Okay, I've been meaning to do this for the past two months, but honestly, I've been so busy that every time I think about it, I'm in bed and simply too tired to take care of it. HOWEVER, I'm now ready to tell you about these AWESOME kids...
On Friday before school started (August 29th to be exact) the principal of the high school where I teach asked me if I would take over the journalism classes (since the journalism teacher left for another high school). He told me that if I didn't take it over, he would have a brand new English teacher take the job. "Of course!" I said, not really knowing anything about how journalism classes work now.
So far, I've learned two new computer programs -- Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop -- and I'm learning how to send digital newspaper pages online to an FTP address so that our paper can be submitted, printed and delivered in a 24-hour turnaround. I'm also writing a journalism curriculum (scope and sequence) for my Stull evaluation this year, so it's been a sort of "learn as you teach" experience.
Now, this is my totally AWESOME newspaper class! My editors (Brenna, Mike and Courtney) are so adept in this class (and at newspaper publication and everything that goes with it) we finally produced our first incredible issue the beginning of October. ALL these kids are the best writers, editors, photographers and workers I've ever seen in a classroom. They are devoted to the paper, and make my job incredibly easy. I'm quite certain that I wouldn't have survived these first two months without their expert help. Quite honestly, this is undoubtedly my favorite class of all time. They are self-motivated, dedicated, and excellent journalists, and I am very proud to work with them.
Now, the only problem we have is that the district expects this to be a class, not just a club, so we need to publish a newspaper every month -- but the school site has only given me enough money to print three issues. We've been trying to sell all kinds of ads to add to our budget fund and be able to print additional issues, but so far we are still a little short. I've never prayed for money before, but I must admit, I'm doing it now. It's not for me; it's for these unbelievable kids, the paper that they love, and the preparation for the journalism profession they are all looking forward to in college. If you have any ideas on where to get another $3000, I'm willing to listen and work. :)

What?!? South Africa?!?

On August 21st, after weeks of patiently waiting, my "baby," David Clark Nelson, received his mission call. Honestly, most of the family thought he would be going on a domestic mission. After all, the only members of our extended family that served in the United States are David's uncles, Brad and Neal. Because our immediate family members had served in Asia, Europe, and South America, we thought there wasn't any other place left except the U.S.
Then, on Thursday, August 21, 2008, David received his mission call in the mail. He decided to wait until 6pm that evening for Jeff to call from somewhere in the South Pacific (serving on the USNS Mercy -- probably in Papua New Guinea), so we tried to find lots of silly things to do during the day to keep our minds off the huge envelope he stashed in his closet. Right on schedule, Jeff called, so we also called Rachel and Ross in Utah on another phone and had a sort of "conference call" going. David slowly and solemnly opened his call, paused for what seemed forever (I think it was probably only 15-20 seconds), then began to read with a choked voice and a slight tear. "You are called to serve in the Johannesburg South Africa Mission."
We probably all cried at the same time, "What?!?!" I thought he would probably end up serving in the Southern States here in the U.S., but noooo...he's serving in the South -- probably as far south as you can go in this world without hitting Antarctica. I figure he's going to be serving in a mission farther away than even Mikel was in the Philippines -- about 8,000 miles away or more.
A couple of weeks after he received his call, David received his travel plans. He's going to the MTC in Johannesburg, and flying out of San Diego two days before Thanksgiving. He got his passport and medical shots finished, so he'll be ready to make his first international flight. I'm just a little sad that we can't go to the MTC with him, but somehow I'm sure this will be the best experience for him. Instead of relying on General Authorities to inspire him, he will have to rely on the Spirit.
It's now two weeks before David actually leaves; last weekend we went shopping and bought his suits, shoes and shirts. Now all he really needs is socks and ties -- and I'm hoping his brilliant siblings will do some thrift shopping and get him some "cool" and dispensable ties he can not only wear, but share on his mission.
I can't believe it! My BABY is going to South Africa! This means that we have had someone serving a mission on every continent in the world. When Jeff's patriarchal blessing said that his future family would take the Gospel to "every nation, kindred, tongue and people," we thought it was just a euphemism for going on a mission -- but it was the truth! And I know my son will be taking the truth to those who have not heard it yet. I know Heavenly Father will bless him, and I will pray and support him always, especially during the next two years.

The New "Mountain Movers..."

The "Mountain Movers!"

The individuals in my life that seem to have made the greatest impact on me recently have been my students. I've learned to laugh and cry with them, use my "mother" look when they misbehave, and love every essay, every PowerPoint presentation, and every speech/debate they've ever completed in my classroom. They've not only grown incredibly, but they've also taught me to be a better teacher, a better person. My memories are so fond of each one of them, it was particularly hard to say "goodbye" at the end of the school year.

However, I just wanted them to all know that they inspired the title of my new blog. At the end of the year I always read a Dr. Seuss book to my classes, and this year was no different. As I began reading aloud to them, and watching their faces, I knew that these were not only my students, they were my friends, and I believe in their hopes and dreams for the future, and for their success. I've seen them thrive on "changing the world," on finding their own niche and moving forward. I am so grateful that I've had the opportunity to play a small role in their futures by helping them build a strong foundation as successful high school students. Kids, I know YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! Come by and see me sometime! Much love and prayers for success -- Mrs. Nelson

Meet My New Grandson!

Perhaps the most exciting thing that can happen to an "old" person like me (aside from teaching awesome students and having incredible adult children of my own) is becoming a Grandma! Meet my first, brand-new grandson, Chase Nelson Wyatt. He was born on Sunday, June 22, 2008, in Orem, Utah. He weighed a whopping 7 lbs 4 ozs and was approximately 21 inches long. I don't think I've been this excited since my own children were born! AND, being a grandma is probably the most wonderful role I've ever had the opportunity of fulfilling. I get to hold him, change him, and talk to him, but most importantly, rock him forever and ever and ever. We've had such wonderful talks already! (Well, I do most of the talking and he does some listening...when he stays awake...unless he's crying, and then I quickly hand him back to his mom!)

I think a picture of my grandson and I as the first post on my blog is perfect. When I became a parent, I had such hopes and dreams for my own children, but I've recently discovered that when I became a grandparent, I began to KNOW that my grandchild would be able to accomplish anything! Suddenly I can dream of him as an artist, or athlete, or scientist, or teacher, or even a mountain-climber! I envision Chase as the future "mover" and "shaker" and "innovator" of this world, and for some reason I KNOW he will succeed in everything. That's why I have a picture of he and I as my first blog -- because I KNOW he will be able to "move mountains" as he grows older.