Friday's Fabulous Five

1. Charity won a drawing at school because she didn't have any tardies or absenses for the month of November. I think this is pretty amazing because we did have a baby during the month :). So basically we have to give Daddy and Grandma Hatch most of the credit for that one :). (but just for the record and because I am so proud of it, they have been on time everyday this year and they haven't missed a day!!! Just to toot my own horn a little) Anyway, so she won the drawing and the Principal took her and 5 others to Chuck-A-Rama for lunch on Tuesday! How fun is that! Charity loved it. She said she ate 3 scones for me :) those are my favorite.


2. The other day Charity was talking about Erika and somehow (I don't remember exactly how she got to the subject) she said, ".... and if Erika doesn't eat then you are going to EXPLODE!! BOOOIIIIIIINNNNNG!!!!!!" [both hands up near her chest, hands in fists and then fly open really fast when she got to the boing part] Did I laugh till my brains came out? YES!!!! She is hilarious! She listens to me WAY too much :)


3. On Wednesday, Luke wanted someone to read to him and Charity volunteered and as she was getting comfortable in her seat for a second or third book, she looked over at me and said, "I just LOVE reading books to kids. It's just SO much fun!" I thought that was sweet. Not only would she do something nice for her little bro, she let him know that she liked it :)


4. On Tuesday, driving home from the store, Erika was crying. Maybe it's just from experience, but our kids are so cute with the crying baby. They all start talking to her in cute little baby voices, singing songs, trying to help with the binkie..... it's just so adorable to watch these little kids be so thoughtful, helpful and loving. I can't get over it, so don't think this is the last time I will mention this :)



5. On Monday while I was doing Charity's hair, she announced to me that she and her friend Maleigha are "the only normal ones in her class". I really had no idea what she was referring to, so I asked. THen she proceeded to tell me that they are normal because they don't have step parents, or parents that don't live with each other, or step brothers and sisters, and they don't have to go to their dad's house on the weekend. At first I was just shocked that there would only be two in the class, but then I realized she may just not know about everyone. But then I was really happy about the fact that she feels that that is "normal". Whether I agree or not, and I hope no one finds this offensive (you shouldn't since I come from an abnormal family myself :)), but I LOVE that she considers this normal and the way it should be, rather than the exception. It makes me happy that we can provide her with a "normal" family situation :). And even happier when I think about the fact that we will be a "normal" family for FOREVER. Love it.


6. and just because it's something that I have been praying for so hard.... I have to tell you all that Erika's cephalohematoma is virtually gone. I don't think anyone would ever know how big that bump was looking at her now. It's so cool that it went away so fast. Rather than the "up to 3 months" they told us. I was feeling so bad for her. But we've prayed for her so much and looks like it was a worthy request :) She looks beautiful AND she doesn't have a huge lump on her head now :)