Emma's Surprise Party

My little sister, Emma, will turn 16 on Tuesday. Her friends decided to throw her a surprise party Friday night to celebrate. It was a fun night and... interesting to meet some of Emma's friends.

Emma played surprised quite well. We knew that she had known, or at least suspected something was in the works for a little while.

Emma and McKenna. McKenna's costume was AWESOME!!!!

Playing a game called "Curses."

No idea what this game was, but it was quite entertaining to watch! :)

It's a good thing they all like each other.

Then the 16 year olds decided to play Musical Chairs. Not a game I would have planned for a party with teenagers, but they had a lot of fun.

Happy birthday Emma!!

Finally Settled!

I changed offices for this year. I wanted to make it my own space, so over the summer I painted (with some great helpers!) and rearranged the furniture. I've just been waiting for the final touches and they came last week! Here are the pictures of Ms. White's new and improved office. I love it because you would never guess that the school is like a million years old by looking at my office.

I know it's messy, but I'm a busy girl. And, let's be honest, when have I ever been known as an organized person?

A good friend of mine put the vinyl lettering on this mirror for me. It says, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. e.e. cummings" Melisa did a fantastic job! It is absolutely perfect.

To finish off today on a fantastic note a bunch of former students came to visit, including my first cheerleaders, K-Dogg and Pep! I was so excited to see them!!!

Becoming a Professional Suck Up

My first day at my school counseling internship my mentor pulled me aside and said, "Sarah, people here hate you simply because you are a counselor." Now, me being the people pleaser I am thought I would turn that around because I am THAT awesome. Boy have the last 3 years shot my ability to charm people to pieces!
Every year at the end of the year we hand out Comprehensive Guidance surveys to students, parents, and teachers. Yesterday we received the results of last May's survey. It wasn't the worst results possible, but they weren't exactly peachy. The most disheartening were the teacher results. My former mentor's words came back loud and clear. When the statistician finished reviewing what the teachers thought of us he simply said, "It may be time for a PR campaign." Apparently all my efforts trying to please the teachers at Valley Jr. High has been a waste of my time. I guess before I make it sound like ".... everybody hates me, I guess I'll go eat worms!" I should make a few things clear. Only 18 of our 45 teachers turned their surveys into us. There were a couple positive responses (thanks Kjersti!), but the negative ones were REALLY negative and skewed the very small amount of date toward the negative.
I have made cookies several times to put in the Faculty Room over the past 3 years, but I thought maybe one more try would do the trick (am I naive or what?!) Last year around Halloween my mom told me that her Relief Society president had made cookies shaped like witch fingers to take to sisters in their ward. I have wanted to try it ever since and I had a stroke of genious today.... I'll make Halloween cookies and a cute card wishing all the teachers Happy Halloween. How cute am I?!
After an evening full of baking here are the results...

My fingers are crossed!

A Moment of Peace

Saturday October 17th, 2009 a dear friend passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Joanne's passing brought about many different emotions and caused me to do some personal reflection on choices I have made over the last 3 years. Monday night I decided I needed some time alone where I could process my many thoughts and spend some time speaking with my Heavenly Father. I hadn't been on a drive to see the fall colors and I knew that they would only remain for a short time, so I went for a drive. I just drove and eventually found myself near Timpanogos Cave in Uintah National Park. I took some pictures (I'm not claiming to be a great photographer, but I sure wish I was...) I was grateful for the peace that I found and the strength I was blessed with. I have regrets, but I realize that I have made certain choices based on my own healing process. I pray Joanne and the entire Elder family know of my love for them. Heavenly Father, thank you for the strength and insight I have been blessed with.

Spirit Week At Valley

Once I uploaded all my pictures I realized I did it in the wrong order. So, for this post please start at the bottom and work your way from bottom to top. It will make more sense. :)

Once again, I left the Sponge Throw completely soaked. At least this year I took my coworkers down with me!

I wasn't the only one who finished the day wet.

I believe this was the moment Ms. Parkes got hit right in the forehead. It wasn't long after that that all heck broke loose! (And it was definitely staff initiated!)

Second lunch Mr. Ballentine decided to play dirty. He hasn't learned not to mess with Ms. White!

Some of the targets for second lunch. When first lunch ended 2 of the student body officers dmped a bucket of water on me. I need to learn to watch the bucket better. I was the only one who left wet. They eventually came and apologized. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to participate, so I couldn't bee too upset. Let's see how second lunch plays out...

Once again, pure joy on the face of the students!

The boys certainly don't look that concerned. Mr. Freeman insisted on wearing a poncho.

Thursday October 15th was Disney/Superhero Day. The lunchtime activity was the annual Sponge Throw, oh goody. Last year I ended up having a total of 4 buckets of cold water dumped over my head and for some reason I agreed to participate again this year. There must be something wrong with me. Maybe next year when I'm no longer the Cheer advisor I won't be quite as "popular."

Ms. Parkes

We even got administration, Ms. States and Mr. Berneau, involved in the competition.

The lunchtime Jell-O eating contest was sponsored by the cheerleaders. I spent the evening before making blue Jell-O and only spilled it all over the kitchen once. Luckily Kandus helped me clean it up quickly, our countertops are not stained blue.

Three members of the Counseling Center. Now we know what Mr. Ballentine thinks of Ms. White.

Ms. Parkes, Mr. Berneau, and Mr. Ballentine

I wonder what parents who entered our fine school that day thought when they saw the staff...

Student Government

Cute kids!

The sassy girls! Dawn, me, and Kjersti. Kjersti's fashion influence spread among all three of us!

Wednesday October 14th was Crazy Day. I was having a difficult day and chose not to participate (I also had a district meeting that afternoon and didn't think my superiors would appreciate a crazy day outfit). But, when I got to work I let Kjersti work her "magic" on me, and the end result was.... lovely.

This is one of the other counselors at my school.

This made my day. Mrs. Epley was 9 months pregnant and was an awesome twin for Mr. Gibbons!

Kjersti and I wore the shirts we bought together in Disney World!

Tuesday October 13th was Twin Day. The lunchtime activity was a Donut Eating Contest. Luckily this didn't involve me getting sicky or wet or anything else!

The end result for the students.

Mr. Cracroft

Ms. Parkes even got her turn as a victim.

Pure joy!

I was called a cheater because I attempted to cover my face. None of those kids would have had to survive the rest of the day with ice cream in their hair, so they have no room to talk!

Monday October 12th was the first day of Spirit Week at Valley Jr. High. The theme for the day was Pajama Day which is pretty much my favorite day of the year.

The lunchtime activity was the annual ice cream drop. A member of the faculty lays on the ground with an ice cream cone in his/her mouth and the students get to take turns standing on the ladder and attempting to drop a scoop of ice cream into the cone. I think we only had 2 winners total during both lunches. Mr. Berneau was the most frequently selected victim. I ended up with ice cream all down my arm and in my hair. The things I do for my students!