves. Later on, once of the more outgoing guys approached my observing children and flopped down in the sand.  Not sure where this was going, Colby and I watched intently as he calmly asked them to bury him.  Our kids spent almost a half an hour painstakingly burying this random stranger in the sand, laughing at his jokes, and considerately trying to keep sand out of his face.

State lost today. Colby and I were devastated. But, today, we were blessed with a consolation prize -- 3 hours on a white sandy beach, watching our kids build castles, hop waves, and write messages in the sand. Even though the loss was disappointing, I wa thankful for our consolation prize.  It doesn't hurt so much with Gulf Shores here to comfort us. Thank God for our consolation prize! Lord, thank you for this trip and all the blessings it has brought to our family. In your name I pray, Amen.

We spent all day at the beach today.  Watching the kids run out in the morning and play was worth every minute in the car and every dollar we spent on this trip.  Their faces were radiant.   All day we soaked up the sun, played in the sand, explored seashells, and jumped in the ocean waves.  We bought a ridiculous number of beach towels, pails, shovels, and things to throw.  I'm sure we used them all today. I'm not sure that anything sums it up better than this video I got of AJ in the first 5 minutes of arriving at the beach: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202354503038578&l=3496636138009370727 I am so thankful to be here. Thank God for a beach day! Lord, thank you for this place.  Thank you that we are here together.  In your name I pray, Amen.

We made it!  We are officially here at Gulf Shores.  After a loooooooong day #2 in the car, and parking lot-style traffic coming our last 10 miles, we have arrived.  And we couldn't be more excited.  The kids have already gone swimming and are enjoying hanging out with each other and their great grandparents.  Even though it is chilly and windy here, we are thrilled to be done traveling and are ready for some serious vacationing. I am so thankful that we made it through this long stretch in the car and are here!  I'm ready to have some fun! Thank God we are in Alabama! Lord, thank you for getting us here safely.  Please bless our time here together as a family.  In your name I pray, Amen.

It's 2 am and we are beat. Every hotel off of the highway so far has been full.  The kids are awake--so much for all the "they'll sleep all the way down" nonsense we truly believed. AJ is so tired, she is going on in sobs about how she misses Goose so much. Gasp. Cry. Gush about missing Goose. Repeat. I am so thankful to tell you that we have managed to find an independent inn off the highway here that not only has rooms but is clean and close. I think, more than anything, all of us desperately need some sleep. We'll try again in the morning. Thank God we get to crash! Lord thank you for helping us find a place where we can get some rest. Thank you for helpin is make it safely this far. Amen.

I took AJ to her first ever karate class this afternoon.  Then, afterwards, we did a little bit of last minute spring break shopping and capped it all off with a trip to the Bounce Castle. My favorite part of our whole excursion was when AJ took me to a corner of the Bounce Castle.  It was a bouncer that looked like a fairy tale castle, but had a large, bouncy basketball court inside. The court was full of those balls you see in the the giant crates at Target and Meijer.  AJ claimed one as her own and we spend nearly and hour throwing it back and forth at each other while she screamed "TOUCHDOWN!"  She took breaks only to spring back and forth across the room, kicking the ball as hard as she could against the wall, so that it would ricochet crazily in unexpected directions. It was wonderful to be able to focus solely on my little girl and have some time to do something totally silly. Thank God for a bouncy ball! Lord, thank you for the time I was able to spend with

Today I went to the dentist. Today I went to the dentist for the first time in seven years.  SEVEN! I knew it had been a while, but I was horrified when I called to make my appointment and they told me that my last visit was in 2007. I have 2 kids since then. I wasn't sure what to expect or what they'd find.  To my delight and surprise, my teeth were in fairly decent shape.  I did have 1 cavity that needs to be filled, but I was honestly bracing myself for much, much worse. I am thrilled to say that I am thankful for a successful trip to the dentist.  My teeth feel clean, I don't feel like an irresponsible deadbeat anymore, and I don't have it hanging over my head any longer. Thank God for the dentist! Lord, thank you for a trip to the dentist that was better than expected.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Tonight I got to snuggle with my kids as we watched the Disney Classic Bambi .  I forgot how much I loved it when Bambi says "Bird!" for the first time and how great the song "Little April Showers" is. I felt blessed to have the time and opportunity to share a wonderful movie with my kids.  I've been missing those little boogers. Thank God for Bambi! Lord, thank you for some time tonight to spend with my kids.  Thank you for a great movie for us to watch together and the opportunity to do it.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Me: AJ, what's one (holds up one finger) plus one (holds up a second finger, like a peace sign)? AJ: A bunny rabbit! Maybe that's her subtle way of telling me that it's still too early to be quizzing her in math. Thank God for a bunny rabbit! Lord, thank you for my funny, adorable AJ.  In your name I pray, Amen.

At the Big 10 gymnastics championships this morning, we saw a young lady from the University of Michigan perform a floor routine so beautiful and captivating, so perfectly executed, she was awarded a 10.0 by the judges. It was amazing, and I'm so happy that I actually got to see it. With all four events running simultaneously, I was a bit overstimulated by all the great gymnastics happening and I didn't know where to look. I was constantly in fear of missing something. So I was thrilled to be able to watch the routine in its entirety. Incredibly, a gymnast from Nebraska also was awarded a 10.0 for her floor routine, and , again, I was able to catch the whole thing. Even without the perfect tens, the day was amazing. The sun was out and we were able to explore te beautiful campus of Penn State University. Both sessions of meets featured incredibly talented gymnasts. I had a wonderful time and I am so thankful for Courtney, who made it all happen and asked me to come along. Thank

I am roughly 2 miles from the campus of Penn State University at this very moment. After track practice today, my friend Courtney and I took off east--bound for the Big 10 Gymnastics Championship. We made plans nearly a month ago to make a road trip out of it. The drive was long and we were exhausted from a strenuous week of teaching, but we arrived. Upon approaching the front desk, we were told that no more rooms with double beds were available. To remedy their error, the management substituted a room with a king bed and a pull-out couch. And a hot tub. Those of you who know me very well at all probably know that I am pretty much in love with in-room hot tubs.  I'm not sure I even want to go to the meet tomorrow now.  Maybe I'd rather stay in my room, sit in my hot tub, read a book, and take naps. Just kidding, I think. Any way, I can't wait to try it out tomorrow after a good night's sleep. Thank God for Penn State! Lord, thank you for getting us

This evening, I was treated to my son's performance at the Parma Elementary Spring Concert.  I got to watch his expressive singing of such songs as, "I Am a Promise", and "The Best Parents in the World".  The best part of the whole thing was watching him come to the front of the stage and sing a song about being "uniquely me" while bouncing up and down in excitement the entire time.  It was not only hysterical and adorable, but perfectly and uniquely Breslin. After Breslin's portion of the concert was completed, the 3rd and 5th graders from Parma made their way up to perform.  Since Colby's students are 3rd graders, he supervised them getting on and off of the stage.  The kids and I stayed up in the balcony, where I got to snuggle them all and try to assure them that I would definitely get them a snack...once the concert was over. When the last song ended, we made our way down to the lobby to find Colby.  It was then that the craziness b

This morning, I ripped open a new bar of soap from the Misty Mountain Soap Company.  I found this little place in the Smokies last summer and have been hooked ever since.  My favorite lotion and soap scent is the Mountain Energy, which has been on sale this month.  I had just finished up the last of the soap I had gotten for Christmas, so with relish I lathered up with my Mountain energy.  It was so soft and smelled so good that for a few seconds, I forgot that it was 5:15.  I might even have had a smile on my face. Thank God for Mountain Energy! Lord, thank you for little things that are blessings in the ho-hum of every day life.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Yes, yes, I know.  I write about karate a ton.  But, I do so because I am truly thankful for it. Tonight's post, however, has nothing to do with the kids. Okay, maybe a little bit. But, I am thankful tonight because I got to experience MY first karate class as a white belt! PKSA Karate of Jackson encourages parents of their "Kids Power" program to come to classes with their kids and join in if they are interested.  They love to see families train together.  In fact, the owners of the gym both started out as parents ofa child taking a "Kids Power" class.  After training together, they went up the ranks and eventually became master instructors and the owners of the do jang. I had a great time.  I can really see it being something that I get into.  And, it's so convenient because, to get the kids to class, one of us has to be there anyway, so instead of just sitting and watching, I get to participate and be a part of it. My kids, as yellow belts, ar

Tonight at a very successful Family Reading Night, Dharia's kindergarten teacher pulled me aside to tell me how impressed she was with my daughter. It never gets old having some one tell you how awesome your kid is. Anyhow, her teacher went on to explain that every morning the kids have been trained to dump the milk from their cereal bowls down the classroom sink.  And every morning, inevitably, some cereal gets stuck in the drain because there isn't a strainer for the industrial-sized school sink. My Dharia came up to her and politely asked for some help cutting a small hole in the bottom of her breakfast juice cup. Her teacher went along with it and was amazed to see that Dharia had fashioned a makeshift strainer for the classroom sink!  The juice cup, Dharia explained, had a hold in the bottom so that the milk could go through, but trapped the cereal before it got caught in the drain. The whole class watched in awe as she set it in the sink and tried it out...and i

Today after church, we got a chance to eat lunch with my dad and grandparents at Cascarelli's of Homer. It was an incredible blessing for me to watch my kids interact with my grandparents.  The little ones made my grandparents laugh and smile with their stories (Dharia told us all about the time grandpa had to get gum out of her hair with peanut butter) and their menu choices (Breslin opted for the adult's menu Meatball Sub...and ate most of it).  My grandparents made the kids smile with their thoughtful questions about things they had read about on the blog or heard about through my dad. Of course, I felt blessed to be able to spend time with some of my favorite people.  I don't get to see my grandparents nearly as much as I'd like to, so this was an extraordinary opportunity to soak in their love and support. Thank God for lunch with the greats! Lord, thank you for an awesome time today with my kids, my dad, and my grandparents.  Thank you for surrounding me w

My kids had a chance to hang out with Khalan and Kinsley tonight.  And although the entire day was magical, this was one of my favorite moments.  I am thankful for the opportunity to laugh and be with my friend.  I am grateful that our kids got a chance to get to know each other and spend some quality time together.   I am hopeful that AJ's basketball skills will improve as she grows older.  But, if not, that's okay too.  I mean, I turned out all right, didn't I? Thank God for some time with the Roberts kids! Lord, thanks for a great day with wonderful people.  Thank you for all of the laughs and smiles and memories made.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Tonight, my two oldest kids were awarded their yellow belts.  At the end of the ceremony, they broke their first boards in front of a captive audience of family and friends.  I truly wish that I had a video of them breaking their boards for you, but my phone died as soon as Breslin stepped up to the front. My heart swelled with pride watching my two kids accept their belts and concentrate on breaking their boards.  They beamed from ear to ear after they had accomplished their task. I am so thankful for this opportunity they had to participate in something they both love so much.  I am grateful for two kids who worked hard and had good attitudes that paid off. Thank God for yellow belts! Lord, thank you for my awesome kids and for this opportunity to celebrate their hard work tonight.  Thank you for giving them an activity they can enjoy and be proud of.  In your name I pray, Amen.

The 2014 MACUL conference is in full swing.  Today I had some time after the last session while my room at the Amway Grand was being prepared. That's right, I have a room at the Amway Grand. After a great day of learning, I sat in the beautiful lobby, had a drink, and read my book.  It was blissful. I am so thankful for a day to get energized about teaching and technology and for the opportunity to relax in an breathtaking place. Thank God for the Amway Grand! Lord, thank you for this awesome day to learn and relax.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Tomorrow I begin a three day stretch of being out of the classroom. Thursday and Friday I will be at the MACUL conference, as I have been for the past three years. This year, however, I am not going crazy on Wednesday night finalizing plans for my substitute.  Instead, I was able to enjoy a dinner out with my husband and packing at the last minute, because I have a student teacher who is fully ready to take on these two days without me. It's so nice to be able to leave without worrying about hours worth of sub plans.  It makes being out of the classroom exponentially more enjoyable. Thank God for the easiest sub plans, ever! Lord, thank you for this added benefit of having a student teacher.  Please help me to learn a ton about teaching more effectively over these next two days.  In your name I pray, Amen.

For months and months, my back lab preparation and storage area has been nothing short of a disaster.  Or at the very least, it's been OSHA non-compliant. Either way, it has been a significant source of anxiety.  I would simply turn off the lights and close/lock the door to the room.  Out of sight, out of mind.  That is, it would be that way until I had to go back there for some reason.  Unfortunately, as a chemistry teacher, I would need to go back there for supplies fairly often.  Miniature panic attacks would always ensue as soon as I breached the threshold.  It has been an item on my to-do list since September, but I've never had the time or energy to tack it. In short, it was hugely overwhelming and seemed an impossible task to complete. Friends, I am happy to report that after busting my butt for the past 2 days, my back room is clean and no-longer a safety hazard. Of course, there is more to do (isn't there always?), but I can see the floor, the boxes have be

I was nervous and skeptical going into today's first track practice. I was tired from the weekend and questioning my decision to be involved in yet another extra-curricular activity. I was unsure of my ability to coach this sport. But, after addressing my group of female sprinters for the first time, all of those hesitations vanished. I found myself confident and excited.  I cannot wait to work with these girls.  I love being the one who designs and executes the workouts. It's amazing how God is always working behind the scenes to make things happen for my own good.  I feel blessed that I get to be a part of this year's women's track teams and I am grateful for a successful and affirming day 1. Thank God for the first day of track! Lord, thank you for affirming my decision to coach track today.  Please give me strength this season to work hard and help these girls make the most of the talent you've given them.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Today was a long day.  It was a good day, too.  But, it was long. I'm so happy to be home.  I got to sit in the chair with all three kids snuggling on me and a warm blanket.  I missed those little boogers.  And it was nice to feel that I was missed. I love that even after weekends full of excitement, I can still look forward to being at home.  It sure felt good tonight.  I know that not everybody is blessed with a home they can happily anticipate returning to. And now, my bed is calling my name. Thank God that I am home! Lord, thank you for getting me home safely to my family.  Thank you for making home always a good place to come back to even after fun times away.  In your name I pray, Amen.

For the first time ever, I was a chief judge at the MHSAA Gymnastics State Finals. It was a big hairy deal and I was nervous. So much so, that I looked at my former coach, who brought me into judging 14 years ago and said, "I think I'm gonna throw up a little bit." I sat with a panel of three other vault judges who supported me entirely and were completely fantastic.  After the first two vaults, I knew the night was going to go just fine.  And it was even better than fine.  It was amazing.  And FUN! I'm proud that I did it and grateful for the opportunity.  I'm thankful for the other judges who helped and encouraged me.  It was a night I'll never forget. Thank God for my first chief judge experience! Lord, thank you for the incredible opportunity tonight.  Thank you for helping me to have a clear head.  Thank you for the wonderful ladies who you surrounded me with you helped make it successful.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Yesterday, as I was giving a portion of the ACT/MME tests, I had an idea for a lesson spontaneously come forth out of me. You see, we aren't really allowed to do ANYTHING while we are proctoring a test.  And by anything, I mean anything. No reading (unless it's the test booklet), no electronics of any kind, no grading papers. So I: 1) Said every student's name backwards in my head.  2) Said every student's LAST name backwards in my head. 3) Used scratch paper to design all my track workouts for next week. 4) Made a to-do list and numbered it from highest to lowest priority. 5) Counted how many steps it took me to walk from the front to the back of the room and from side to side. 6) Checked every students test booklet for accuracy. 7) Counted the number of bricks from floor to ceiling. 8) Mentally quizzed myself on multiplying random 2 and 3 digit numbers together. 9) Counted ceiling tiles. 10) Timed how long it took me

My son made known his intention to run for President of the United States. He confidently declared that his platform would be banning the farming, cultivation, and distribution of cauliflower. Secondarily, he vowed to pray for peace every day. I'm just letting you know so that you can start mulling that over. Thank God for President Sharp! Lord, thank you for my incredible son who has incredible dreams.  Help me to encourage him and bring him up in a way that honors you.  Amen.

This has made my week. Even after coming home from a long day of ACT test proctoring and parent-teacher conferences, I was able to laugh hysterically. It felt good. Thank God for this Lip Sync Battle! Lord, thank you for the chance to laugh.  Thank you for helping me get through a(nother) long day.  In your name I pray, Amen.

This is a proud momma. Tonight I got to hear all about how great my kids are doing at Parma Elementary. Breslin is making up math problems to share with the class.  That tells me that he is coming out of his shell and is more open to working with his classmates.  He is building relationships instead of doing his own thing all the time. Dharia is a leader in her class, helping to organize activities in her unique diva-bossy way.  She is more willing to try things that she knows she might not be perfect at yet, like her sight words. They are growing and improving.  They are becoming more aware and comfortable with who they are as little people, which is awesome, because, well, I think they're pretty amazing. They aren't perfect angels, but it made my heart swell to hear about how they are each contributing to their classes in their own distinctive way. Thank God for conferences! Lord, thank you for the feedback I received tonight.  Thank you for my great kids and fo

Sunday used to be a dreaded word.  For many reasons, which I won't list here, Sunday was a day full of sadness and dread. But, thankfully, Sunday doesn't mean what it used to. Today is meant staying in my pajamas with my family all day. It meant a nap. It meant a meal together. It meant relaxing and staying home. I like what Sundays mean now. Thank God Sunday isn't what it used to be! Lord, thank you that Sundays now mean happiness and time with my family.  Thank you for today and for the lovely people I got to spend it with.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Every year, it seems, I am assigned to the same regional tournament site for gymnastics--the region 4 state qualifier. And every year, it seems, the region 4 tournament is filled with controversial calls, riddled with tough decisions, and plagued with drama. Tonight I am pleased to report that is no longer the case. It was a smooth, albeit long, meet.  The coaches, judges, and meet management worked together pleasantly and efficiently. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate, thankful for my fellow officials, and excited that my head wasn't spinning on the way home obsessing over what I could have done differently. Thank God for region 4! Lord, thank you for a smooth, successful meet. In your name I pray, Amen.