Friday, December 4, 2009

{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.

12 comments:

Margie said...

Daddy said....

I remember distinctly watching Melissa go off to school one morning. Margie and I watched her cross the street to pick up Megan Winegar and then we watched her walk until she rounded the corner and we could no longer see her. She was in the first grade as I recall. As she was walking out of sight I began singing to Margie the words of a song that Engelbert Humperdinck made a hit. The chorus goes like this: "There goes my reason for living, there goes the one of my dreams, there goes my only possession, there goes my everything."

Melissa, today you are still my reason for living (though you are no longer my only possession) you are my dream girl and my everything. I am so awfully proud of you today; my heart is swelling!!

I know and understand that you have made great sacrifices to arrive at this day. I know that you have been blessed and edified and sustained by your Heavenly Father. I have asked so much of Him in your behalf and He has been faithful, loving, and merciful to my petitions.

Have a wonderful last day of school. I remember so well my last day of school at the "U" and it is an AWESOME thing!!!!! I know that the Lord will bless and prosper you as you dedicate yourself to Him and to your family.

In the wise words of Alice Cooper "No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks. School's out FOREVER!!!"

I am so very proud of you. I love you with all of my heart.

Dad xoxo

Bea said...

Melissa!!! what an awesome day and accomplishment!!!! Your post is fantabulous and I have tears running down my face. Who'd have thunk that this day would come. Probably not you at times with all your struggles. What adventures, from Pleasant View, Utah to the capitols of the world. And now a college graduate and a stay at home Mom!!!! I admire your choice. Now you will be having different adventures. Look at Moses 5:12
I pray that Heavenly Father will continue to bless you. I love you and am proud of your persistence.
CONGRATULATIONS
Love the two pictures.

Lesley said...

Wow Melissa, after reading your post and your Dads comment I can hardly see the keyboard through my tears. Congratulations to you and to Adam and to Hannah; she is a very lucky little girl and I am so glad that you are blessed with the opportunity to be staying home with her. You are well prepared and that must be a great feeling for you. You have many new adventures ahead of you as a teacher (in the home) and you will be teaching your most important pupils. Way to go, have a wonderful last day of school you are awesome!! Love you.

Aunt Lesley

Margie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margie said...

Melissa, my heart is swelling with joy and gratitude and tears are running down my face!! I am so proud of you and so impressed with you too. You have worked so hard to come to this point!! Congratulations...this is a BIG ACOMPLISHMENT!!

You have worked HARD and have sacrificed much to get to this point. I know Heavenly Father has provided ways and means for you every step of the way. You have gained a fine formal education as you were promised years ago. It has been a privilege and honor to watch you through your entire education process. For eternity you will be able to take with you those things you have learned.

I also feel very grateful for Adam and for his support and his encouragement. He has fulfilled his promise that he would do what he could do to help you finish your education. Your education will bless your family. Brigham Young said "when you educate a man; you educate a man, when you educate a woman; you educate a generation."

I am very proud of you! I love you so much!!

P.S. I love the pictures too!

Mormann Family said...

Congrats Melissa!!! I'm so proud of you. :) I'm also so glad we became friends. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do. You will make a GREAT teacher one day.

Lilian said...

Way to go Melissa. Congratulations on such an accomplishment!! You made a great decision to go to school and get your degree and and even better decision to stay home and be a mom! I am very happy for you and proud of you too!

jonandalicia said...

Congratulations! It is such a great accomplishment and I know how wonderful it feels to be done! Have an amazing time being a mommy and wife at home! That is something that I strive for as well!
Love you,
Alicia

Brian and Carly said...

Melissa I am so happy for you! Congratulations on achieving your goal. You are a great example to me of the importance of getting my education! Can´t wait to see you in a few weeks!

Stephanie said...

I am SO proud happy and excited for you!! Awesome job Girl! You are going to be the best stay at home mom there is! Love you!

Marivic said...

Congratulations Melissa! What an awesome accomplishment. You are a good example to all whose lives you touch. I am proud of you for finding and being sure of your calling. Your education is a great advantage in the road ahead. I have no wise words for one who is already so wise beyond her years but I''l just say, continue to seek education beyond the walls of classrooms, continue to learn from the world around you and not be limited to your world. The hard part of getting a degree may be over but intelligence is an eternal pursuit. Keep growing! Throwing electronic hugs your way, catch! :-)

Georgia said...

Way to go, Melissa! I'm so proud of you, you'd think I might have some claim to how amazing you are. I know I don't but I still feel that kind of gratitude and joy for you and this incredible accomlishment.

We're looking forward to seeing you after Christmas. Scones, anyone?