A BIG Loss!

Check out what happened at lunch today at school...Jack was SO excited!



He happily sat down, smiled a TON, showed his lost tooth and told the story of how his tooth fell out at lunch. My favorite part of the story was when he said "And you know what I said when it fell out? I jumped up and said "FINALLY! It was taking forever!"


Isn't he cute? He is so proud!


I'd better keep the light on tonight for the Tooth Fairy!

Welcome to 2nd Grade!!!

Tomorrow is the big day! Jack will be in 2nd grade and has the distinct blessing of having his most amazing Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ward, (seen here) as his now-2nd grade teacher!

Today we organized a playdate for all the upcoming 2nd graders at the school's playground. We thought it might be fun to get back into the swing of things by seeing all the old faces as we were learning who was in each class. It was an incredibly hot day (97, heat index 104) but there were lots of troopers who braved the heat to join us!

Lots of Jack's former classmates were there and several of his current classmates, who will join him in Mrs. Ward's class, were there too!

You know it is hot when the kids choose to sit UNDER the playground equipment!

The highlight of the event was when Mrs. Ward came out to see the kids. As soon as they saw her, they all ran toward her like she was carrying ice cream! She is one of the most loved teachers. There was lots of hugging...

There were lots of cuties there! Here are a couple that stopped running with their friends long enough for me to grab a picture!

Vishnu - Jack's classmate for 2 years now! He pushes Jack as one of the best readers in the class.

Niles and his brother, Nicholas, and mom, Andrea. Sweet Niles was in Jack's class last year.

Charlie, little brother to Clarissa.

Clarissa, Jack's friend since Kindergarten. Clarissa claims she and Jack are going to get married some day!

And, my ever adorable 2nd grader! I can barely believe it!

Jack, here we go! Another year to learn, navigate & grow! I'm so glad you have such a kind heart to guide you on your way this year! I'm so proud of you already!

It's NEVER Easy Come, Easy Go

Summer is in full swing (and my work is as well), and blogging has become a thought that never quite makes it to the keyboard...

So what brings me out of the woodwork to post? My poor baby is losing another friend...to geographical difficulty.

In preschool, Jack bonded with an adorable friend, Connor, and his sweet little brother, Aiden. Mom Michelle was such a help to me when Tyler was born, driving Jack to and from preschool every day during those first few weeks. The 3 boys together had an easy friendship and it was a joy to watch. Living on a busy road with no neighbors his age, combined with a very small sunday school class of his peers, seemed to leave Jack with little opportunities for friendship to blossom. I thanked God for Connor and Aiden and for the friendship that was developing. But Connor and Aiden moved to Texas at the beginning of the summer when their dad was transferred. We were happy that the boys would now get to spend time with their Texas family but were so sad to see them go.

pictured above with Owen (another classmate) and his sister Olivia

Kindergarten began that Fall and one particular boy showed a spark of interest in Jack and soon, an amazing friendship developed. Jayden has an easy spirit and is quite frankly the most polite boy I have ever met. Jack is very fond of Jayden and we have experienced the right of passage of boyhood with Jayden: Sleepovers. The 2 boys love to play, watch movies, play Wii and DS and yet go to bed with ease at bedtime in Jack's bunk beds.





Today I got a call from Jayden's mom, Tawanna. Seems that Jayden's dad has accepted a job in Atlanta, and they will be moving before Summer ends. I haven't told Jack yet...I fear his little heart will break. Rest assured, Jayden, that you will be missed in this Halbert house! Both Jack and Tyler love you so!


Time will heal this wound, and my hope is that a new friend will come in to view soon. Good thing he has his little brother. I hope they remain best friends for life.