Pregnant at 12 years old?

             So, As you might already know, I did not do the December activity this Saturday. Something came up and we had to reschedule to this Saturday, December 18th. The plan is to still be there at 4pm at the home of the girls. I'm pretty excited because exams will be over and the girls will be excited to be out of school.
          However, I was on spgirlshome.com and I found this heartbreaking but moving video of a girl who used to reside at the girls home, her story, and her speaking out about childhood abuse and pregnancy. This young lady was sexually assaulted by her mothers boyfriend (starting at the age of eight), and became pregnant. She was only 12 years old during her pregnancy, but did not realize she was pregnant. Here is a link to the News Channel 7 website to where you can listen to her story. If you would, please take the time to watch this video!  Thanks, Claire.

---->  Click Me! I am the link to the Michelle Rice story

Are gingerbread houses edible?

Hello Friends! My next planned activity is coming up quick! On Saturday, December 11th, I will be at the Ellen Heins Smith Girls Home once again, this time, making Gingerbread houses! I have bought three separate gingerbread houses for the girls. I am trying to decide whether to divide the girls into three groups, or divide the girls in two groups and then have a staff team. I think it would be neat to include the staff in an activity. Anywho, I will also be going to the girls home on Thursday for my usual every other Thursday visit. This week, I think I might bring a small treat, like gingerbread cookies, to get the girls excited for Saturday! I am a bit nervous about Saturday, but hopefully the nervous will go away! I will be sure to update you on how Thursday, and Saturday goes later on in the week. However, here is the thought of the day: Are gingerbread houses edible? (:

"I'm commin' home wit chu!"

     



My mom, dad, and
I in my kitchen!



     So, On Saturday November 20th I held the second planned activity with the girls at the girls home. This activity was more of a dinner, a Thanksgiving Feast. We prepared a Smoked Turkey, mac n cheese, green bean casserole, croissant rolls, and cake. The girls LOVED the food, especially the macaroni and cheese! They ate ALL of it, and some were even scraping the plate to get every last bit! Everything was homemade, with the help of my mom, dad, Kyle, and I.

            When we arrived at the Girls Home at 4:00, my mom and I unloaded the food in the car and took it inside. All the girls we're patiently waiting the arrival of us, and were all so eager to help out. After setting up the tables with the Thanksgiving table cloths and plastic Turkey's, we played Apples to Apples. We divided into two teams, and team 1 (my team!) actually won the game! After playing for a while, it was time to enjoy the home cooked meal.



Everything packed in the car and
ready to go!



 As mentioned earlier, the girls (and staff!) LOVED all the food. The two favorite were the macaroni and cheese, and the croissant rolls. (Those are my favorites, too!) All the girls also loved the scrumptious chocolate cake. All of the girls we're very appreciative and thankful for spending time with them, and they all loved having the company of my mom there as well. (I'll have to admit, I was a little nervous with her there because I did not want the girls to think "hey I have a loving mom" like I was rubbing it in there face). While eating, one of the girls said “I’m commin’ home wit chu! I’ve never had food this good!” I think that comment made me realize that I should not complain when my mom makes nasty things for dinner, such as broccoli, because some people don’t ever have to opportunity to get home cooked meals!!.

preparing the food

This activity went really well! Mrs. Zion actually came by to see how things were going as well, which was really cool! Through this experience, I have learned so many things. I have become a more appreciative person, and I have learned that I need to be more thankful of what I have.  I cannot wait until I can spend more time with all of the girls!

My dad carving the Turkey