Life and Times of the Sharp Family

I had been hearing about this trophy for weeks. Apparently, at All Around Gymnastics, they give all of the girls a trophy at the end of the session at a special event called "Parents Night".  The gymnasts showcase the skills they have learned and at the end of the night are presented with an award. Dharia was so excited to get her trophy.  For weeks, she would ask me if she was getting it at each practice she attended.  Each time, I would have to tell her how many more weeks until the big night.  Between having to explain this each week and having to pay $10 extra in tuition for this trophy, I had a decidedly less enthusiastic view. When I sat down in my seat tonight, however, all the negativity and frustration I had about the trophy disappeared.  I was so proud to see my girl with a look of fierce concentration and beaming confidence at every event.  And when she finally received that trophy with her name on it, she held it high.  She exuded pur...

Today after school I was feeling decidedly unproductive.  Instead of forcing the issue, I packed up at 3:40 and headed out to the buses to pick up my son. As usual, he was not thrilled to see me.  Any time I pick him up after school, he gets irritated because it means he doesn't get to go to Grandma's house. I don't see this little guy nearly as often as I'd like, however, and I was just in the mood to spend some time with my buddy. As soon as I got him strapped in the seat, I made a decision.  I had five bucks in my wallet.  We were going to Frosty Boy. When I asked him if he'd like to go, his stormy face broke into a sunny grin and he replied, "Can I have chocolate?" He politely ordered a chocolate with sprinkles (bonus!) and I got a Strawberry Dole Whip (it's vegan...and delicious!).  We sat and talked and my cup was overflowing as I spent some quality time with my son. Thank God for a spontaneous Frosty Boy date! Lord, thank you for m...

Tonight I'm thankful for how proud of AJ Dharia is always is. Whether it is going potty in the toilet or coloring within the lines, Dharia is always quick to praise her little sister. Lord,  thank you for our super positive little girl. In your name I pray, Amen.

Today I ran with Goose for the first time.  Colby had taken her out yesterday while I worked a triathlon in Kalamazoo and bragged about it to me all evening.  I was insanely jealous and couldn't wait to take her out today.  I took her out for a two mile loop in Albion and was astounded at what a natural runner she is!  She not only kept up, but appeared to be grinning as she bounded by my left (farthest from traffic) side.  I dropped her off at home after the first two miles and found myself missing her as I went back for 13 more. I feel like we bonded through those two miles and I hope that this is the first of countless runs we spend together. Thank God for running with Goose! Lord, thank you for my dog and for the momentous occasion we got to spend together today.  Help it to be an activity we can enjoy together for a long, long time.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Today all three kids silent some time on the swings in the backyard. We've had our swing set for 2 years now, and the kids seem to play on it more and more every day. Lord thank you for giving is such a nice backyard for our kids to play in. In Your name I pray, Amen.

I got home very late tonight from setting up for the Seahorse Triathlon with 3Disciplines.  It was quite the long day, and by the time I stumbled into my house I wasn't ready for anything but bed.  I spent a little time running stuff up and down the stairs, getting ready for a very early departure tomorrow (3:30 am will come all too soon, I'm afraid), when I noticed my AJ sleeping awkwardly in our recliner in the living room.  When I came over to kiss her on the cheek, it was obvious that she was out cold.  When I picked her up in my arms she mumbled to me, "Momma, I just want someone to rock me for a little bit."  The poor thing wanted to be rocked so bad that she found the rocking chair and waited for someone to find her.  As I tucked her into her bed, brushed her wild hair back from her sweet face, and kissed her forehead, I was thankful to be able to see her tonight in such an adorable moment. Thank God for wanting to rock a little bit! Lord, tha...

Colby's dream is to see a Detroit Tigers' pitcher throw a no-hitter. Well, he almost got to see that tonight, as we were at Comerica Park watching the Tigers come within two outs a no-hitter. We had a blast cheering on our Tigers. Lord, thank you for giving us the opportunity to spend some much needed quality time together.