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Dear BYU-IDAHO,

Dear BYU-IDAHO,

It's been a long road. Five years to be exact. I can't help but smile when I think back to the girl who first stepped on campus - so very young and naive. Though I've complained, complained, and complained some more, today I realized you've been the consistent thing in my life for the past five years. I could always count on you to be the same. I knew the rules, what you expected of me, and looking back I realize I'm grateful for the consistency you brought.

You were there to watch me live with other girls for the very first time. At times you were there to watch the drama unfold, but more importantly you witnessed me make life long friends.

Nauvoo House


Colonial House

You watched me meet, date, and fall for Patrick and attempt to balance dating and schoolwork at the same time.



You were there when Pat and I decided we were ready to say "I DO."





You watched me live life as a newlywed, and become an absolute crazy person on birth control. :)



You watched me walk on campus pregnant and sick, but thrilled with the thought of the adventures that lay ahead of me with becoming a mom. You watched me pass 9 kidney stones, shed a lot of tears, and spend a night in the ER, all in one semester. Four days later giving birth to Preslee Jo.



You watched me juggle the responsibilities of being a wife, mother, and student. Though I was so very stressed, I lived some of my happiest moments during this phase of my life.





You watched me return for my last two semesters pregnant and with a heavy heart as I had just buried my only child. I hid in your bathroom stalls many times in hopes to hide my uncontrollable tears. I achieved more in these last two semesters than I ever thought possible with a lot of help from family, teachers, friends and a caring Heavenly Father.



So as I say goodbye, I want to thank you. I think its safe to say there may be a few aspects that I will miss, but for the most part I'm ready to move on! (Especially the crazy things like calling me into the Dean's office because I received a parking ticket and telling me I was a dishonest person...I honestly thought my parking pass expired after winter semester and not fall) My religion classes changed me as a person and gave me a strong foundation to stand upon. I grew as a person and even more as a teacher as I learned from some amazing professors.

I know many of you thought this day would never come, frankly, for a long time I wasn't sure it would either :) I love that I don't have anymore homework and am able to wear flip flops all year long! Thank you Patrick and Mom for listening to all my dramatic complaints and stories. You both always assured me I could do it. And guess what... I DID! I GRADUATED!

Love,
Ashley

28 weeks along. The gown hides a lot!
Walking across the stage to receive my diploma cover.
Melissa French, Me, Lindsey Bush

Dorsie and Terry
My brother Dustin and sister-in-law Alisha

Mom and Dad

Thank you to all who supported me on my big day, it really meant a lot that you would come cheer me on.

P.S. Many of you have asked whats next? Pat and I have decided that I'm not going to work next fall, I'm going to be lucky enough to stay home with a baby and get to be a mom again :)
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57 comments:

  1. HaylieApril 10, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Ashley, you are so awesome! I'm glad I could be your roommate! Thanks for letting me read your blog, I've learned tons from you! Congrats for graduating and for the baby-to-be!

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  2. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    YAY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You deserve to be the happiest person. Way to stand strong and continue on...always an awesome example. And, you look darling!!

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  3. Emily AsayApril 10, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    congrats! I think you are wonderful. There are so many great things ahead!! :)

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  4. Dallas and CarissaApril 10, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Joy! Congratulations! You absolutely deserve it. Here's to a big BRIGHT future ahead :)

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  5. Megan@TrueDaughterApril 10, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Congratulations - I am so happy for you - What an accomplishment!
    I will continue to pray for your family, and for a happy and healthy birth. God Bless you.

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  6. BrittanyApril 10, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Hi,

    my name is Brittany and I just found your blog, my daughter was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder. We were told that she may not walk or talk, or live into adulthood. I read your daughters story and it really touched me, so I just thought I would reach out and say hello. My husband and I met at BYUI and I loved my time there (I too lived in Colonial). We actually moved back to rexburg 3 years ago, and it is such a different experience when you are not a collage student, but we really love this area.
    Even though we are going through such different experiences, grieving is still the same, and I am always so grateful to have the chance to meet other moms in the blogging world.

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  7. RachApril 10, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Congratulations!!! So happy for you Sidd!

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  8. TishApril 10, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! I've been a silent follower until now :)

    Is it strange to be so excited for a complete stranger? I'm just really excited for you and your family. I'm so happy you get to stay home and be a mommy to your little man coming soon! You truly have a way with words and are exceptionally inspirational. Thanks so much for sharing your life and experiences with all of us.

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  9. STAYCApril 10, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Yay! Congratulations! So excited for you and Pat! I do not know when you lived in Colonial or Nauvoo... but that is where I lived as well 2005-2007 and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my time there! Fabulously fun! It is so true - you deserve all of the happiness that is heading your way!!!

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  10. Chase & MeganApril 10, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Congrats georgous girl. That is such a big accomplishment. It was so good to see you the other day!! :)
    Love ya!!

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  11. candeeApril 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    I'm so PROUD!! I told you you would never make it, I had little faith but look at you in that cap and gown, you sure proved me wrong!! I'm so excited that YOU ARE DONE!!! It is about freakin time. I get my pal back, no more homework.

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  12. The SullengersApril 10, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS! I laughed when you said you get to wear flip flops all year - I'm seriously surprised you made it 5 years under those strict rules :) And yay for staying home and getting to be a full-time mommy! You are going to love it! Wish we could have been there for your big day and it's not fair that you don't look pregnant at all under that gown. I guess I need to wear one of those every day!

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  13. RosalieApril 10, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    I am so very happy for you! You have achieved a lot and been through so much and yet you never gave up, even though at times you wanted to! I am so grateful for your example and faith! Thank you for being the woman I can hope to one day become! I appreciate your friendship!

    Much love!

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  14. Ashley ZieglerApril 10, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Congrats!!!! That's so exciting!! You're amazing!! :)

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  15. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    I just wanted to tell you CONGRATULATIONS! I don't know of anyone that deserves it more than you! I know we don't know eachother but I really look up to you and think you are AMAZING! GOOD LUCK with EVERYTHING!

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  16. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    so proud of you ash (eileen) I can't believe it's been 5 years since we graduated HS, You've been through so much and are such a great example to me.. SO Proud of you! love you lots

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  17. McKenzie @ Girl Loves GlamApril 10, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    Congrats! What I great feeling!
    P.S. I love Melissa and Lindsay! I grew up with Lindsay and I danced with Melissa! I didn't realize that they were graduating this semester!

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  18. LisaApril 10, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    way to go!!!!!!! i graduate in may and it is a COUNTDOWN. you are an amazing person, ashley.

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  19. Our FamilyApril 10, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    way to go ashley! that is such a HUGE accomplishment! congratulations! you did it!!! katie

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  20. Jackie KollApril 11, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    Congratulations!!! Such a great accomplishment and I'm so glad you get to stay home in the fall. It is truly the best thing ever!

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  21. L!$@April 11, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    Congratulations on your graduations!! :D Have fun being a stay home mum :D

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  22. SarahApril 11, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    I just bawled my eyes out through that entire post. I've been reading your blog for months and months now and I haven't ever commented because I just can't ever find the words....

    You amaze and inspire me. Thank you for that. I am so thrilled for you and your new adventures ahead. Congratulations :)

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  23. Chris & StephanieApril 11, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I am so excited that you finished your schooling, that you have no more homework and that you will have the opprotunity to be a stay at home mom. You deserve it. Congratulations.

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  24. Melissa CheneyApril 11, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    CONGRATS, Ashley!!! I am SO happy for you! What an incredible goal to accomplish. You have overcome some serious challenges this past year and kept going when many others would have quit. YOU DID IT!!! What a gratifying feeling!

    And the best part is yet to be...can't wait for you to enjoy a little one in your arms again! I will be praying for everything to go smoothly in the coming weeks and months. YOU DESERVE IT!

    Now kick back with those flip flops on and enjoy that diploma hangin' on the wall!

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  25. TiffanyApril 11, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! :)

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  26. Beth WillmoreApril 11, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Congratulations Ashley- that's an amazing accomplishment and one that you'll never regret having! Good luck with the next phase of your life!

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  27. Melissa FrenchApril 11, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I just read what you wrote on my blog and I could say the exact same for you. Especially last semester, you got me through it! I'm so glad we became such good friends and had fun through all the craziness of classes :) Keep me updated too! I can't wait to see and hopefully meet your little boy!

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  28. McKay & Carlee FrancisApril 11, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Ash I am still ticked that you left me for Pat at Colonial that semester:) Jk I wouldn't have found my husband if you didn't. We discuss that often, how things worked out perfectly! Congrats on graduation, and I hope so much that I will see you at MMH when you deliver!!!

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  29. the VirginsApril 11, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    YAY Congrats Ash!! What an amazing accomplishment. I totally know what you mean on the flip flops, I went to the testing center once with them on (because it was 90 outside)and they made me go home and change before I could take my test! I was so mad haha (although I dont know why I thought I could get away with it)lol

    You cannot even tell you are Prego! You look so cute! Yay for you to be able to stay at home again with your sweet little boy. You deserve it! I cant wait to meet him :)
    We are coming home for Easter, we should all get together!
    Miss you guys!

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  30. MJApril 11, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    You make me cry EVERY time I read a post! I am sooo excited for your new phase of life! Congratulations on graduation~what an accomplishment! I thought of you on Saturday and smiled~way to go! BYU-I is a great place to have all those experiences! I am sooo excited for your sweet little boy to come~you are an amazing mother. Tell Pat congrats too! ;) Love you guys!

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  31. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Just a follower of your bog ... CONGRATS on your graduation. I love this post and how it takes us through the past 5 years of your rich, full life. It's easy to see that through it all - both the joys and heartaches - the Lord, and your guardian angels, have been right by your side blessing you along the way. I'm sure your baby girl was there in spirit on your big day, so proud of her mama. =) You are a good person.

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  32. GlendaApril 11, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Congratulations on this journey the past 5 yrs. Here's hoping that the new chapter in your life is filled with much love, health and happiness. I'm so happy you get to stay home and be a mommy. I was also fortunate enough to stay home the first 4 yrs and I oh so loved every minute of it.

    I'm sure your baby girl Preslee is so proud of her mama!

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  33. Familie MoerkerkenApril 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Dear Ashley, from across the ocean: I'm so proud off you woman!!! You are so strong, soon the day will come that you will be called mommy again. You will be in my prayers, just enjoy those weeks to come. This Summer will be unbelieveable good and healing for you and your love.

    xx Carla

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  34. GenevieveApril 11, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    yay! congrats on graduating!!! and yay for getting to stay home with baby soon. i'm so happy for you ashley :)

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  35. Team AllenApril 11, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    yay!! love this post..I miss BYU-Idaho and this reminds me of that. IT did a lot for us looking back at the first semester at Nauvoo house haha..what wake up calls. Good job ash! ENJOY staying home and being a mom..woohoo that will be awesome!

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  36. The Fun Carter FamilyApril 11, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    A huge congrats! Best of luck with a nice healthy pregnancy & beautiful baby. You are such an example to many...thank you...

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  37. cache and lindseyApril 11, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    ash we are SO proud of you! we love you so much!

    cache and lindsey

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  38. LinsyApril 11, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Congrats Ash!!! So excited for you to be done with all the school stress! I seriously have not missed an ounce of homework since I graduated. It's the best feeling in the world! Love ya!!! oh, and enjoy those flip flops and capris! :)

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  39. BrittanieApril 11, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Congratulations!

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  40. kylieApril 11, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    congrats, ash! i just graduated too - feels good. you've been through a lot and have been such a good example and strength to me as an old friend! way to go. byu idaho has many good memories for me as well. good luck with the baby and your new life!

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  41. JennaApril 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Wahoo!! Congratulations! That is so awesome that you pushed through and finished. So happy for you! Tell Pat hi from us, hopefully we can see you guys soon! Love you both!

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  42. Glenda WebsterApril 11, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Another milestone in your life Congrats in many ways!! Good Luck with the new little one that will make you a happy stay at home mom for a time!!! Read your blog and marvel at your accomplisments both temperal and spiritual You make me a better person to know someone like you Thanks from the bottom of my heart and know that HF loves you and I and will always be there!!! Love a sister (in the gospel) Have a great week and remember to Smile it helps in lots of ways!!!

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  43. Cara and SteveApril 11, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Ashley,
    Congratulations! I have been following your blog for a few months now, and your story (Preslee's story) has really touched me. I guess I was afraid to comment since I didn't know you personally, but after reading this post, I got a little teared up because I think you are such an incredible woman and am amazed by all that you have accomplished. You have really strengthened my own testimony and faith, and I thank you for that. Enjoy this time you have to prepare for this new journey ahead :)

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  44. My 4 GoochesApril 12, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    You are so amazing! Congratulations!! I loved looking at all those adorable pictures. It gave me goosebumps when I read the "p.s". That is so wonderful. You definitely deserve it. Way to go.

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  45. AnonymousApril 12, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Congrats! That is so exciting! I check your blog often and love reading your posts. You are such an amazing example to all of us.

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  46. TracyApril 12, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment! You're story is so touching. I cry everytime I read your posts but I love reading your blog. You're such an inspiration!
    nandtandbandb.blogspot

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  47. tyler, terrah, miles and gavinApril 12, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Congratulations, Ashley! We are excited for you, and we wish you all the best! You are AWESOME!

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  48. gellyApril 12, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Yay for you! That's a great achievement, and post-college life as a mom and wife is pretty darn good. Congrats!

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  49. dexterfamApril 12, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I hope you know how many lives you have touched, and how much we have learned from you about using faith to deal with adversity. We are so happy for you! Great blessings await you!

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  50. JessieApril 12, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS ASHLEY!

    Seeing that first picture in this post brought back a lot of memories! I remember the first time I met you - you and your mom were moving your stuff in to the apartment and I was excited to be one of the "older girls" with a brand-new freshman roommate!

    This is my first comment on your blog, but I want you know that I've been following it closely - you've been in my thoughts and prayers a lot over the past months. I remember the always-happy, bubbly, energetic freshman I knew and know that you are certainly strong enough for even the hardest challenges in life.

    So, congrats on graduating and congrats on your little man on the way (I'm actually due with my first - also a boy- just a few weeks after you)!

    ~Jessie Brannan

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  51. UnknownApril 12, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Congratulations! You are truly a bright light in this world. Your contagious optimism is going to help you and your family through your entire life. I'm so happy for you :)

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  52. TinaApril 12, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Congratulations Ashley!!! For every ending there is a new beginning! How exciting to be done with school!

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  53. KyleneApril 13, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I just stumbled across your blog from a friends blog and had to comment. Thank you for sharing your story of Preslee with the world. What a beautiful little girl. What a beautiful family. Thanks for reminding me this morning about the importance of perspective and the things that REALLY matter most.

    Congrats on your graduation!

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  54. lindseyApril 13, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    umm loved this post! don't know why i'm just seeing it but i am soooo so happy for you and pat and all thats been accomplished! Love you & we'll have to hang out and do projects or something before baby boy arrives!!

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  55. just a girl named ashleyApril 13, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    so proud!

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  56. ConnieBMay 3, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    I love Jessie! I see she commented :p Jessie and I were in the same ward in AZ- It's a small mormon world. (;

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  57. Ashley and EthanMay 16, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    Sidd, I saw you walking in your gown at Graduation and I couldn't help but notice the light that was radiating off of you. You were literally glowing. You had a huge smile on your face and you were walking with your head held high--you were one proud graduate. What an amazing accomplishment for you despite everything that has occurred in your life. I stared at you and watched you as long as I could see you and I couldn't help but smile for you. I was so proud of you too.
    Love, Andy

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