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.