That's right, tooth #2 has finally departed from the sweet smile of my 7 year old. We waiting long and hard for that tiny tooth to vacate the premises! It fell out as Jack was getting his teeth brushed, rather aggressively, from his impatient Mommy!
I love Jack's reaction to this event. Both times he is excited and absolutely petrified at the same time. There was no crying, but his bottom lip quivered ever so slightly as he reflected on the blood trickling down the water glass after a rinse. He didn't want to talk about it much. He said he was tired and had to go straight to bed "so he could get plenty of sleep." He did say that the blood was terrible and was thrilled when I explained that the blood had, in fact, stopped flowing.
Relieved just a little, he happily went to bed, tooth placed neatly beside his bed in easy reach for the Tooth Fairy to make her return visit with his treasure. He hopes for $50, he said. Sadly, not in these economic times, my friend!
I believe that the Tooth Fairy was quite pleased with the location of said tooth, so as to save her from all that wrangling about with the pillow and slumbery boy and all.
Bittersweet moments, watching your children grow up right before your eyes. I just know that in a minute he's going to be asking for my car keys. It makes me a bit weak in the knees, the speed of all of it, to be honest.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Trash Talking
Explaining "trash talking" (we won't even go into why we were having this discussion) to our literal, logical 7 year old is difficult, at best. He walked away with an unconvincing understanding that it is "inappropriate" and not something that you should do.
However, in the process, here's how his attempt at "trash talking" went:
"I think you don't want to, um, I think you don't want to suck something..oh, I don't know." (I think he was loosely emulating the ever popular trash talking phrase of "You suck!") Thanks, Wipeout for yet another life lesson we are having here at the Halbert house, thanks to Season 2.
...another discussion this evening started with "Mommy, what's a "cheap date"? We might have to go back to "G" only programming!!!
However, in the process, here's how his attempt at "trash talking" went:
"I think you don't want to, um, I think you don't want to suck something..oh, I don't know." (I think he was loosely emulating the ever popular trash talking phrase of "You suck!") Thanks, Wipeout for yet another life lesson we are having here at the Halbert house, thanks to Season 2.
...another discussion this evening started with "Mommy, what's a "cheap date"? We might have to go back to "G" only programming!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Not too long ago Jack decided that, just like Nemo, he would now call his Daddy "Dad". And just like that, "Dad" it was. Dad doesn't seem to mind...but I am reminded once again of just how fast our little guy is growing up!
My Dad, by Jack (7)
Daddy is all grown up. I like it when he plays me in chess. My favorite thing about my Dad is that he tickles me a lot and I love that! - Jack
Here are a few of our Father's Day presents for dear old Dad... We love you Dad. Thanks for always showing the boys how much you love them and for tickling and playing crazy in a way that Mommies just can't do!!! I love to watch you and the boys together...thank you for being their dad. We love you! Love, Mommy, Jack & Tyler
Friday, June 19, 2009
Chess Camp - What a SUCCESS!
This week Jack experienced his first summer "camp". We wanted something that was of interest to him and wouldn't be too big of challenge for him. We introduced the idea of Chess Camp to him earlier in the Spring and were thrilled when he decided it sounded like fun! The camp is a national traveling camp, hosted at BGA, and has the option of a week long daily full day or half day session. We chose the half day, not knowing how it was all going to play out. This was a big test, of sorts. We did NO preparation with the camp...no notification in advance, no shadow/friend to go along, just Jack and his chess skills and some prayer!!!
Jack arrived on Monday afternoon quite nervous, not knowing what to expect. There were 10 other kids in his afternoon session, and his instructor, Matt, was amazing. The kids ranged in age from 6 - 13. Jack was not the youngest but he was certainly the smallest! Skill levels ranged as well, and Jack placed 9th out of 11 in skills at the start of the week. Lots of room for growth, right?
By the end of the week, Jack was really enjoying camp! He had learned a lot and Matt encouraged us to keep Jack involved in chess. He's a natural, Matt said, and he shows lots of promise! Jack is proud to have attended Chess Camp and we are excited to have a little boy with a first summer camp under his belt!!
Our proud chess player with his trophy!!!
Jack arrived on Monday afternoon quite nervous, not knowing what to expect. There were 10 other kids in his afternoon session, and his instructor, Matt, was amazing. The kids ranged in age from 6 - 13. Jack was not the youngest but he was certainly the smallest! Skill levels ranged as well, and Jack placed 9th out of 11 in skills at the start of the week. Lots of room for growth, right?
By the end of the week, Jack was really enjoying camp! He had learned a lot and Matt encouraged us to keep Jack involved in chess. He's a natural, Matt said, and he shows lots of promise! Jack is proud to have attended Chess Camp and we are excited to have a little boy with a first summer camp under his belt!!
Our proud chess player with his trophy!!!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
The Burden I Carry Is Light...
It's been a while since I posted of much other than the sweet happenings of our little life. And much, oh so much, of it is sweet. I am enjoying watching the bond grow stronger and stronger between our two boys and I thank God every day for giving me a heavy heart for a second child and for the strength to forge ahead amidst the fear. Tyler is a huge blessing to Jack, and vice versa. They spend many hours in the day together just playing and laughing. They look for each other as soon as they wake each day. And I am happy.
Many days, I must admit, I am blessed to have such a feeling of normalcy within our home. Jack is doing amazingly well. Dare I admit that some days I barely remember that he has autism? It is true. And for this I am also happy beyond measure.
And maybe that is why, on days like today, it catches me off guard a bit, when the autism rears its head and punches me in the gut. A phone call from my parents, keeping the kids overnite, as Mom shares that Jack was uncharacteristically "not himself" and threw a toy at their entertainment center with, seemingly, no reason. He was difficult to engage at times and was, overall, just 'off' for part of the stay. And I'm reeling from the blow.
Then a reminder that tomorrow starts an entirely new program at church for Sunday School. 3 grades (1st - 3rd) together all summer for a Scripture Memory type class along with lots of changes to come on Wed. nights (including a Drama program - drama? Could he even DO drama?) and for the forseeable future...and again, I'm hurled back into our modified life. I have to find someone to attend with him at least for a few weeks (it will be me)...there will be a lot of changes, no warning, I fear the class will be way over his head...and I'm not prepared. What if he can't handle it? There is no where else for him to go...and just like that, I'm back to where I've been so often before. Hello, darkness, my old friend...
In reality, the burden that I carry is light these days. And for that I am grateful. Not happy, but grateful. I'm not a whiner, I do not wish for a life that I cannot have, and I know that my lot in life in general and in specific could be so different than it is. But when it sneaks up behind me and whacks me in my knees, I wish, just for a minute, to blink and have our version of "normal" back, whatever that is. More and more, we deviate just for a minute or two or three, and then back to our normal it goes for a spell. I'm hoping those stretches will continue to get longer and longer as the whacking in the knees never feels good.
I love this boy, and his little brother, more than life itself. Here's one of a million reasons why...how could you not love a boy who loves icing off the beater???
Many days, I must admit, I am blessed to have such a feeling of normalcy within our home. Jack is doing amazingly well. Dare I admit that some days I barely remember that he has autism? It is true. And for this I am also happy beyond measure.
And maybe that is why, on days like today, it catches me off guard a bit, when the autism rears its head and punches me in the gut. A phone call from my parents, keeping the kids overnite, as Mom shares that Jack was uncharacteristically "not himself" and threw a toy at their entertainment center with, seemingly, no reason. He was difficult to engage at times and was, overall, just 'off' for part of the stay. And I'm reeling from the blow.
Then a reminder that tomorrow starts an entirely new program at church for Sunday School. 3 grades (1st - 3rd) together all summer for a Scripture Memory type class along with lots of changes to come on Wed. nights (including a Drama program - drama? Could he even DO drama?) and for the forseeable future...and again, I'm hurled back into our modified life. I have to find someone to attend with him at least for a few weeks (it will be me)...there will be a lot of changes, no warning, I fear the class will be way over his head...and I'm not prepared. What if he can't handle it? There is no where else for him to go...and just like that, I'm back to where I've been so often before. Hello, darkness, my old friend...
In reality, the burden that I carry is light these days. And for that I am grateful. Not happy, but grateful. I'm not a whiner, I do not wish for a life that I cannot have, and I know that my lot in life in general and in specific could be so different than it is. But when it sneaks up behind me and whacks me in my knees, I wish, just for a minute, to blink and have our version of "normal" back, whatever that is. More and more, we deviate just for a minute or two or three, and then back to our normal it goes for a spell. I'm hoping those stretches will continue to get longer and longer as the whacking in the knees never feels good.
I love this boy, and his little brother, more than life itself. Here's one of a million reasons why...how could you not love a boy who loves icing off the beater???
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
The countdown is on! Just ONE more day until our Disney vacation starts. Jack is thrilled but is currently quite disappointed that he managed to get strep throat just moments before our big trip! He's been medicated for 24 hours now and we're hoping he'll be back to feeling like his old self by flight time tomorrow.
Jack and Disney. They go together like milk and cookies. It is hands down his favorite place to go on the planet. He's been there too many times to count. He had been to all 4 Disney World parks before he turned 1. With Mimi and Grandpa both working at Disney, we were spoiled to have frequent and free access to the parks. But since Mimi and Grandpa's retirement and move to TN, our trips have been much less frequent and, consequently, more sacred. We pack a lot of "Disney" into our trips now.
This will be the first time we'll take little brother Tyler to WDW. It sure will be interesting to see how a nap-needing-want-to-walk-alone-toddler will impact our usually fast paced trip. But Jack is excited to show him the ropes and wonders what Tyler's favorite ride will be. I'm sure it will be the fastest, wildest ride that he's allowed to go on!!! Our little daredevil!
I'm going to need big brother's help on the plane tomorrow. We're both hoping Tyler won't be too wild on the 1.5 hour plane ride!!!
Jack is a veteran air traveler. Has been flying to FL and various other states (CA, MA, IL to name a few) since he was a tot. He's a pro.
Does this look like the kind of toddler that will sit quietly in his Mommy's lap for nearly 2 hours?
Here is a look back at Disney with Jack. I don't have the oldest pictures on my computer, since it was before we went digital. I think I could chronicle his entire life through Disney pictures. Maybe someday that would make a good photo book. I can't wait to see what new memories we capture with both boys this trip!!!
We plan on having an awesome time at our favorite stomping grounds. Jack is ready to show Tyler the ropes of his most favorite vacation place of all time! I hope the park is ready for US!!!!
"See" ya when we get back!!!
Jack and Disney. They go together like milk and cookies. It is hands down his favorite place to go on the planet. He's been there too many times to count. He had been to all 4 Disney World parks before he turned 1. With Mimi and Grandpa both working at Disney, we were spoiled to have frequent and free access to the parks. But since Mimi and Grandpa's retirement and move to TN, our trips have been much less frequent and, consequently, more sacred. We pack a lot of "Disney" into our trips now.
This will be the first time we'll take little brother Tyler to WDW. It sure will be interesting to see how a nap-needing-want-to-walk-alone-toddler will impact our usually fast paced trip. But Jack is excited to show him the ropes and wonders what Tyler's favorite ride will be. I'm sure it will be the fastest, wildest ride that he's allowed to go on!!! Our little daredevil!
I'm going to need big brother's help on the plane tomorrow. We're both hoping Tyler won't be too wild on the 1.5 hour plane ride!!!
Jack is a veteran air traveler. Has been flying to FL and various other states (CA, MA, IL to name a few) since he was a tot. He's a pro.
Does this look like the kind of toddler that will sit quietly in his Mommy's lap for nearly 2 hours?
Here is a look back at Disney with Jack. I don't have the oldest pictures on my computer, since it was before we went digital. I think I could chronicle his entire life through Disney pictures. Maybe someday that would make a good photo book. I can't wait to see what new memories we capture with both boys this trip!!!
We plan on having an awesome time at our favorite stomping grounds. Jack is ready to show Tyler the ropes of his most favorite vacation place of all time! I hope the park is ready for US!!!!
"See" ya when we get back!!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Gift
Jack's teacher wrote a letter to me sharing her perspective on Jack's kindergarten year in her classroom. A wonderful teacher, I had the pleasure of being the Room Mom in her classroom. As the year was coming to an end, I asked her not to purchase anything for me as a thank you but, instead, to write me a letter as my "gift". And what a gift it is! I'm so thrilled to hear how well Jack is doing as the year comes to a close. I hope that you can share in our joy. Our little boy has come so far!!!
Dear Karen (and family),
What a joy it has been to spend this year with Jack! At times challenging, at other times humorous, at ALL times an adventure – this year has been unique (I know, they all are, but Jack had a lot to do with the “feel” of our class personality this year).
As I look back to the beginning of the year, I remember thinking that Jack was adapting remarkably to kindergarten. A full day with many transitions, eighteen other children, a new schedule to learn, a sensory onslaught in and outside of my room – WOW –he negotiated all of it in his own way.
But as I see him now, in May, I realize how anxious he must have been in September. Jack was scripting nonstop, he would get under the tables on some occasions (usually during afternoon centers), he was playing and socializing in a very parallel way, and would stay by himself during recess. He needed his Ed. Assistant most of the day to scaffold and modify our tasks (especially Writing Workshop) as well as assist with the bathroom. Often he was fearful during PE and I remember that I tracked the daily schedule chart every day because it seemed to comfort Jack.
Fast forward to May – what a metamorphosis (it’s a change, a great BIG change!) Jack is working independently with an occasional prompt or two (no need for timers or lists). His writing is phenomenal – he can get HIS OWN IDEAS on paper (quite the higher order thinking skill). He happily chooses different centers in the afternoon (he was fixated on Tubs at the beginning of the year). Jack is the center of the social universe in our class. He has many friends, plays with others during center time and outdoors, hugs them, and carries on back and forth conversations with friends and teachers. Jack shares his happy news about playing chess and having sleepovers with his grandparents, Wall-E adventures, and fun with Tyler. On our class favorites writing task, almost everyone mentioned Jack as one of their favorite friends. I love the picture of Jack with his classroom family of friends around him during his birthday party!
Classic Jack moments in Kindergarten:
That Jack voice is classic in itself!!!
Walking in the hall – he has his own pace, but he’s coming (I can hear him ☺ - zero zone shmero zone).
He predicted in November when the 100th day would fall – he was right, of course.
When I sing “Ten more minutes” (the warning that clean up time is coming in 10 minutes), he sings in the same tune “No, no, no!”
Jack comes in the door and pronounces the events of the day – “It’s a great day – it’s music day!” or “today is the 163rd day of school!”
Once I say something, Jack never forgets. I said we could change special places when all children were present. As soon as we had 100% attendance, Jack reminded me it was time to change special places.
One winter dismissal, I had a particularly frantic time getting everyone zipped, and gloves and hats on before we made our way down the hall. Halfway down the hall, Jack announced he had forgotten his backpack. We stopped so he could go get it. Then another child yelled that Jack did not have his lunch box. So he went back to get it. Then Jack said he was not zipped – so I made sure he was zipped with hood up and fastened. All you could see were his eyes. We got to the front porch and he yelled, “Mrs. Ward, we have a problem! I can’t breathe!!”
During most of the year, Jack (and many others) were fearful of our loud flushing toilet. The children had it worked out that whoever used the bathroom after Jack would just flush it for him. Just recently, Jack flushed the toilet all by himself and announced it loudly and proudly (and with some sense of surprise and shock). He has continued to flush ever since (and wants to add toilets to each day of our calendar to show his mastery!)
It has been my pleasure to walk beside Jack this year! We are all teachers; we are all learners – I have learned so much from Jack. I look forward to hearing all about his summer and his adventures in first grade. Thank you SO much for all you have given to me and to this class – you have made it a much richer experience for us all.
Much love and respect xoxoxoxo,
Mrs. W.
Here is Jack with his teacher during their class "Celebration" on Monday. Mrs. W. is sharing with the class some kind words about Jack to the class and parents, as she did with each child. He was proud to stand there with her!!
Dear Karen (and family),
What a joy it has been to spend this year with Jack! At times challenging, at other times humorous, at ALL times an adventure – this year has been unique (I know, they all are, but Jack had a lot to do with the “feel” of our class personality this year).
As I look back to the beginning of the year, I remember thinking that Jack was adapting remarkably to kindergarten. A full day with many transitions, eighteen other children, a new schedule to learn, a sensory onslaught in and outside of my room – WOW –he negotiated all of it in his own way.
But as I see him now, in May, I realize how anxious he must have been in September. Jack was scripting nonstop, he would get under the tables on some occasions (usually during afternoon centers), he was playing and socializing in a very parallel way, and would stay by himself during recess. He needed his Ed. Assistant most of the day to scaffold and modify our tasks (especially Writing Workshop) as well as assist with the bathroom. Often he was fearful during PE and I remember that I tracked the daily schedule chart every day because it seemed to comfort Jack.
Fast forward to May – what a metamorphosis (it’s a change, a great BIG change!) Jack is working independently with an occasional prompt or two (no need for timers or lists). His writing is phenomenal – he can get HIS OWN IDEAS on paper (quite the higher order thinking skill). He happily chooses different centers in the afternoon (he was fixated on Tubs at the beginning of the year). Jack is the center of the social universe in our class. He has many friends, plays with others during center time and outdoors, hugs them, and carries on back and forth conversations with friends and teachers. Jack shares his happy news about playing chess and having sleepovers with his grandparents, Wall-E adventures, and fun with Tyler. On our class favorites writing task, almost everyone mentioned Jack as one of their favorite friends. I love the picture of Jack with his classroom family of friends around him during his birthday party!
Classic Jack moments in Kindergarten:
That Jack voice is classic in itself!!!
Walking in the hall – he has his own pace, but he’s coming (I can hear him ☺ - zero zone shmero zone).
He predicted in November when the 100th day would fall – he was right, of course.
When I sing “Ten more minutes” (the warning that clean up time is coming in 10 minutes), he sings in the same tune “No, no, no!”
Jack comes in the door and pronounces the events of the day – “It’s a great day – it’s music day!” or “today is the 163rd day of school!”
Once I say something, Jack never forgets. I said we could change special places when all children were present. As soon as we had 100% attendance, Jack reminded me it was time to change special places.
One winter dismissal, I had a particularly frantic time getting everyone zipped, and gloves and hats on before we made our way down the hall. Halfway down the hall, Jack announced he had forgotten his backpack. We stopped so he could go get it. Then another child yelled that Jack did not have his lunch box. So he went back to get it. Then Jack said he was not zipped – so I made sure he was zipped with hood up and fastened. All you could see were his eyes. We got to the front porch and he yelled, “Mrs. Ward, we have a problem! I can’t breathe!!”
During most of the year, Jack (and many others) were fearful of our loud flushing toilet. The children had it worked out that whoever used the bathroom after Jack would just flush it for him. Just recently, Jack flushed the toilet all by himself and announced it loudly and proudly (and with some sense of surprise and shock). He has continued to flush ever since (and wants to add toilets to each day of our calendar to show his mastery!)
It has been my pleasure to walk beside Jack this year! We are all teachers; we are all learners – I have learned so much from Jack. I look forward to hearing all about his summer and his adventures in first grade. Thank you SO much for all you have given to me and to this class – you have made it a much richer experience for us all.
Much love and respect xoxoxoxo,
Mrs. W.
Here is Jack with his teacher during their class "Celebration" on Monday. Mrs. W. is sharing with the class some kind words about Jack to the class and parents, as she did with each child. He was proud to stand there with her!!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ready for Wipeout: The Second Season!
Jack often stays up reading in his bed after bedtime. We don't usually say anything since he doesn't seem to stay up too late and it is kind of cute.
The other night I found him sprawled out with one arm on his Wipeout book of memories from our November trip to the set and the other arm on his "Top Secret" book. This book is a series of Power Point slides showing the obstacle order of the first 4 episodes of the upcoming season. I think he's ready for the new season to begin!
You can catch the new season on abc on Wednesdays at 8E/7C beginning in just 8 days on May 27th!
The other night I found him sprawled out with one arm on his Wipeout book of memories from our November trip to the set and the other arm on his "Top Secret" book. This book is a series of Power Point slides showing the obstacle order of the first 4 episodes of the upcoming season. I think he's ready for the new season to begin!
You can catch the new season on abc on Wednesdays at 8E/7C beginning in just 8 days on May 27th!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My Mommy - Happy Mother's Day!
My Mom by Jack Halbert, age 7
An interview on Mom, through a son's eyes...
What is something mom always says to you? I love you so much
What makes mom happy? when I finish my homework quickly and when I'm kind to Tyler.
What makes mom sad? If I get angry
How does your mom make you laugh? She says silly things to me
What was your mom like as a child? she went to school
How old is your mom? 40
How tall is your mom? Maybe 50 inches or 13 feet.
What is her favorite thing to do? my favorite wii game is Wall-E. Your favorite game is WonderWorld Amusement Park. And Make me do my homework.
What does your mom do when you're not around? feed Tyler
If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? for being so special
What is your mom really good at? playing with me.
What is your mom not very good at? boxing on the Wii cuz you get tired.
What does your mom do for her job? making lunch and dinner
What is your mom's favorite food? spaghetti
What is your mom's favorite drink? coffee, you REALLY love coffee
What makes you proud of your mom? when you let me stay up after my bedtime
What do you and your mom do together? homework and play Wii.
How are you and your mom the same? We both have brown hair
How are you and your mom different? our hair (style) is different
How do you know your mom loves you? because you say nice words to me and kiss my boo boos and put bandaids on them.
Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Costco. But you love Disney more.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Ready for First Grade
I am so proud of my sweet graduating Kindergartener.
I remember, back in August, sitting in Jack's classroom at Open House as I read the writings of the previous year's Kindergarten students. There, neatly penned on a paper titled "Why You Will Love Kindergarten!" was a paragraph, written by a Kindergartener to my child, sharing some of his/her thoughts about why Mrs. Ward's class was so much fun. While the writing was undoubtedly that of a 5-6 year old, the composition was impressive. Capital letters, appropriate punctuation, lowercase letters, and properly structured sentences. I know, in that moment, that I held my breath and sighed. Kindergarten was going to be HARD. Jack could barely write his first and last name in ALL CAPITALS after a summer of Kindergarten readiness training. "Well", I thought, "we'll just have to make accommodations for his work. It will be ok. He'll do his best."
This week Jack prepared his "sloppy copy" of his Why You Will Love Kindergarten paragraph each nite for homework. He was quick to decide that he would share about afternoon centers and how you get to choose where you want to go. With some very slight suggestion on how not to get too caught up on what happens when there are too many people in a center and you have to take your second choice, his paragraph took form. One sentence on one night, two the next, and this evening he rewrote his final draft on the official yellow page...and at last the culmination of his effort produced this, which I proudly call A WORK OF ART!!!
It says:
Why You Will Love Kindergarten! by Jack Halbert
At afternoon centers, you can go to lots of centers. You can choose like: blocks, tubs, be a teacher, shelf games, computer center, sand/water table. My favrite center is be a teacher.
It literally brought me to tears tonite as I looked on, so proudly, as he wrote each word, along with his choice of punctuation, meticulously, in what Mrs. Ward calls their "best 1st grade handwriting." I'm proud of the thought involved, his ability to create appropriately structured sentences, his ease with punctuation (he had no help at all on this one) and the ease at which he wrote 35 words in one sitting with no complaint or resistance. It has been an amazing year and I am so thankful to his teacher for being a loving, nurturing guide and instructor who has fostered such a wonderful spirit of learning and quiet confidence in our boy. What a remarkable journey Kindergarten has been.
I faced Elementary school this time last year with great trepidation. Jack was unwilling and I was unsure. However, I'm happy to say that I, along with Jack, look forward to first grade for the adventure that it will be!
I remember, back in August, sitting in Jack's classroom at Open House as I read the writings of the previous year's Kindergarten students. There, neatly penned on a paper titled "Why You Will Love Kindergarten!" was a paragraph, written by a Kindergartener to my child, sharing some of his/her thoughts about why Mrs. Ward's class was so much fun. While the writing was undoubtedly that of a 5-6 year old, the composition was impressive. Capital letters, appropriate punctuation, lowercase letters, and properly structured sentences. I know, in that moment, that I held my breath and sighed. Kindergarten was going to be HARD. Jack could barely write his first and last name in ALL CAPITALS after a summer of Kindergarten readiness training. "Well", I thought, "we'll just have to make accommodations for his work. It will be ok. He'll do his best."
This week Jack prepared his "sloppy copy" of his Why You Will Love Kindergarten paragraph each nite for homework. He was quick to decide that he would share about afternoon centers and how you get to choose where you want to go. With some very slight suggestion on how not to get too caught up on what happens when there are too many people in a center and you have to take your second choice, his paragraph took form. One sentence on one night, two the next, and this evening he rewrote his final draft on the official yellow page...and at last the culmination of his effort produced this, which I proudly call A WORK OF ART!!!
It says:
Why You Will Love Kindergarten! by Jack Halbert
At afternoon centers, you can go to lots of centers. You can choose like: blocks, tubs, be a teacher, shelf games, computer center, sand/water table. My favrite center is be a teacher.
It literally brought me to tears tonite as I looked on, so proudly, as he wrote each word, along with his choice of punctuation, meticulously, in what Mrs. Ward calls their "best 1st grade handwriting." I'm proud of the thought involved, his ability to create appropriately structured sentences, his ease with punctuation (he had no help at all on this one) and the ease at which he wrote 35 words in one sitting with no complaint or resistance. It has been an amazing year and I am so thankful to his teacher for being a loving, nurturing guide and instructor who has fostered such a wonderful spirit of learning and quiet confidence in our boy. What a remarkable journey Kindergarten has been.
I faced Elementary school this time last year with great trepidation. Jack was unwilling and I was unsure. However, I'm happy to say that I, along with Jack, look forward to first grade for the adventure that it will be!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Friendship is Blossoming...what an amazing thing to see.
Watching my 2 boys spending time together each evening after dinner is enchanting. Tyler adores his big brother and Jack loves to make crazy sounds and gestures to get Tyler laughing. They even attempt to play the Wii together. There's a lot of love around here. And I never grow tired of watching them interact together. We are blessed, for sure.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Party
Jack's party request was, surprisingly, to return to Pump It Up this year. You might call us Pump It Up veterans as this was his 3rd birthday party at Pump It Up. And, as in years before, it proved to be a success from start to finish. And his requested theme? Why, wouldn't you know it? It was Wall-E!
This year we invited his class of 19 students. It was great to have such a cohesive group attending. Jack really fits in well with his classmates and is comfortable with each one. It was great to see them all playing together at the party. I just love this picture!! I think it speaks volumes as to where Jack is socially now.
Unlike years before, we have now entered an age where parents of the attendees don't always come to the party before the party's end. So, after school, I drove J, I, L and Jack (and Tyler, too) to the party. We stopped along the way at another classmate's house, H, to drop off a cupcake since she was recovering from a tonsillectomy and couldn't attend. The boys were so cute screaming her name from the car and waving and shouting how they love "H". The little girl was so pleased to have a 'visit' from her friends on the way to the party. And Jack was right in the middle of it all, having a blast!
At the party, everyone played together. Even Tyler was tearing down the slides! I actually couldn't believe that our 14 month old was climbing the giant slide by himself and sliding alone too!!! Don't worry, there was close supervision!
Ta dah!!!
Jack and Clarissa - best of friends
Lots of us grownups got to slide too...Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa and Mimi!
Meemaw came up from Alabama. She didn't want to miss the party!
The time flew by and soon it was time to head to the party room for cake. Jack loved every minute of it and wasn't bothered at all to be nearly smothered by all the kids surrounding him as he opened his gifts. Other than a quick "I already have this (Trouble game)" I didn't hear anything but "Thank You's" and delight.
It was a great party. It's so nice to have come to a place where we can enjoy events like his birthday party without expecting any surprises or difficulty. 7 is going to be a great year. I just know it.
Here are a few more pictures from our memorable day...
2 of Jack's great kindergarten friends
His cutie patootie little brother, who hung with the big kids like a champ!
Happy Birthday, Jack! We love you!!!!
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