Ensign Peak

Yesterday evening, the girls and I hiked Ensign Peak.  They have been off school all week but I was still in school.  So they've been staying home together and I'm certain they've spent most of each day using electronics of one kind or another.  It was time to get out of the house, get some fresh air and exercise, and spend some time together.  They weren't really sure they wanted to go on a hike, but for the most part, we all enjoyed it.  It's a pretty short hike but the views are amazing!

I enjoyed reading the signs about the history of Ensign Peak.  The girls weren't really interested in the signs.  But maybe I can get them to listen to me tell them about the history.  

Michelle and Ella took a very leisurely pace (which meant that Gabby and I went pretty slowly as well)...and Michelle spent time taking lots of pictures of Ella and of the scenery.  But it kept them happy so I don't mind.  We weren't in  a hurry.

 It's pretty neat to remember that Brigham Young and other leaders of the Church stood about where we were standing and knew that this was a place to build an ensign to the nations.  They began to plan out the city the Saints would build.  They gave thanks for finding this land in the west, which God for us had prepared.  How blessed we are!!

Bittersweet

Today I want to cry, sleep and shoot hooray all at the same time...why, you ask?  Because it is the last day of school.  I love the summertime.  I love the extra time with my kids, the extra time to read, the slower pace, etc.  But it is always bittersweet to send a group of students on to the next grade.  Today that is especially the case.  This class has been an especially good group of kids.  They are respectful and responsible and fun.  It's been FUN to teach them and I am going to miss them.  I'll see most of them next year but it is never quite the same.  They have captured a piece of my heart!

I got so many sweet notes and thank yous today.  Several brought tears to my eyes.  I want to remember a few of the kind things they said as encouragement in the future on hard days/years.  Teaching can be exhausting...but it is also invigorating and so very rewarding.

One parent said, "thank you thank you thank you. You've been one amazing part of my son's life. ❤️ I imagine you become a teacher for certain reasons and one of them is to be "that spark" for a child. I want to let you know, you absolutely have been to a few of these kids this year. We love you so much. Thank you.”

Another parent wrote, "You’ve been such a great teacher to my son. I feel really lucky that we were placed in your classroom~! Thank you for a wonderful year...You were a fantastic teacher to all our 3^rd graders, Ms. Panameno!! Thank you so much for all your efforts. .. if YOU are moving up a grade we’d love to be in your class again!!!"  (This year, I wish I was!)

A student of mine wrote, "It was nice having you as a teacher.  If this was a competition, you'd be in the lead! I hope you never retire like my 1st grade teacher did! Sure the class parties were fun, but you were the best of all!!"

Another parent wrote, "We are so grateful to your dedication and enthusiasm.  Our daughter has learned a great deal from you this year.  You must know how much she admires and respects you.  Thank you!"

Another parent wrote, "Thank you for a wonderful school year!  My son has enjoyed being in your class.  Ensign is blessed to have you!  Your gentle and kind spirit was always so nice to encounter!"

Another parent thanked me for focusing so heavily on reading and for teaching character traits.  She said they often discussed these character traits at dinner.

And one cute girl wrote this:  "Dear Mrs. P, Thank you so much for having me in your class this year.  In fact, if I had the choice to stay in a grade of all the grades I would choose 3rd grade.  I will miss you more than anything.  You are my favorite teacher and will always be.  I will remember this class even when I am in my 80's or 90's.  You've made it so good.  You really are the best woman on earth.  I mean seriously you give us parties, you give us science, you don't get mad when we make mistakes.  You give us educations, hope and love."

How could these messages NOT make your day?  How could they fail to bring tears?

I have the best jobs on the planet (mom and teacher!)

Memorial Day Concert: Air Supply

On Memorial Day, one of Alfredo's clients invited Alfredo & Thomas to the Air Supply Concert at Scera Shell in Orem.  First, Thomas, Liz, Alfredo and I had dinner at Chick Fil A and then we went to the concert. It was really fun. They have been performing for 42 years but they still sang well and I knew most of their songs.  So it was enjoyable.  And the weather was absolutely perfect...such a beautiful day.

Before the actual concert began, the military presented the flag and we sang The Star Spangled Banner and pledged allegiance to the flag.  A soldier told us a little about Memorial Day and then they presented the flags for each branch of the military and honored those in attendance who had served.  That was pretty special. I am so thankful for this land of freedom and the rights that we have as citizens.

Last Day of School

I can't believe that school is over for the girls already (and only 3 more days for me!)  Michelle finished 8th grade, Ella finished 6th grade and Gabby finished 3rd grade.  In the fall, Michelle heads to high school and Ella heads to junior high!  How did that happen?

Don't mind Gabby's crocodile tears...she was cranky...she didn't want to walk to school but Ella did, she didn't like her hair, nothing seemed to be going right.  I suspect it was all a reaction to her complicated emotions about school ending.  She has LOVED third grade and loved Miss Laubacher.  It was a really good year for her.

On the last day, Ella had a 6th grade promotion.  They gave a bunch of awards.  Ella received an award for excellent attendance and an award for outstanding citizenship.  She's had such great teachers and it is evident that they really care about their students.  I was touched by the program and so impressed when Mrs. Leith explained that she'd taken over 1100 photos this year and had created a video of the year.  That's a lot of photos!! And so much work!

Photo credit: Christie Rasmussen

Photo credit:  Christie Rasmussen

Photo credit:  Christie Rasmussen

Miss Wilhelm was Ella's homeroom teacher.  It was her 1st year of teaching and she spoke about how much she loves these students and how your first year of students holds a special place in a teacher's heart.  (Very true.)  Thankful for these 3 women...Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Leith, and Miss Wilhelm (left to right).

I have been blessed to have such good girls!  I am pleased that they are respectful and responsible and work hard in school.