She is crazy, in a good way!

Wow-do I have a treat for you! Mr. Winters asked the kids to act as if they are writing to the new kids coming into our building next year, and to inform them of all much needed information they must have to succeed in the grand building 2! So.... we have been reading them and laughing very hard! and also, feeling very appreciated at the same time.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything but when a teacher hears these things, it makes you want to keep teaching. I really do thank the Lord that I am able to see a small impact. Also, if you know me well, you will recognize that these kids pretty much figured me out and have learned exactly who I am. I'm so glad they saw my heart!

Here are exact quotes from several of the letters in regards to my teaching skills (and other things actually). Anything in parentheses is my input or explanation. Do enjoy and I hope you laugh-OUT LOUD!


-the best teachers are winters/fletcher(maybe)/beard (From a student who gave me more problems than anyone!)

-Miss Fletcher is the reading teacher. She is the young sweet teacher. She might look like she will let you do anything but shes got you tricked. There is very little you can do and not get caught. Although, she does have her days. She is the fun, always laughing, sweet teacher.

-Miss Fletcher: she's nice and she doesn't yell a lot.

-Miss Fletcher is great also, she expects your best and loves to have fun.

-Miss Fletcher is just awesome. Shes like every other teacher but better. There is something about her that makes her great. (wow, how stinkin' nice is that?)

-Miss Fletcher is a very nice teacher when you get to know her. She has a very cool project near the end of the year but I wo'nt tell you what it is cause she probably won't either. (from a kid who I pretty much thought hated me)

-Next is Miss Fletcher's reading class. She is young and is new to the building this year. Her class is probably the less stressful of all the classes. Don't get me wrong, her work is difficult but she doesn't give a lot of homework.

-Miss Fletcher is really sweet and friendly. SHe always seems to make reading enjoyable!

-Miss Fletcher leads some recycling group. She also makes people do essays all the time.

-There's Miss Fletcher, if you think that she reads slowly your wrong.

-Miss Fletcher is pretty funny but don't get on her bad side cause she can be mean and don't talk cause she will send you to the back of the room. (I love this kid! He got in trouble ONE time, and I obviously hurt his little feelings for punishing him!)

-Always be respectful to Miss Fletcher, because it'll pay off when you need it.

-Miss Fletcher is a really sweet woman. She has her days, but they're really easy to brighten up. She always wears the cutest outfits and she's easy to get along with.

-Miss Fletcher: she makes a joke now and then. She likes to put us in groups.

-Miss Fletcher's really nice but don't get on her bad side. (I have a BAD side? who knew?...)

-Miss Fletcher is just like the mom of the building. (WHAT?!)

-For reading, Miss Fletcher. She may be young but she can teach very good!

-Lastly, Miss Fletcher. She is such a sweetheart, but don't goof off because she'll still set you straight. She will always be reading you a book and helping you study for an upcoming quiz.

-Miss Fletcher is reading. She is crazy, in a good way, and loves to read.

-Miss Fletcher is a young teacher. She is the cheerleading coach at LFMS. She is very outgoing and loves to have a great time everywhere she goes. Her skills at teaching are outstanding. If you need to learn something she can help. Don't get blinded by her prettyness, she can be MEAN, at times if you disrespect her. (HILARIOUS!)

-Miss Fletcher records times you get caught with gum. (I caught this girl ONE time with gum, and it obviously had a big effect on her.)

-Miss Fletcher is the reading teacher. She is very fun but she is also the type of teacher who expects the best from you.

So there ya go!!!! There were other HILARIOUS ones, especially about the other teachers, but these are just a few. I LOVE that they know I expect the best from them, because that is one of the most important lessons I try to live out myself. I'm happy for a break, but will be excited for a new group of kids as well.

Too much!

TONS has been going on! Between me moving into a new apartment and having tons of friends in town for a wedding, I am now in strict wedding mode for my sister's wedding: T-5 days! YAY! Technically, I haven't finished moving into the apartment but still, it's been a lot to take in! I can't wait to show you pictures of all the fun festivities that have been going on but right now... all I can think about is sleep!

80s Day!

Our social studies department had "decades day" last Friday so every grade had a particular decade to celebrate... ours was the 80s! So these are the crazy fools I work with! There are 5 teachers on a team, and we have so much fun! Robbie (on the left) is, of course, the reason so many girls request our building because they love him so dearly and Blake (to the right) is also everyone else's favorite. haha... I'm just the new girl! 2 other ladies teach with us (not pictured) and we do have quite a mix of personalities, but we love each other dearly! We tried to do a typical 80s pose... whatever that is! The best parts to this picture are 1-Robbie's ridiculous gold, peace sign earring... and 2-how old school Blake's swishy suit is. haha... we have too much fun! (Dycus snuck in the background because he was playing old school Nintendo, for 80s day of course, but he isn't so lucky to be a teacher in our building!)

Just get me through it!

The past few days have seemed exhausting, but exciting!!! Well... most of it...

First, Katie and I had to somewhat quickly decide on an apartment, and ended up finding a beautiful one! It's brand new, super nice, and great for just us two! We already have the keys and signed our lease last week!

Then, Friday morning I arrive at school seeing about 5 cop cars, and realizing that something was wrong. Needless to say, we were on lock down for about an hour and a half because of a "threat" from a student via text message that was eventually sent to tons of kids in our school! Every locker, student, bag, and especially every cell phone was checked. It was no fun and led to a pretty disruptive day... apparently it was taken care of, but still, yesterday and today, they had to keep doing some checks of students and lockers. A kid is obviously wanting out of school badly, and by doing so, they are putting our school's name on the line, not to mention our name on the front page of the paper multiple days in a row. THANKS!

Saturday morning I ventured out, alone, to buy new furniture!!!!! Then.... I abruptly realized that buying brand new furniture is not a possibility. Soo... I went to the next best thing-our great, used furniture store in town. I ended up purchasing several great pieces of furniture that look fabulous together, with the help of Teddie's opinion, of course! It was delivered today and I'm so excited!

I did have the privilege to go on a reward field trip yesterday to see the new Prince Caspian movie-and I must say, it was great! Very entertaining, humorous, with some deep symbolism as well. Our kids really liked it too.

Now, my goal this week is to keep my kids from driving me crazy and to not hurt each other. Please Lord, let me get through 3 more days with these wild children!

Lukewarm

I started a new book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It's fabulous.

The last chapter I read was called the "profile of the lukewarm" and it is one of the best reads I have seen so far that actually unveils the truth of being lukewarm and the verse that we have all used so many times. Francis basically says this... scripture says that if we are lukewarm He will spew us out of His mouth. Basically, there is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian. If He is going to spew you out, He probably doesn't count you as a Christian at all. God is not going to spew out any Christian, therefore it's a complete oxymoron because it's not possible to be both! If you are lukewarm... you are a goner! You're done! You're toast! You are officially spewed out of his mouth! Unbelievable that this never hit me until I heard it put like this. This chapter paints a beautiful picture where it gives the characteristics of someone lukewarm and then puts scripture with it. Let me point out one of the best parts...

"Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He indeed isn't allowed to control their lives."

WOW! Slam in the face... I believe 100% that our faith,love, and dedication in Christ should not only influence us, but motivate us and change the way we act in every area. Go get this book-it's great so far.

Holyfield vs. Tyson... well not quite...

I almost made it through my first year as a public school teacher without breaking up a fight, just call me Referee Fletcher! YES-little 'ole Miss Fletcher had the privilege of breaking up a fight between two 8th grade boys. Here's how it went down...

I walk outside during 3rd and 4th period because I have planning that period and our students are going to their related arts. Thus.... hundreds of students are outside. I see at least 100 kids all in a clump. I walk over and start yelling GET TO CLASS (as any other decent, normal teacher would do) while they are slowly moving and waiting for something to happen between 2 boys I hadn't even noticed yet.
So I turn my back to ask a fellow student what was going on and her face lit up and then she pointed and went, "OHMYGOSH!" (In her excited, country accent...) Thus... I turn around and find "L" beating the snot out of "A". I did get a little nervous because I was the ONLY teacher there and not to mention... a female teacher trying to break apart 2 boys. So I walk over and just grab the back of the L's shirt (hoping to prevent any swinging arms or fists that might come my way) and little A is crumpled up on the ground. The kids disperse... THEN about 5 teachers come out... and I grab L's wrist and walk him to the office. He didn't say a word to me and I didn't say a word to him, because honestly... there's NO good reason as to why he was beating up a kid so I didn't really care what it was about.

I was quite proud of myself and handled it as best as I could. L is suspended for the rest of the year, and A (since he didn't throw a punch) is now trying to defend himself from others. A told another teacher... "Jesus wouldn't have thrown any punches, so I didn't!" hmmm... that would have been a great motto to have a few weeks ago when he beat the snot out of another kid. Eh, at least he's learning something... stay tuned for more WILD middle school stories! During the month of May our campus is like a zoo!

Dollywood

Yesterday I ventured on our first big field trip-Dollywood! We took about 50 kids who were being rewarded for good behavior. Everything went exceptionally well-didn't lose any students or have any injuries. Besides the few kiddos who decided it would be ok to spit their sunflowers seeds on the bus floor, we had no discipline problems.

I was a little skeptical of Dollywood's roller coasters and "fun" level, but it was actually fantastic! The last time I had been therer was when I was in the fifth grade, and it has improved greatly since then. Not gonna lie-the Mystery Mine roller coaster was one of the scariest roller coasters I have been on. It doesn't have tons of loops and massive drops, but you do find yourself at one point looking straight up where you actually are leaning back at a 95 degree angle. I was angry at that moment that I had gotten on the ride... but it ended up being fabulous. I was with the 3 other male teachers---who admitted when we got off, they were a little nervous as well. You should hit up the great Smoky Mountains and go to Dollywood!

Harper Elizabeth

Here's the little princess!! She is already 4 1/2 months old and I can't believe it... although my sister swears she's not having anymore I really wish she would. But-at least Sarah is getting married and I will be getting more nieces and nephews soon! I love these kiddos so much-I can only imagine how much I will love my own!

The Colonnas

So here's to my sister and future brother in law who are getting married on May 31! Aren't they the cutest?

I know... I said I wouldn't do it

So I said I would never talk about my love life on here... and technically, I'm not. This is more of a general thought about the single life... and hopefully the marrieds and singles will listen to this alike.

Please do not feel sorry for single people. I realize that having a partner or spouse is a joyous amazement to behold, but my life will not begin when I have a man. I am exactly who I am supposed to be and whole and complete just the way I am, and I don't even necessarily think my life would be wayyyy funner with a man in it right now. There are fun things that I can't/don't join in on because I don't have a man, but there are also fun things that married people can't do that I can.

Honestly, I don't mind people's efforts in trying to hook me up with someone, as long as it is done with pure intentions and not out of a feeling of, "Well, Abby needs a good man to make her happy..." blah blah blah!

I was chatting with a friend a few weeks ago, and tried to explain to her where I am in my life and I hope this comes out right. I have never been more in love with the Lord than I am right now, and I hope and pray and desire that this love never leaves. All I care about is serving the Lord and spending time with Him. I'm not trying to sound self-righteous or haughty, but I really can't stress it enough. I welcome a good man into my life if that is what the Lord wills for me, but if most of my life consists of this single love I have for the Lord, then I am more than thrilled to keep it just like that. I know that single people can make excuses for making themselves feel good at where they are in their lives, but seriously... I have finally experienced the fullness of the Lord, and Him only. I can't imagine loving someone as much as I love Him.

I hope this made sense. It all is making sense to me and it's becoming clearer everyday.

Tiredness

I've just been so tired this week. An accumulation of the past few days:

-Was at school last night until 7:30. That's always fun....

-Been getting migraines again... got a painful one today.

-Purchased some wanna be aviators today and I'm pretty pumped to start wearing those. Please sun, come out!

-My sister is getting married 4 weeks from today which is craaaaazy!

-I have 15 days left to survive with my insane 8th graders.

-Winston, my 4 year-old nephew, slept with me last night which led to 2 little feet being pressed in my back most of the night. He's the only male allowed in my bed.

-I didn't work out ALL week, which I think was needed. My body needed to rest! I'm starting back up this week though, hopefully.

-I started a new book... so now I'm reading a total of 3.

-Life is good when I'm busy.