Life and Times of the Sharp Family

Who thought that when they looked like this... They would end up like this... ? On our way home from the hospital with Breslin and his new baby sister, Dharia began to cry.  Breslin's first and only response was to point at her with a tiny, accusing finger and shout, "NO!" until she stopped.  Sure, they don't always get along.  In fact, many times throughout their short lives they have successfully driven each other completely bonkers.  But, tonight, as I watched them be a super hero duo, a porcupine family, and a team of racecars, I marveled at their complex and inspiring budding friendship.  I am so thankful that although they have their moments, they are undoubtedly each other's closest friends and most constant companions.  I look forward to watching their relationship grow and change throughout the years, but I don't think I will ever forget nights like tonight. Thank God for my little buddies! Lord, thank you that Breslin an...

I have a cool toe ring. And I'm super stoked about that. Thank God for my toe ring! Lord, thank you for my awesome toe ring.  Thank you for my husband, who got it for me.  Thank you that every time I look at my feet, I get to see it, and it makes me happy.  In your name I pray, Amen.

This evening for dinner we ate lasagna roll-ups. They are extremely delicious...and a little spicy. I'm thankful that I got to see AJ eat our hot pasta tonight.  It's really cute watching her get all confused as to why her mouth is on fire. She kept shoveling in the lasagna and then tearing up a few seconds later.  AJ never did figure out why her mouth kept getting hot, but it was cute watching her try. Thank God for our hot pasta! Lord, thanks for giving me the opportunity to watch my children learn about this amazing world you created for us. In your name I pray, Amen.

This morning, all of the kids were at a grandparent's house, so Colby and I had the chance to sleep in, drink coffee, watch the news and hang out together. It was weird.  And kind of nice. Colby asked me, "Remember when it was like this all the time, back before we had any kids?" And I said, "No." Before too long, we were all back together and our house was again filled with the crying, giggling, and shrieking of our three kids.  But I was so thankful for a quiet morning to reconnect with my husband. Thank God for a quiet morning! Dear God, thank you for a chance to hang out and relax with my husband this morning.  Thank you for my mom and dad, who were willing to take the kids over night.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Colby and I got to see Michigan State whoop on Nebraska tonight at the Breslin Center.  Colby finally got to cash in on his tickets that I got him for Christmas.  Anyway, we both very much enjoyed watching the antics of the Izzone Student section. They cheered with enthusiasm the whole game, never pausing to even sit down.  Their chants were creative and funny, showing their obvious knowledge of the game and love for their team.  Here are some of my favorites: 1) Reading the newspaper and saying "Who cares!" after each Nebraska player was introduced (an old standard, but it was done well). 2) Waving the arms wildly and saying "Heyyyy, heyyy!" every time the Nebraska coach got upset about a call or non-call. 3) Waving the arms like wings every time Russell Bird entered the game or hit a 3-pointer. 4) Acting "frozen" every time the camera focused on them. I was so thankful to see young people having so much fun.  Honestly, seeing them go crazy m...

Breslin loves the Here Comes the ABC's video done by They Might Be Giants.  He is especially a fan of "The Alphabet of Nations", which is shocking, I know. In the car today on the way home I was shocked to hear Breslin singing the words to the song,...from memory.  I couldn't believe it!  So, we ran into the house and got out the video camera. I love this kid. Thank God for The Alphabet of Nations! Lord, thank you for my son.  He is so cool.  Thank you for his amazing brain and for his love of learning.  In your name I pray, Amen.

I drove to school praying for strength to just get through the day.  I was in a bad mood, plain and simple.  Dreading seeing my classes in this heightened state of irritation and impatience , I desperately needed an intervention. Fortunately, God had a mind to turn my day around.  From the moment I stepped through the wide, heavy double doors to enter the school, it seemed as though I could do no wrong.  The copies I needed before first hour were already made, my lesson plans were all ready to go, and every one I ran into had a smile on his or her face. In my classes, the lesson plans that I thought were going to be a drag turned out to be amazingly effective and even fun.  I laughed with my students frequently and felt as though they were engaged and truly understood the material at a deep level.  I have been feeling like I was due for a good day at school.  I'm so thankful that even though it initially appeare...