{Off and Away}

Congratulations!

Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and Away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you chose.
You are on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go

These are the words of Dr. Seuss in his book "Oh The Places You'll Go." Today is my last day of school and I feel like today is my day. I'm off to great places. I'm going where I am needed. I couldn't be happier about starting my new life as a full time stay at home mommy and wife for Adam and Hannah. It is what I have always wanted. It is a little surreal...Since I was a young girl I've always said I wanted to be a mom more than anything in the world. That I wanted to stay at home and raise my kids. I always said when I grew up I wanted to be a mom...I guess today is the day I'm all grown up.

I have mixed feelings on graduation. On the one hand...good ridden! I have worked myself to the bone working full time taking 18 credit hours going to school in every step of my pregnancy from morning sickness to four days before delivery from walking in the 108 degree weather caring Hannah to walking away from my 3 week old baby to go to student teaching. I am so ready to be done on one hand...On the other hand I'm done...what now. So much of my life I have devoted to THIS MOMENT. I've put so much work into it and now it is over. I'm a little lost.

Student teaching has fortunately been one of the best experiences of my life. As you can see I haven't blogged much in the past four months because I've been stretched to my limit. I've also made some great friends and had some great moments. It was a labor of love.

I am passionate about education, about the children I've come to know and love. I'm passionate about educational theory and the benefits of a strong education. I've grown closer to the Savior who first understood that being in the presence of children is a sacred experience. I know that my education will forever be a benefit to me and those I serve and teach. I have been refined through this experience. I've met some great allies and friends and my testimony has grown.

My formal education began in Mrs. Paul's kindergarten class. I was scared to go to school. I didn't know if the kids would like me or if I would be a good student. I didn't know if my teacher would like me. My formal education ends in Mrs. Bauer's third grade class. I was scared to go to school. I didn't know if the kids would like me or if I would be a good student teacher. I didn't know if my teacher would like me or if we would even get along. Now I know I have friends, I have opportunities. I have been blessed.

Today is my last day of my grand adventure...but I know it will not be the last day of adventures.