Life and Times of the Sharp Family

Tonight I was doing the dishes after dinner, and while I washed and scrubbed, I listened to my son practice his piano. I heard him go through the repetitions of his exercises -- carefully, meticulously. I smiled as I thought about how far he has come in such a brief time. As he finished, I said to him over my shoulder, "Buddy, I love listening to you practice." And do you know what? That kid came in and gave me a squeeze. Tonight I was so thankful to be able to listen to him play --and for that hug. It was a sweet and wonderful moment. Thank God for piano practice! Lord, thank you for the opportunity to listen to my son practice tonight and for the hug he gave me. In your name I pray, Amen.

We took full advantage of our time home together today to have some fun. We made a "Harlem Shake" video in the morning: And we played in the snow this afternoon: I am so thankful that my family is up for doing crazy, fun activities.  And I'm grateful for the time we had together to do them. Thank God for our snow day fun! Lord, thank you for a day together and for the chance to have some fun.  Thank you for my family, who is up for almost anything.  In your name I pray, Amen.

After a wild drive home in the snow, it felt very good to "slide" into home. Lord, thank you getting us all home safe and sound. In Your name I pray, Amen.

It's the silliest, most simple thing, but it makes a huge difference in my morning routine. Instead of wearing my heels to school, I have been wearing my big fuzzy boots.  Then, once I'm in my classroom, I change into my heels.  I know you are probably surprised, because this requires me to think ahead.  Believe me, I am just as surprised as you. It's so odd, but I am a much happier person when I wear my boots for this extra 45 minutes.  As soon as I realized this a couple of weeks ago, I started wearing them every day for my drive and bringing whatever dress shoes I wanted to wear in a bag to change into once I was inside the high school.  I don't have to worry abouts stepping in puddles or slipping and falling in the parking lot at daycare or at Western anymore because I have some major tread under me. And instead of my feet being wet, cold, and cramped in the van, they are warm and comfortable.  I feel like I am wearing slippers all th...

Shortly before bed, Dharia came downstairs, resplendent in her princess gown.  She led Breslin into the middle of the living room, where they bowed to each other, then commenced to go through a series of ballroom dance-like maneuvers together.  Colby and I watched open-mouthed as they turned and twirled, dipped and sashayed.  They took a final bow and turned to us for our assessment.  I was so flabbergasted that I couldn't do anything but clap and smile.  I've always wanted to learn how to dance -- in any form really.  I'd love to ballroom dance, but I think I'd be equally happy learning how to salsa dance or swing.  But I have to imagine that what I saw from my kids tonight would rival anything I'd be able to pull off on the dance floor -- and certainly anything Colby could. :)  I was grateful to be able to experience this moment between my two oldest kids tonight. Thank God for ballroom dancing! Lord, thank you for the creativity and sweet...

After going way too long without seeing April, tonight I got to go to dinner and out shopping with my dear friend.  After dinner, we hit up Target, where we spent time browsing clothes, shoes, and purses while catching up. We laughed as we tried on silly hats and made fun of jewelry high schoolers wear.  We must have spent close to an hour and a half just farting around in Target, having a good time and enjoying each other's company. I desperately needed this time with my friend.  We once again showed that it doesn't matter what we do, just as long as we are together. Thank God for farting around in Target! Lord, thank you for giving April and I time in our schedules to be together tonight.  Thank you for the lift in spirits it gave to me and for the fun we had.  In your name I pray, Amen.

After school today the kids, Colby, and I all ended up at the Sharp's house. We had dinner and chatted. It was nice. Lord, thanks for allowing us to share some unexpected family time tonight. In your name I pray, Amen.