Dedicated to Nauvoo...

Oh the memories that were revived this afternoon. Dear LeAnn had sent me a recipe for Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies and I just HAD to make them. As I took my first bite I remembered the excitement over those cookies and sneaking 2 or 3 bowl fulls to Tara and Meagan's room so the deliciousness didn't have to end with dinner. Then I remembered the night we were up way past curfew and got quite the spook when the hall lights suddenly turned on (apparently we were too loud). Then of course there was "FASTER LEANN!!" We just didn't want to miss the sunset. Burger king crowns in the bathroom... you just had to be there, although my pictures are pretty close to the awesomeness. I miss my daily walks with Meagan (do you remember when we suddenly ended up at David's Chamber and the scary guy in the car?). I knit by myself now, but remember my grandma friends.
So many memories! So, to LeAnn, Tara, Meagan, Ashley, Shelby, Sara, and so many others I LOVE you and miss you! You are my forever friends!!!

Considered a SUCCESS!

As a Counseling Center we handed out our turkeys at the end of the day to all the teachers. I had attached a cute tag that read, "Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time away from all the little turkeys! From: The Counseling Center" I am considering this day a success. I even got a few thank you's! WAHOO! I have to say, my mom's "Kill 'em With Kindness" technique really does work. Anyone have ideas of what I should do for Christmas???

The Sucking Up Continues

Okay, here's my attempt at winning over mean teachers for November. Do you think it will work?

Turkeys made from Cocoa Krispie treats. The pictures don't really do them justice.

Here's the website I got the idea from

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pretzel-tailed-turkey-treats-tm-recipe/index.html

Reality Town 2009!

Today was Reality Town at Valley Jr. High! This was my first year in charge and that was a little stressful, but I just relied on what we've done the last 2 years and on my AWESOME Counseling Center secretary, Juliene. With the help of my colleagues we had a very successful activity today.
Reality Town is an activity we do for our 9th graders. They are assigned a career based on their first quarter midterm GPA (which is an eye-opener for some who are convinced grades don't count). With their career they are also given a monthly income and one of 4 life scenarios.
1. Married and spouse stays home, therefore they don't have to pay for child care but they have not additional income from their spouse.
2. Married and spouse works part time and goes to school. They have to pay for child care, and spouse contributes $500 monthly to total income.
3. Single parent. They have to pay for child care, but they are given $200 per child.
4. Married and spouse works full time, adding $2000 to monthly income.
Each student is randomly assigned one of these scenarios, and also randomly assigned 1, 2, or 3 children.
When the students enter Reality Town their first stop is the bank where they open a checking account and are given a checkbook. They then go from business to business trying to buy the necessities and also the wants of life. They must balance their checkbooks so they know how much money they have left. Some of the businesses are Bank, Housing, Transportation, Groceries, Child Care, Clothing, Entertainment, Communications, Home Improvement, Health and Grooming, Utilities, Car Insurance, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Medical, Military Recruitment, Supplemental Income, and Pet Shop.

Some students with their Reality Town booklets.

This is pretty much the funniest part of the day. This picture was taken about a half hour before Reality Town ended for this group. Supplemental Income becomes the most popular booth! I hear a lot of, "Ms. White I have NO money!" "What can I do to get more money?" "How many other jobs can I actually get?" "Reality sucks!" "I'm broke!" "I'm in poverty!" "I failed the Military Recruitment test, what else can I do to get more money?" Hilarious!

Students receive an extra $100 if they dress appropriately for their job. Here we've got a video game designer (get it??? She dressed like a nerd!), a physical therapist, and a mechanical drafter.

After I took this picture I had to play the police officer and kick these kids out of my park for loitering!

Some of our awesome volunteers. These girls were some of my first students and came from Granger High School to help us out.

Mr. Ballentine helping a couple more volunteers.

The aerial view of Reality Town.

A child psychiatrist.

It was a great day! I am completely exhausted but very proud of our Counseling Center. There are only 2 of us who have put on Reality Town at Valley before, but it went well. Now I think we will all spend the next 3 days sleeping!

Happy Birthday Grandma Shirley!

Wednesday November 11th was Grandma Shirley's 81st birthday. The whole Grover clan gathered to celebrate.

Uncle Bruce, my mom, Grandpa George

Aunt Anita, and Keaton

I don't remember Callie often complaining of not having a brother. I suppose that's because our cousinsn have taken the place of the annoying brother. Example... Ron torturing Callie last night.

Aunt Merrilee, Lexi, and Aunt Robyn

Gracie, Cambry, and Keaton

Mom and Bentley (I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly)

A couple of the teenagers, can you tell? Faythe and Samuel

Josh, Bailey, and Keaton

Me with a couple of my favorite people!

Hannah and Emma

Grandma and her money. Grandma has been fretting about the fact that she and Grandpa may have missed some birthdays. So, they pulled out some money and questioned each of us. Talk about pressure! I don't remember clear back to May!

Georgia and Samuel