Miss Koontz

After a week of school, I was finally "allowed" to get a picture of Blaine with his teacher, Miss Koontz. She just graduated from Baylor in May so this is her first year teaching. So far Blaine has had a blast with his new teacher. Here are a couple of memories already about his teacher.


1. Although I was praying that God would pick the perfect teacher for Blaine, I secretly was wanting it to be the 2nd grade teacher that we knew from last year and not the "new" one. John's comment of course was "what if the new teacher IS the perfect teacher for him?". I was laughing all the way home from dropping Blaine off the first day of school because guess who is teacher was? That's right, the "new" one.

2. We sign a behavior chart every day. The comment from day 4 was "A little sillier than usual, but still a great day!" - how well she already has Blaine figured out. I just wonder how often this comment will be written.

3. The posititve reinforcement used for the class is drawing stars on a graph. Today he came with a new silly band from the treasure chest because he has 105 stars. Oh how he loves to rise to the occasion of digging in the treasure chest.


Miss Koontz, welcome to Rapoport Academy. May God bless your first year teaching. Thank you for already having a positive impact on Blaine and having a fantastic start to his 2nd grade year.

Back to School 2010 - Blaine

Today is the first day of school. Wow Rapoport starts early, but we get out early too!! Blaine is super excited to be back in the swing of school. I think he is ready to return to a schedule and be away from his sister for large chunks of time.

I can't believe my baby will be in 2nd grade. Blaine we pray that you have an awesome first day of school. We also pray that whichever teacher you get, she will be the perfect teacher for you this year. May this year be a year that challenges and motivates you to continue to love reading, learning and interacting with your peers.

Mom, Dad and Delaney love you and wish you the best today.

Saturday Project - Rain Gutter Bookcases

I saw this idea for really cool bookcases in the Family Fun magazine. You take vinyl rain gutters which are $5 for a 10ft piece at Home Depot. Then cut them in whatever lengths you want. We did 3 ft and 2 ft sections. Then you add the end caps and hanging brackets. These literally took a total of 30 minutes to cut and install all 4 pieces. You can also research "rain gutter bookcases" and see soo many pictures and ideas.

My original thought was a way to display the fun mini scrapbooks that my mom makes for the kids after each birthday and after each of their summer stays at Nana and Papa's. John was concerned that the kids would pull a regular bookshelf down so this is a great and durable idea.

Here is the before picture of the playroom



This is not even 5 minutes later with the two shelves put up.


Then the final product. Each of the kids have their own shelf.



Up close of the shelves with Nana's scrapbooks.

Of course we had 4 extra feet of gutter, so we decided to put some up in the kids' rooms so it keeps the books off their beds. Also maybe their flashlights won't be lost quite so easily.

Delaney's room before.

and after...by far my favorite addition.

Blaine's room after. Not a great picture, but at least you get perspective.

Up close of Blaine's shelf.

The kids were super excited about their additions. Thank you John for helping me once again complete one of grand ideas.

Daddy is Home

John came home Monday night after being out of town since last Wednesday. The kids were super excited that he was coming. They painted this sign and put it up on the wall outside where he was sure to see it.

Hugs and Kisses all around...

Earlier that day after the kids painted the sign they decided to dress up like Dad and build some things (Blaine's idea was a zip line for their stuffed animals - where do they come up with these ideas?)

We missed you Daddy very much and are super glad that you are back. I also am so thankful for all you do for us and around the house.

Sick

Kindergarten --- Check

Wow, my first born has completed his first year of school. What a year we have had. Blaine started his Kindergarten experience at LaVega Primary and he ended it at Rapoport Academy Elementary.

I can't say enough about what a great decision it has been to make the switch after Christmas break. The initial transition was a little tough, but Blaine says he had a blast. He had the opportunity to be challenged in several different areas. He was able to go into the 1st grade classroom everyday for math and then once a week he did "research projects" with the librarian, Mrs. Lane.

Mrs. Tooley thank you for your seeing the potential in Blaine and for welcoming him into your class. He had a great experience and especially loved your oversized pillows in the reading nook.



Mrs. Gall thank you for challenging Blaine in your first grade classroom and treating him as one of your own. He loved being able to come into your class and learn all the new things that you were able to open up to him.


No Kindergarten graduation at RAPS, but a great celebration the whole last week of school. What boy wouldn't enjoy multiple free play times outside and a movie or two.

Blaine we are so proud of you for hanging in there with all the changes for your Kindergarten year. We love you and love the big man you are becoming. You did an awesome job with the challenge of both classes and can't wait to see what next year holds for you. May you continue to grow in your love for others, your love for learning and your love for Jesus. Love Mom and Dad.

Delaney Spring Program

A few weeks ago Delaney participated in the Robinson Church of Christ Preschool Spring Program. She apparently loves to sing and perform - who knew. Here she is walking in with her class. Her daddy caught her as she is smiling for her mamma. The entire group from itty bittys to the 4's all stand in the front and sing a few songs.



I decided not to post any of the videos of the group singing since it was difficult to see Delaney. However, you can definitely pick her voice out of the group quite easily! In fact, Mrs. Sally (her first teacher when she started at RCC) told us that thanks to Delaney everyone was able to understand the words to the songs - way to go Baby Girl.

Thank you Mrs. Ginger for a great year. Delaney enjoyed her time with you - even all the mornings you had to take her from me screaming and crying. Not to worry those tears only lasted seconds after mommy left the doorway.


Delaney your little personality is definitely beginning to blossom into your very own. Thank you for your tenacity to follow your own desires - even if it is not what mommy and daddy want you to do. Thank you for loving music as much as your mamma. You make me smile to hear your little voice "belt" out your favorite songs. Love Mommy and Daddy.