Thanksgiving Highlights

Thanksgiving vacation was a bit hectic at first, but after I caught up on sleep, it proved to be quite relaxing. I had the priviledge of sleeping in the kids room at our mountain house, with a tent made of sheets for privacy. . . but I wished it was sound proof by the next morning:o)





The first picture is of Joey and his new baby brother Joshua. They belong to my sister Sarah

The second picture is of Timmy and Dana's little boy, Ryan. He is now 4 months old!

The third picture is of Audrey, Steph and Frank's youngest.

The fourth picture is of Maddy and myself. Maddy is 2 years old and a very cheerful little girl! Maddy is my sister's, Sarah, 3rd child.

The fifth picture is of Gracie and Joey, my sister Sarah's oldest two children.

The sixth picture is of Amber and Jordan, Steph and Frank's oldest two children. They put our place tags for Thanksgiving dinner on their face. . . following each other's example!

This last picture is of Derek and my nephew Luke. Luke is Steph and Frank's 3rd child. . . and the most animated!

Thanksgiving vacation was a wonderful time to spend with the family and get out of the usual routine of the school year! Only 3 1/2 weeks until Christmas vacation. . . I think I can make it! How was everyone else's Thanksgiving?

just a few more days

Just a few more days until Thanksgiving vacation and I can't wait for the rest and relaxation. In the meantime, I thought I would post a little something on my blog. On the left is a picture of Audrey, my niece, wearing an outift I bought for her. On the right, is Luke, Audrey's brother, posing for the camera as usual. These pics were taken after a teen activity we had on friday night. The activity was called "The Hidden" and it challenges the teens to be visible rather than hidden when it comes to their witness to Christ. We went through different eras and different areas of the world were Christians are severly persecuted for their faith. The final scene was modern America, and asked the teens if they had to, would they be visible for their faith or would they remain hidden. They heard clips of TV commercials and celebrities putting down Christianity in America, calling Christians irrational and other various such things. It was very emotional and brought things into perspective.

This picture is after the activity as well. . . Luke and I making our silly faces for the camera:o)

The picture of the roses is from Saturday. Derek and I celebebrated our 2 month dating anniversary. Since we could not hang out in the evening, he took me out to lunch and spent the afternoon together. That night I had to babysit, so he came over to keep me company after he was done bowling with his friend, Brian. I am amazed at how God has been working in both of our lives and how I can see God's hand in our relationship.

almost vacation. . . some random pics. . . and a lack of motivation

I am posting some random pictures because I haven't taken any too recently. The picture on the left is of Melissa thacker and myself when she was here in PA a few weeks ago. The picture on the right is of Jaime, Becky and myself at Applebees celebrating Nathan Branine's birthday.

I can tell its almost vacation time. . . the students are overly excitable and I have a serious lack of motivation to keep up with grading and other whatnot like that. Only one week to go til thanksgiving vacation! I'm heading up to our family's mountain house in upstate PA for a few days to spend with the fam. My sister, Sarah, and her family are coming in from Indiana for Thanksgiving as well. Most likely Derek will come along with me, which I am excited about:o) Frank, my brother-in-law, decided that we should play a football game while we're at the mountains. . . in-laws vs. jordans. . . yeah, the teams would be a bit lopsided. Jordans as a whole do not have an over-abundance of athletic ability to pull from (to put it nicely). What are you all doing for Thanksgiving?

Here is another pic of my nephew, Luke. It's his typical "take a picture of me" pose. I know this post is jumping from one topic to the next, but as stated in the title. . . I have a lack of motivation due to the upcoming (and well-needed) vacation. . . which leads to complete randomness and using any excuse to get of my grading for the time being.

mondays. . . blah!

This is a picture of my students this year. It was taken during Spirit Week on our class theme day (tropical theme). Front Row (left to right): Ryan, Julian, Scott and Luke. Back row (left to right): Melanie, Natalie, Steven, J. B., Deion and Seth. For the first month of school my class consisted of 8 boys and Natalie, but in the beginning of October Melanie came and made life a little more enjoyable for Natalie.

Now changing subjects, yesterday seemed to have been a downer for a lot of people. It was monday, first of all, and our grades were due for the first quarter by 8 am today. That would not have been a problem except that our computer system at school has been down for the past week and the grading program was not fixed until yesterday afternoon. I found myself perched here at school until 8 pm. . . did not even go home for dinner. Keep in mind I did have cheerleading practice to run from after school til 5. . . but then back to the classroom to enter grades. Derek was so sweet and brought dinner to me, which offered a well needed diversion from the task at hand. Derek had a long hard day at work as well, Jaime was overwhelmed with her workload, and a teacher friend of mine called with some frustrations that she was having. Today is seeming a lot brighter and I thank the Lord that monday is over, my grades are done, and that He gets you through the "downer" days and brings you to brighter ones!

this past weekend

This weekend was busy and full of many activities. Friday night, a group of us went to Applebees and then to Jaime's apartment to watch a scary movie. The pictures are of Nathan Branine's reaction to being sung to in Applebees for his birthday and the cake we all partook of.

Saturday I hung out with some of the Northland travelling team for the afternoon at Starbucks (the new one they just built down the street from our church). We had a wonderful time of fellowship and since it was the first weekend that Starbucks was opened, we all got free bags of ground coffee! That evening Derek and I went to the Nichols' house for dinner and to decorate "harvest" cookies and then off to Jaime's again to watch yet another scary movie. Derek and I got to spend a little alone time afterwards, which was nice:o)

Sunday was full of its usual activities. I took a well-needed Sunday afternoon nap, and after the evening service we went over to my sister and brother's-in-law house for a singles activity. We played games, ate food and fellowshipped.

Now its monday. . . back to the routine of school and the responsibilities of a teacher. Although my class is challenging in their behavior, I do enjoy their enthusiasm in class (makes life a little less boring). Hope I didn't bore any of you to death with the details of the weekend, and I hope you all had a great weekend as well:o)

I'm a little picture happy

Here is another pic of 3 of my 8 cheerleaders this past season. . . from left to right. . . Maggie, Alex and Nikki. I know many people make fun of me for being a cheerleader for 6 years and now coaching cheerleading, but the girls are awesome and its worth the sacrifice of time. We had a great season and I'm looking forward to what basketball season has in store for us.

This picture is of Melissa Thacker. I got to hang out with her Tuesday evening at the Totaro's house. She is travelling this semester for Northland representing and promoting the college. I know she'll kill me once she sees this picture posted on my blog, but I couldn't resist:o)

Once again I had to post another picture of Derek and myself. This was taken tuesday night at his apartment, our usual hangout (in combination with Starbucks or Barnes and Noble). I was pretty tired by this point, so we watched a movie of which I saw all of 5 minutes of before I fell asleep. Some would blame that on my lack of sleep for the past couple months. . . and I say it's all worth it in order to spend time with Derek:o)

I'm a little picture happy recently, so I hope you enjoy the pictures while I'm still motivated to upload and post them. Who knows how long this motivation will last. . . but for the time being, ENJOY!

One final thought. . . I know this is completely random, but I just wanted to say how amazing my God is! Looking back over the past couple months of my life, and my friend's lives, God has truly shown himself real to me in so many ways!! He's worked through circumstances and relationships in ways I never thought possible. A lady in my church told me a couple summers ago. . . "God is rarely early, and He's never late"

Picture Update. . . enjoy:o)

Here is a pic of Melissa Thacker and myself. It was taken over last Christmas break. . . and I haven't seen her since. BUT today I get to see her since she is travelling for Northland, and her travelling team is in our area for the next few days:o)

Of course, I had to upload another picture of Derek and me:o)

We all hung out at Luke's apartment Sunday PM for some food and fellowship. . . the pic is of Luke "sunshine" Forman.

This is Ryan Timothy Jordan (Tim and Dana's baby). He is 3 months old now and absolutely so adorable (not that I'm bias or anything)!

Here is a pic of my cheerleaders this past soccer season in our new uniforms! This was right before our homecoming pep-rally. . . they were all pumped up ready to pump up the teams!

Hope you all enjoyed the pics and the visual update on life here in Lansdale, Pennsylvania!

Because of that Blood

Earn your way, that's the lesson we are taught
But I know that things eternal can't be sold or bought
Amazing grace is something I could never hold
And I know love and mercy are outside of my control
But I'm reminded of a ransom paid beyond my worth
On a hill outside the city, where heaven kissed the earth

Because of that blood, because of that tree
Because of the mercy pouring over me
Because of that grace, I've been set free
Because of You, Jesus, I have been redeemed

Some believe that they can make it on their own
But only in the end to find they're really not that strong
But I believe that if I choose to live by faith
That God would give me strength to make it each and every day
For we are lost without a savior to save us ourselves
It's only by the grace of God that we can live to tell

Because of that blood, because of that tree
Because of the mercy pouring over me
Because of that grace, I've been set free
Because of You, Jesus, I have been redeemed

Who of us can say that we are worthy of the love of Jesus Christ
All that we can do is simply offer Him all by laying down our lives

This song is on the new Phillips, Craig and Dean CD, Top of my Lungs
I wanted to share the words to this song because they blew me away!

stress relief

This past week has been absolutely crazy. I am so glad that it is over, and that I am back to some sort of order in my life. From it being Spirit Week, to Homecoming, to being a mom for 2 teenagers last week (and not being able to see Derek), I was pretty overwhelmed with everything. God was good and brought me through the week as only He could.

This past weekend was a wonderful release of stress. Derek and I helped out with an investment activity for the teens where we raised money for missionaries. Each teen brings $2 and invests it to make more money, like the whole parable of the talents. Well, we had 5 Jr. High girls and we made candle votives with our money and made $110 by the end of the afternoon. It was awesome to see the response of the teens. In total the teens raised over $1,100 for the Hayes in Thailand. After the investment activity, a bunch of us had a bonfire at Derek, Nate, and Brent's house. Derek fire-breathed and we all roasted marshmallows by the fire. We had a grand old time of fun, food and fellowship!

Sunday was a usual Sunday. We have a missions emphasis month, so the Slobodians were here presenting their ministry. The part that always gets to me in missionary reports are the children. They showed a power point presentation on the statistics of homeless children in Russia and where they end up as adults. It broke my heart. It shows me how merciful and gracious God was to me.

This update was for you Jen! Sorry for being a little slack on updating my blog:o)

beautiful sky

beautiful sky
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

This sky is absolutely amazing! As I was coaching my cheerleaders during a soccer game this past tuesday, I looked up and was amazed at the beauty of God's creation. There was no question that I had to take a picture and capture the moment for all to enjoy. I can not even imagine not believing in the Creator while looking all around me and seeing evidences of His handiwork!

It was nice to take a moment and enjoy the splendor of God's creation, because these past few weeks have been so crazy busy. It has been a good busy, so that is good. This weekend I am speaking at our camp's Father/Daughter retreat, going to a wedding, and then off to babysitting/housesitting from Saturday night to next friday evening. To top it all off, it's spirit week next week at our school, and being a teacher and cheerleading coach means more tasks than usual. So life is not slowing down anytime soon. . . that is why I am thankful for the little moments where I can stop and rest in the Creator of this world!

Here's the long awaited pic!

Derek and Sharon 1
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

Here is a picture of Derek and me at a bonfire we had friday night. We are officially dating for a week and a day now. I can not say how amazing it is to see God in all of this. I was not looking for a relationship, and I think my words were "I'm not in the the mood for a relationship". God totally dropped it on my lap which is the most exciting part. There are so many little things that God worked out, which gives me that peace knowing that it is totally of the Lord (and not of girly manipulation. . . as all girls know about). As I was telling my friend Rebeka, I was in a man-hating funk and if what I was seeing and experiencing from guys around me (minus my family), I did not want to get married ever. Derek definitely took me out of that funk. I realize that there are good Godly guys out there, and God has given me one of them.

a requested update

So I was asked by one of my friend's to update my blog, so I will. I don't have a picture to put with it, but when I get the time I'll upload more pictures so that my blog does not look so boring.

What has been going on in the life of Sharon. . . Let's see. . . teaching 5th grade and coaching cheerleading keeps me pretty busy. I also find myself spending a lot of time with a particular boy, which can cause a serious lack of sleep. Currently, my dad is in Alaska preaching/hunting and taking some overdue rest and relaxation. Last weekend we had a college and career age retreat at my family's mountain house which was most enjoyable. I know this is a vague overview, but when I have pictures I'll give a more detailed update. This is just a hold-over for my avid readers who requested one.

Back to School

First day back to school is always CRAZY! Besides only getting 2 1/2 hours of sleep the night before, I have a class of 8 boys and get this . . . only 1 girl. The actual day seemed to run smoothly, which was a blessing.

After school there was a soccer game which I had to coach cheerleading for. It would not have been so bad, if it wasn't raining the whole time. I was pretty much a wet, frozen popsicle by the end. It probably did not help that my classroom is freezing due to woman going through "that mid-life time" controlling the temperature, so I started off cold. Needless to say, I had to put on a long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt to warm up after the game.

The new name has been chosen. . .

new car
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

Today, on the anniversary of the purchase date, I have selected a new name for my car. Before I announce the winner, I would like to say thank you to all my friends and family who nominated and voted for a new name. So the winner gets an all inclusive ride in my car, which means a trip to Ritas or another place of the winners choosing, within reason (keep in mind I am a poor christian school teacher). Consolation prizes will vary according to what state you live in, or if you live around here.

The 3rd Runner up is Bob, nominated by Chad Skaran
The 2nd Runner up is Fanny, nominated by Christina Porter
The 1st Runner up is Jiminy, nominated by Jaime Ostergard
THE WINNER IS CAPTAIN JACK, nominated by Lesli Nichols. Although Luke Forman came up with Jack, Lesli added extra flare with the Captain title. My car will be called Jack for short, so Luke, you can consider yourself part winner.

THE TOP TEN!

For one final and last time, the voting on the naming of my new "pre-owned" car. For a picture, once again, scroll down my blog to see it under the entry "a new name for a new car". I have had many requests for a new top ten, because I have had many more suggestions given since my top three was posted. . . So here they are in random order:

1. Leroy
2. Bob or the Bobster
3. Jiminy Cricket
4. Captain Jack
5. Fanny
5. Polo- Hawaiin for fatso
6. Big Momma
7. Poo-"if you have any poo. . . fling it now!"
8. Bullet
9. Super Beetle
10. Raven

So vote away! The winner will be announced on the car's one month b-day which will be on August 24th. #7-10 were given by my neice and nephews, Jordan, Amber and Luke.

lessons learned

arm wrestle
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

Lessons learned this past week. . . (starting with the less serious).

1. Do not arm wrestle a guy named "Pedro" at a pizza shop. Actually I was pressured into it, but now looking at the picture it seems that he enjoyed it a little too much. Afterward I thoroughly washed the hands. . . eeww gross!

2. Do not allow someone (aka Nathan) to take your shoe and throw it out his car window in the middle of traffic on Broad Street.

3. Do not go see Talledega Nights. . . trust me!

4. On the more serious side. . . be thankful for your friends that God has given you. I am so thankful for the friends God has given me. There were times the past few months where I felt alone, but God was always there and He brought unexpected friends into my life to encourage me.

5. Pray for your friends, even when things are not stressed or strained. It's easy to pray when things are difficult, but we often forget to pray for others when life is calm. I have been blessed with friends who are there to pray for me and I am thankful that God brings them to mind to pray for them.

and the winner is. . .

NO ONE YET! I have yet to decide who will win the contest of naming my new car. Remember to keep voting and adding suggestions. Hopefully soon there will be a name and a winner. The winner will receive an all-inclusive ride in my new vehicle the next time they're in PA! I know, the stakes are high. . .but don't let that stop you from voting.

Rebeka--we are awaiting your ingenious suggestions to see if you can beat what has already been given.

Thanks to Luke, Jaime and Chad for their suggestions making the top three. If you do not win, you will all receive a consolation prize once the winner has been announced.

THE TOP THREE!

I have narrowed down the choices for naming my car to the top three. Their were some expectations that the name had to meet. It could not be too long of a name. The name also needed to be able to have nicknames as well. For instance my last car Stella was called Stella, Stell-bell, or Stellar depending on the circumstance. So If you have any other suggestions still that are not part of the top three, you may still leave them, otherwise just vote for your favorite.

IN RANDOM ORDER:
1. Jack (It was derived from the Black Pearl to Jack Sparrow, to Jack via Luke Forman)

2. Jiminy Cricket or Jiminy for short (my car has an alarm that chirps, so Jaime Ostergard suggested this name)

3. Bob or the Bobster (this one came last night when I was driving down to Philly via Chad Skaran). I also thought of combining 2 and 3 to Jiminy billy-Bob.

Happy Voting:o)

Ryan Timothy Jordan was born!

Ryan Timothy -1
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

Tim and Dana Jordan and now the proud parents of Ryan Timothy Jordan. He was born on Saturday, July 22nd at 9:06 pm. Dana had a very quick delivery, she was only 3 cm dialated when Tim called my family at 8pm, and by 9:06 he was born! He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 in. long. He is sooo adorable. . . and sleeps all the time:o) Congratulations Tim and Dana on being 1st time parents! I must admit that it is a little strange that Timmy is now a daddy!!!

a new name for a new car. . .

new car
Originally uploaded by sharjoy18.

As Stella, my old car, was killed 2 1/2 short weeks ago, I have moved on to purchase a newer "used" car. Here is a picture of my new car, and I needed other people's input on a name. So far I have gotten Shaneequa, Shanaynay etc. So here is a chance to use your creative juices and help me name my new car. . . if your the lucky winner. . . well, I'll give you a free ride in it the next time your in PA!