Day 7...MomMom and PopPop

I'm thankful for this last week and a half with PopPop and MomMom. I've changed less diapers, washed fewer dishes, eaten out a lot, and have actually been able to sleep in. They are the best grandparents, spend so much quality time with the kids, (I mean actually tell them bedtime stories, and sleep with them!) they have so much patience, and love us all unconditionally, please don't leave!!! And if you have to, come back asap, and better yet move here! We love you and for all you've done and for who you are, I am so thankful!!

Day 6...My Husband...

Today I'm thankful for my husband, who has always puts me first, and has loved me unconditionally. We met 16 years ago as freshmen in Bible college, classmates for the first few years then we discovered we were soul mates.

He still gives me butterfly's even after all these years and 7 children later lol and there's no one I'd rather spend my time with. We love to laugh together and are each others best friends. The road to where we are now has not always been easy, and there were times we didn't think we could go on, but we always pulled each other through and became stronger.

So Babe, thank you for loving me and continuing to challenge yourself to never be content where you are and how you are always looking to become better and stronger and never settling for mediocrity, both in your spiritual walk and as my leader and father to our children...I was made for you, you were made for me, and together we are one amazing team, and for that I'm truly grateful...

Day 5....My Mom and Dad...

For my frazzled mind (no!! I do not have it all together, though that is one of my short term goals I write on my "new years resolution" list Every. Single. Year)

So, I'm going to go in order so I don't forget anyone...so since I used yesterday for my grandparents, today I'll write about my parents...Dan and Carolyn Hashem. Just writing their names fills me with a mixture of love, pride, and homesickness. You see, my dad grew up in poverty and abuse. What he has today he worked for, and gave for. Never have I met a man who gave more than my father. I remember the time i came home from school and all our living room furniture was gone. Someone was in need, and he met that need. He worked so hard to put food in our bellies and give us the childhood he never had.

When people would come over our house, they were always made to feel like it was their home. We all had friends that never wanted to leave. And that was always okay with my parents. My dad would make them Heavenly omlets and anything else they asked for or didn't ask for! You walked through the door and were hit with a peacefulness and love, and a homey smell that can only be described as "home sweet home".

My mom is 70 (don't hate me mom, please!) and doesn't look a day over 50. She glows with love and contentment. Many people marvel as she raised 8 children (and many more who needed a home) but that's what kept her young
for they truly are her joy. Even at 30 I would go home for a few days and my dad would make me breakfast every single morning...one pancake at a time so it was hot as I ate it. Mom would buy me a special little gift for my burnt out soul, and I'd leave feeling refreshed and renewed ready to take on my tribe again.

So I'm thankful for my parents. For the white-picket fence childhood they gave me, and for the counsel and love
They still give me...no one will ever replace them and I pray every day that they'll live to be a 100 for no other couple deserves long life more than them, they honored their own parents to the day they passed and continue to honor their Pastor and wife, and be a blessing to countless others and their 8 children who are ALL serving the lord as well as
their 23 grandchildren. Their legacy is one you do not see every day, or even every century...and to be a part of it, I'm truly grateful.

Day 4

Today I am thankful for grandparents. My grandparents were two of the most loving and hardworking people. Many, many of my childhood memories are wrapped up in everyday moments with my Nanny and Grandpa as we called them. Coming from a family of 8, my Nanny and Grandpa would come over if not daily, every other day to help my Mother. My Nanny would do our laundry and ironing and I would sit beside her as she ironed with my child sized ironing board, metal toy iron and either doll clothes or my grandpas hankies.

Back when i was a kid, cereal boxes would always come with some cool toy and sometimes iron-on decals. Those are the ones I insisted onfought my sisters over because I had a very special place in mind for those super-man logos...my grandpas hankies lol. As my nanny would iron, I'd press my toy iron against hers to get mine hot, and go to work on those special handkerchiefs. My grandpa would act so surprised when he knew I was watching and he'd pull out his hanky to fake a sneeze just so I could see his "surprise" at his formerly white hanky sport in a superman sign

This is just one of the many special memories I have, some day I'll share more, but it was their legacy they shared with my parents, that got passed down to me and my siblings that I'm most thankful for. The many prayer meetings, the hugs with whispered prayers, the singing and joy...I thank God for them and am so grateful that my children have many memories themselves of their special grandparents on both sides and are even now at this moment creating memories that will be with them when they are grown..."Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their Fathers" Prov 17:6

Today I am thankful for
Gods leading. Having already taken Faith out of public school and seeing such a positive change in her, I've been praying for a clear cut direction from the Lord about each of the other children, as I don't believe what's best for one is "always" best for the rest, kwim? Recently my heart has been heavy for my oldest, Rhema, knowing she's needing something...something more than what she's getting and its majorly showing in her attitude. Today, I walked in to Mardels with my husband, and I know how he can get lost in this "Walmart-sized" bible book store (haha) so i
tell him I'm going to browse the schooling section. While walking the aisles, the manager of the store asks me if I'm finding everything, I reply yes, he then asks me if I'm a teacher, I say I homeschool. He says "do you want some stuff for free?" (and sorry for my negative attitude here, but initially I thought "must be junk they just want to get rid of" lol.) But I humored him and said yes! I followed him and he shows me 3 huge bins of books, materials, and lessons...all free. I
walked out of the store with over $500 worth of homeschooling supplies, DVDs and books for free, a huge smile on my face and assurance in my heart that yes, God is leading me. One step at a time, one child at a time, I seek to serve the Lord, and know He's patient enough to lead me the way He knows I'll listen and "get it", and for that I'm truly grateful...

Before I get down to the sentimental family stuff Im sure this month of thankfulness will bring, I'll say how greatful I am for a wonderful neighbor. Leaving Milford, one of the hardest things for me was leaving behind my neighbors. It was so hard that I refused to say goodbye... Her kids were my kids, and my kids were hers. We borrowed sugar, switched babysitting, decorated cupcakes, and celebrated birthdays. We chased down our barefooted kids as the speeded off in their bikes without helmets and our closets were filled with each others kids shoes, mittens and hats lol... For the first weeks in this new house there'd be times I'd yell at the kids, "just go to the neighbors!" then realize what I said and choke a laugh out instead of crying in front of the kids. When we skyped them the first time and heard their voices in my kitchen I sobbed, the ache was too much. Then finally i met my new neighbor, and her oldest son hit it off with Coco and Cai, and while I still miss my neighbors from NH (and they promised to come visit ehem!) my heart is comforted to know I can walk to a friendly face and borrow batteries or salt if I need to. And so while they'll never be replaced, the void is a bit lessened knowing I'm blessed again to have a wonderful neighbor and friend, and for that I'm thankful...

The beginning of 30 days of THANKSGIVING!!!!

I'm going to start my 30 days of thankfulness with how greatful I am for a new start and a fresh beginning, and that my husband had enough backbone and faith to make such a huge move with his small tribe. It hasnt always been easy, and the road had quite a few bumps, but we know we are in His perfect will, and that alone makes me happy. :)